When you are young, your eye lenses are like clear glasses, letting you see vividly through them. But as you get older, your vision may begin to become foggy, making you feel like you are looking through a misty window. This is a very common symptom of cataracts.
Cataracts happen when your eye lenses become cloudy, making your vision look blurry. As cataracts grow, your eyesight deteriorates, and you can eventually go blind. The good news is that doctors can treat cataracts through surgery.
If your cataracts gradually worsen, cataract surgery may be the only solution to making your vision better.
What Is Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is a fast and painless procedure to remove cloudy eye lenses and replace them with clear artificial ones. During the surgery, the surgeon cuts out the foggy lenses and puts plastic ones in their place.
But before undergoing cataract surgery, your ophthalmologist will first check to see whether you are a good candidate for the procedure.
Is Cataract Surgery Right for You?
Cataract surgery may be appropriate for you if:
You have a blurry or cloudy vision.
Your color vision is poor - Some colors seem faded.
Your eyes are sensitive to light.
You have trouble driving, watching TV, or reading.
Your eye doctor will evaluate your eyes and discuss your general health before qualifying you for the procedure.
Before Surgery
Before the cataract surgery, your ophthalmologist will do a pain-free ultrasound exam to measure the shape and size of your eyes. The test helps determine the type of lenses (intraocular lenses, or IOLs) that will best suit your vision needs.
IOLs are artificial lenses that improve your eyesight by directing light to the back of your eye. Because different IOLs have different features, you and your ophthalmologist will choose the type that will work best for your eyesight and lifestyle.
Types of IOLs:
Monofocal intraocular lenses to fix either farsightedness or nearsightedness.
Multifocal intraocular lenses to correct both farsightedness and nearsightedness using just one lens.
Toric IOLs to treat astigmatism so you can see better.
Discuss the risks and benefits of the various kinds of IOLs with your ophthalmologist to determine the right type for you.
After Surgery
You will not see or feel the lenses in your eyes, but you can expect your eyesight to start getting better with time. Your eyes may feel itchy and a little painful a few days after the procedure. This is normal; you should avoid rubbing, poking, or pushing your eyes whenever they feel itchy.
Also, your eyesight may be blurry as your eyes recover and adjust. It may take you up to three months to recover fully. In the meantime, you will continue to see your eye surgeon regularly to monitor your progress. The IOLs do not require any care, and they become a lifelong part of your eyes.
For more on what to expect before and after cataract surgery, visit Grin Eye Care in Leawood, Olathe, Lawrence, Kansas, or Raymore, Independence, or Kansas City, Missouri. You can also call (913) 829-5511 today to book an appointment.
