Is this how you see the world? You may have cataracts. There is no getting around it; anyone who lives long enough will eventually have some degree of cataract. Cataracts aren't always bad news - today's cataract surgery is a quick and painless outpatient procedure that can often reduce or eliminate your need for glasses and leave you seeing better than you have in years. Here’s a quick look at some facts about cataracts and what to expect if surgery is in your future:
CATARACTS EXPLAINED:
- Our eyes have a clear lens inside that bends light to help us see.
- As we age, proteins in the lens begin to clump and the clear lens becomes cloudy
- Diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, trauma and excessive UV light exposure from the sun can cause cataracts to develop at a faster rate
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF CATARACTS:
- Cloudy or blurry vision
- Fading or yellowing of colors
- Trouble seeing at night due to increased glare and halos around lights
- Double vision in one eye
- Difficulty reading without bright light
CATARACT SURGERY QUICK FACTS:
- The minimally invasive and safe surgery usually takes no longer than 15-20 minutes per eye
- Our surgeons operate on one eye at a time and typically wait 2-4 weeks between each eye to ensure proper healing
- Surgery is done in an operating room, but it is an outpatient procedure and patients are allowed to go home the same day
- General anesthesia is not required. Our surgeons use numbing eye drops and very mild IV sedation so you remain comfortable during the procedure
- Ultrasound waves break up the natural cloudy lens which is then gently suctioned out of the eye through a tiny incision
- An intraocular lens implant is placed inside the eye after the cloudy lens is removed
- Premium lenses allow us to eliminate or minimize your dependence on glasses. Your surgeon will help you determine which lens will be best for you
- Recovery is quick and easy. You will be given medicated eye drops to use and you will see your doctor the day after surgery to make sure your eye is healing properly
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above or you are simply due for your annual eye exam, please contact us to set up an appointment with one of our trusted doctors. We are open Monday through Saturday, including some evening hours. We look forward to seeing you!
