It’s helpful to learn about cataracts and cataract surgery if you’ve been diagnosed with this condition. You may have questions or not know where to begin getting prepared for treatment. The following questions are some of the most commonly asked and can provide information to help with treatment and recovery:
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What Is a Cataract?
A cataract makes the lens of the eye cloudy, causing blurry vision. The lens lies directly behind the pupil where it focuses light on the retina to create sharp images. The cataract forms when proteins break down and clump together. When the cataract first develops, you may not notice any changes in vision. As the condition progresses, it becomes harder to read, drive at night, and see details on a person’s face. You may become more sensitive to bright lights, notice colors fading, or have double vision with cataracts.
Do Cataracts Only Affect Older People?
Cataracts develop slowly over time as the lens breaks down. They usually start to affect people over the age of 40. Injury to the eye can also lead to cataracts, which can cause them to develop at any age. Some medical conditions can lead to the condition as proteins and fibers break down in the eye lens. Congenital cataracts are a type of cataract that you’re born with. They may be passed down genetically by one parent.
Is Surgery Always Necessary with Cataracts?
Surgery isn’t always necessary if you’ve been diagnosed with cataracts. At first, you won’t need cataract surgery because the cloudiness may be over part of the lens. You won’t notice any symptoms or issues with seeing. As the cataract worsens, you may need a stronger prescription for glasses to help you see clearly. Some cataracts never progress beyond a certain point. You only need surgery if you can’t see clearly enough to read or perform other activities.
Is Cataract Surgery Safe?
All surgeries carry some risk, but cataract surgery has been performed for many years. Most surgeons have performed this procedure numerous times, making it a relatively safe surgery. If you’re concerned about the safety of the surgery, you can talk to your doctor. They will discuss the procedure and make sure you’re a good candidate for surgery. The doctor will review your medical history to determine if there are any additional risk factors that impact your recovery.
How Is the Cataract Removed?
The surgeon makes an incision on the front of the eye. They cut a hole in the membrane in order for the surgeon to remove the cloudy lens. Once the lens has been removed, the surgeon will insert an artificial lens, known as an intraocular lens, where the old lens was removed. Today’s surgeons often use a laser instead of a scalpel, which reduces the healing time. No stitches are needed for cataract surgery.
Can I Have Both Eyes Done at Once?
It’s common to develop cataracts in both eyes, but they are not always addressed at the same time. If your doctor has diagnosed cataracts in both eyes, they will schedule surgery for the eye with the most advanced symptoms, if necessary. Once you have recovered from the first surgery, they will schedule you for the other eye. Cataracts can progress faster in one eye over the other or be limited to just one eye.
What Are the Side Effects of Cataract Surgery?
Though cataract surgery is relatively safe, it does carry some risks. The biggest risk is infection. To prevent this issue, follow the doctor’s recommendations to care for your eye after surgery. The procedure carries a risk of retinal detachment, which means the retina has been pulled out of place. You can expect to experience soreness after the procedure, which is normal. To reduce any risks, choose an experienced eye surgeon and follow the doctor’s guidelines before and after surgery.
Choose a Qualified Surgeon for Cataract Surgery
To reduce the risks associated with cataracts and to get the best results from the surgery, choose an experienced surgeon. You can schedule a consultation with an eye doctor if you think you have cataracts. They will determine how much it has progressed and whether you need surgery. If you suffer from cloudy vision and have trouble seeing clearly, contact an eye surgeon today to determine the right treatment
