Eye surgery is a surgical procedure that addresses optical and vision problems caused by congenital factors, injuries, or general eye degeneration. Individuals from diverse age ranges undergo this procedure to correct their vision issues and improve their quality of life. Corrective surgical procedures can be invasive or non-invasive, but both require utmost care from an ophthalmologist. Everyone living in Cuenca, Ecuador, has access to this surgical procedure and can get their vision problems treated with proper post-operative care.
Types of Eye Surgery
Different eye surgical procedures are available for patients with various eye and vision problems. Our experienced surgeons conduct the following procedures for patients:
- Cataract surgery: Cataract surgery addresses cataracts, an eye condition characterized by opaqueness of the lens rather than the usual transparent appearance of a healthy eye. This opaque surface resembles a cloud formation on the eye. Cataracts can result from injuries or degeneration due to aging and cause vision loss. Cataract extraction removes this surface and replaces it with an artificial intraocular lens. Post-surgical care includes rest.
- Glaucoma surgery: Glaucoma surgery deals with glaucoma, a collective term for different eye diseases concentrated on the optic nerve. Glaucoma causes vision loss and physical symptoms due to intraocular pressure. This pressure leads to dilated nerve vessels on the eyes, a hazy cornea, among other symptoms. Various surgical combinations may be applied to target the actual cause of glaucoma. Patients living in Cuenca, Ecuador, will undergo optical examinations to determine the best surgical variation according to their condition.
- LASIK: Laser-Assisted in situ Keratomileusis or LASIK is a well-known corrective surgery falling under the refractive surgery category. Individuals undergoing this procedure suffer from astigmatism, myopia, and other conditions requiring them to wear eyeglasses permanently. This procedure rectifies these problems, freeing patients from wearing eyeglasses.
- Retinoplasty: Retinoplasty repairs retinal detachment and other damages on the retina caused by diseases like diabetes. Apart from undergoing an eye checkup, a patient’s full medical record will be taken into consideration before recommending this procedure.
Conditions Requiring Surgery
Various conditions may require eye surgery, but most patients undergoing these procedures have permanent vision problems due to hereditary eye issues, accidents or traumas, and diseases affecting optical health. Some patients also undergo the procedure for cosmetic purposes as it improves eyes’ appearance and frees them from wearing eyeglasses permanently. Our physicians conduct a thorough assessment on patients to determine if they are candidates for surgical procedures. We recommend the best procedures and related variations to ensure proper vision improvement.
Complications
Complications accompanying these surgical procedures vary depending on the type of surgery and the patient’s risk factors. Generally, these procedures have a low risk of complications and may be limited to minor infections, eye pain after anesthesia wears off, and temporary blurred vision.
Preparations
Similar to other surgical procedures, patients living in Cuenca, Ecuador, will undergo a complete eye examination with our resident ophthalmologists and surgeons to determine their suitability for surgery. A comprehensive medical assessment will also be conducted to ensure proper care. We provide information on pre-operative and post-operative care to ensure safe recuperation. Risk factors and potential complications will also be discussed with the patient.
Long-term vision problems may be a sign that you need eye surgery. Restore your vision by setting an appointment with us right away at 410-8745 or send us an email.
*Originally published on Find Health in Ecuador October 14, 2014
