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Thu, Jul 04, 2024
The development of cataracts is a common eye condition that affects more than 20 million Americans ages 40 and over, causing clouding of the lens in the eye, leading to blurry or cloudy vision. As cataracts progress, they can significantly affect your ability to see clearly and perform daily tasks such as reading, driving, and even recognizing faces.
Fortunately, cataract removal is quick and painless and one of the most common surgeries performed in the U.S., with an estimated 3 million people each year undergoing the procedure. Do you know the signs you need cataract surgery? NCSH eye experts clear up your questions and explain what you should know.
You may be suffering from cataracts if you experience:
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to your eye doctor. Several conditions could cause these symptoms, and medical or corrective care may be necessary. But, if your eye doctor diagnoses you as having cataracts, you may wonder what could be causing your cataracts in the first place.
Cataracts develop as the proteins in the lens of your eye begin to clump together and cloud your vision. Age is a common factor in the development of cataracts, but other risk factors include smoking, excessive UV exposure, certain medications (such as steroids), and medical conditions like diabetes that can also cause them to occur in younger people.
If your ophthalmologist recommends surgery, you can relax knowing that it has a high success rate in improving vision. In fact, it’s been helping correct vision since ancient times, performed first by the Egyptians and later by the Romans. With today’s advancements in technology and techniques, cataract surgery is safer and more effective than ever.
What surgery involves: Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens. The procedure is typically done on an outpatient basis and usually takes less than 30 minutes to complete.
Pre-surgery preparation: Before the procedure, your ophthalmologist will provide instructions on how to prepare, which may include stopping certain medications and fasting before surgery.
Anesthesia: During the surgery, you will be given numbing eye drops or a local anesthetic to ensure you are comfortable throughout the procedure.
Lens removal: The surgeon will make a small incision in your eye and use ultrasound technology to break up and remove the cloudy lens.
Lens replacement: Once the cloudy lens is removed, a clear artificial lens will be inserted in its place. This new lens may help improve your vision and reduce your reliance on glasses or contacts.
Recovery: Recovery time is usually quick, with most patients noticing improved vision within a few days. You may experience some mild discomfort or itching. Your ophthalmologist will provide instructions on how to care for your eye and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.
If you have cataract symptoms, it’s important not to delay seeing an ophthalmologist. Talk to an NCSH ophthalmologist right here in your neighborhood about your symptoms, whether surgery is necessary, and when to get cataracts removed if you are diagnosed with them. Two of the revolutionary quick and painless cataract surgeries we offer are:
LenSx® Laser Bladeless Cataract Surgery, where a laser makes an incision in the eye and breaks up the cataract in less than a minute. The laser is more accurate than a scalpel and provides a sharper, more precise visual outcome.
Dropless™ Cataract Surgery, along with highly definitive lenses, improves our patients’ visual outcomes. With “dropless” cataract surgery, patients are relieved of the burden and cost of using post-cataract surgery drops, making a recovery that’s faster and easier on the budget.
Click here to make an appointment today with one of our expert ophthalmologists—and take the first step toward restoring your vision and improving the quality of your life.
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