Cataracts are a staggeringly common condition in this country. According to the 2011 report from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, over 22 million US citizens over the age of 40 have cataracts; and by the age of 80, over 50% of the population are sufferers.
What are Cataracts?
The term cataract refers to cloudiness that forms over the lens of the eye. It can develop in either one or both eyes, and often becomes worse over time, leading to blurred or cloudy vision.
It tends to be more associated with older people, but occasionally young people can suffer with them too. For those who do have cataracts, the condition can be a frustrating one, as it can interfere with everyday activities, such as reading or driving the car.
When Should You Have Cataract Surgery?
If you don’t feel that your cataracts have a detrimental impact on your life, then you shouldn’t opt to have surgery. If, however, you feel that your cataracts are adversely affecting the quality of your life, then in might be time to speak to a specialist cataract surgeon.
Cataract Surgery: What to Expect
The good news is that cataract surgery is relatively straightforward says Dr. Ahad Mahootchi of The Eye Clinic of Florida. Providing there are no other complications, the procedure is likely to be performed in under an hour, and you should be able to go home on the same day.
Normally, the operation is performed under local anasthetic. A tiny incision is made in the eye, enabling the surgeon to remove the lens. A plastic lens (intraocular implant) is then inserted in its place, which will then perform the function of a normal, healthy lens.
After surgery, you‘ll be able to return home, though it is advisable to have someone to accompany you. You’ll be given some eye drops to use on the eye for a few days after the surgery, and you’re also recommended to avoid touching the eye for up to a fortnight after the procedure.
After Surgery
Success rates are generally high for cataract surgery, as it is considered a relatively minor, low-risk procedure. Initially your vision may be blurred as your eye adjusts to the intraocular implant, but this will settle after a few days.
You should notice some distinct improvements, including:
Clearer vision (colors are likely to appear brighter)
Improved focus
Improved ability to look into lights without experiencing glare.
It’s likely that you may need to wear glasses after cataract surgery, because artificial lenses are unable to focus in the same way as natural ones. However, with glasses, you should be able to return to most normal activities, including driving a car, within a relatively short time.
If you require surgery for both eyes, it’s likely that you'll be asked to wait for a few weeks in between procedures, to allow one eye to recover before operating on the other.
Finding the Right Cataract Surgeon
It makes sense to find the right person for the job. When approaching surgeons, ask for credentials and don’t be afraid to ask for client testimonials.
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