In most cases the cost of treatment of cataracts is covered by Medicare, HMOs, and other health insurance plans. But, check insurance coverage to determine at what level of impairment it will or will not cover before cataract surgery.
Risks of Cataract Surgery
As with any surgery, cataract surgery poses risks, such as infection and bleeding. Before cataract surgery, the doctor may ask your parent to temporarily stop taking certain medications that increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. After surgery, keep the eye clean, wash your hands before touching the eye, and use the prescribed medications to help minimize the risk of infection. Serious infection can result in loss of vision.
Cataract surgery slightly increases risk of retinal detachment. Other eye disorders, such as high myopia (nearsightedness), can further increase the risk of retinal detachment after cataract surgery.
One sign of a retinal detachment is a sudden increase in flashes or floaters. Floaters are little "cobwebs" or specks that seem to float about in the field of vision. If your elderly parent notices a sudden increase in floaters or flashes, see an eye care professional immediately. A retinal detachment is a medical emergency. If necessary, go to an emergency service or hospital. The eye must be examined by an eye surgeon as soon as possible.
A retinal detachment causes no pain. Early treatment for retinal detachment often can prevent permanent loss of vision. The sooner you get treatment, the more likely you will regain good vision. Even if you are treated promptly, some vision may be lost.
Effectiveness of Cataract Surgery
Cataract removal is one of the most common operations performed in the United States. It also is one of the safest and most effective types of surgery. In about 90 percent of cases, people who have cataract surgery have better vision afterward.
What Happens Before Cataract Surgery
A week or two before surgery, the doctor will do some tests. These tests may include measuring the curve of the cornea and the size and shape of the eye. This information helps the doctor choose the right type of IOL.
Your elderly parent may be asked not to eat or drink anything 12 hours before surgery. Many times, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops are prescribed to be administered into the patient's eye two to four times a day, and in many cases, the person may need help with getting the drops properly into the eye.