Cataract is one of the common condition of the eye that occurs in a large percentage of people once they cross the 40 age mark. Technology has improved and undergoing a cataract surgery is very common these days.
Are you diagnosed with cataract? Are you confused about cataract surgery? Here are five basic facts you should know about the cataract surgery.
What is cataract?
Cataract can be defined as the clouding of the lens in the eyes as part of the aging process. It can cause loss of vision. It cannot be corrected using correcting glasses or contact lenses at later stages. The symptoms of cataract include poor vision, blurry vision, double vision or no vision in dim light, increased sensitivity to light etc. You may need brighter light to read or do other activities. Also you will have frequent changes in the power of your contact lens prescription.
What is cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is the one of the common surgeries performed in the US. During the surgery, the cataract lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens. It will be performed under local anesthesia or topical anesthetic. It is an outpatient process, and you can leave the hospital after a while once the surgery is over, provided there are no other complications. In traditional ways, the clouded lens is removed using ultrasound energy. Now, most of the cataract surgeries are performed using laser technology.
What are the complications?
Cataract surgery is considered to be one of the safest procedures. However, no surgical procedure is completely out of danger. Complications related to cataract surgery include inflammation, swelling, drooping of eyelids, dislocation of the artificial lens that is replaced, retinal detachment, infection, etc. If you are suffering from any other serious medical conditions, you are at a higher risk of getting into complications.
What are advantages of cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery makes the best possible option when a cataract affects your day-to-day activities. Surgical removal or replacement is the only remedy to get rid of cataract. It is a simple and painless procedure. You will get back high quality vision. Although there are complications, it is very rare. You will have fast recovery after the surgery is performed. With this simple surgery, you will get clearer vision.
What are the disadvantages of cataract surgery?
There are no major disadvantages related to cataract surgery. Also, it has a high success rate across the US, and the complications are minimal.The higher expense associated with the surgery can be worrisome for people sometimes.
However, it is not necessary that you should undergo cataract surgery if you are diagnosed with cloudy lens. If it is in the primary stages, you can get it corrected by using prescription glasses. Opt to have the surgery done only when you have serious vision problems that affects your daily chores.