To decrease the risk of a patient developing an infection and to promote healing, eye doctors routinely prescribe eye drops to use after cataract surgery. Unfortunately, there are problems associated with the drops that can make them a less than perfect option for some patients. If you are facing cataract surgery, you should discuss an alternative to traditional surgery that could eliminate the need for drops.
What Is the Problem With Eye Drops?
Following cataract surgery, a patient could be tasked with taking eye drops on a regular basis for a period of time. Although the drops are useful, they might not be covered by your insurance. Some patients also experience trouble with placing the eye drops in their eyes, which means some of the drops are being spilled down the side of the face. Considering that you might have to pay out-of-pocket for the drops, this could be very wasteful. There is a solution to this problem though.
What Is Dropless Cataract Surgery?
Instead of relying on eye drops to help with post-operation recovery, your eye surgeon can take action during the surgery to help you avoid complications. During the surgery, your surgeon can inject an antibiotic and steroid into your eye. The extended-release drug provides the same benefits as the eye drops without any of the hassle.
The procedure is considered to be safe. One possible complication of traditional cataract surgery is the development of endophthalmitis. Endophthalmitis causes inflammation in the internal parts of the eye and can lead to vision loss. According to one study, the chances of developing endophthalmitis was dramatically reduced using the dropless cataract surgery. Of the more than 14,000 procedures reviewed, none of the patients developed the condition.
Why Should You Have Dropless Cataract Surgery?
There are a number of benefits to the surgery. In addition to avoiding the cost associated with buying the post-op eye drops, you also do not have to worry about the inconvenience of stopping to take drops throughout the day. With the eye drops, total compliance is needed to prevent infection and inflammation. However, with the dropless surgery, your doctor does not have to worry about less than needed compliance.
Your eye surgeon can evaluate your situation and determine if you are a good candidate for the eye cataract surgery and if it will be truly beneficial to you. For more information, contact Midwest Eye Care PC or a similar location.
