For many people over the age of 60, the reality sets in that cataracts will or already affect them, and that cataract surgery will be a necessary treatment plan for them. Cataracts is a condition in the eyes that causes blurry vision and can be very uncomfortable. Luckily, cataracts can be treated with cataract surgery, and many people suffering from cataracts can pursue and receive cataract surgery in Los Angeles.
Why do people develop cataracts?
Over time, proteins in the eye build up behind the lens, which causes the eye to experience blurry vision as it prevents light from passing through. Cataracts are serious because if they are left untreated, then they can cause loss of vision.
Here are a few things that can cause someone to develop cataracts:
- Age: The most common cause since over time proteins build up and cause problems for seniors.
- Congenital: Babies can be born with cataracts due to poor development of infection during its growth in the womb.
- Secondary Causes: Someone who has diabetes or another medical condition can experience changes in their eyes. Secondary cataracts are very common and are caused by overexposure to UV lighting, radiation in certain medications, and some toxic substances.
- Trauma: An injury to the eye can result in the development of cataracts.
The Diagnosis Process:
If you feel like you may suffer from cataracts or are developing cataracts, here are some indications and symptoms to look for and take to your doctor to talk about concerns.
- Blurry or foggy vision.
- Seeing a glare during the day.
- Differences in how you’re seeing color.
- Developed nearsightedness
- Contacts and glasses aren’t helping your vision.
- Glare when driving at night.
- Double vision.
Make sure that you bring these concerns up with your doctor because they can perform tests to establish whether or not cataracts are causing your eye problems.
Treatment:
Normally, eye doctors will pursue as many options to correct your eyesight that are less invasive before deciding to undergo corrective eye surgery. Following your eye examinations, if you are diagnosed with cataracts, your eye doctor will determine the best course of action.
If glasses, contacts, or medication can’t treat your eye problems, your doctor will likely pursue cataract surgery. It may be necessary to get cataract surgery even if your contacts are bothering you or affecting your eyesight. You have to be cautious because cataracts can escalate quickly, which will only create more problems.
What is cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is an outpatient surgery that typically lasts about an hour. The outpatient aspect of the procedure will allow the patient to return straight home after the procedure without having to stay overnight at the hospital or clinic. The patient remains awake throughout the surgery, but the doctor will numb the eye to ensure no pain is felt. Medication can also be given for patients to relax.
What are the benefits of cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery has a success rate of over 95% and has allowed many people to regain their eyesight and no longer suffer from the pain caused by cataracts. Keep in mind that some things might appear irritating following the procedure, but it’s normal and should be healed in a few days following the procedure.
What are the risks?
Like all medical procedures, there are always some risks that can be associated with surgery to remove cataracts. Thankfully, the complications that can come from a corrective eye procedure like this are extremely rare.
Some of the risks include:
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Secondary cataract
- Infection
Is it worth it?
The only people that can determine whether cataract surgery is the best option to pursue is your doctor and yourself. In most cases, this surgery is the best option since the benefits of the procedure easily outweigh the risks. If you are currently suffering from cataracts, cataract surgery from Excel Laser Vision Institute in Los Angeles could be the best way for you to return your eyesight to normal.