Cataract Eye Surgery
Cataract surgery is a procedure used to remove cataracts that form in the eye. Cataract surgery is an important step in preventing vision loss and can often improve your overall quality of life.
What causes cataract
There are many potential causes of cataracts, but the most common is age. As we age, the lens in our eyes begins to lose its ability to form a clear image. This can lead to cataracts, a condition in which the lens becomes cloudy and can’t provide clear vision.
There are a few other things that can cause cataracts, including:
- Exposure to UV rays, including sunlight
- Smoking cigarettes
- Having high levels of cholesterol in your blood
- Having a family history of cataracts
- Having certain types of eye surgery (including LASIK and PRK)
Symptoms of cataract
Cataract surgery is a common procedure that restores vision in people who are unable to see clearly because of a cataract. Cataracts are growths in the lens of your eye that can cause significant vision loss. The most common symptoms of cataracts include difficulty reading and driving, blurry vision, and light sensitivity.
There are many different types of cataracts, but all of them can be corrected with surgery. In most cases, the surgery is done as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia. During the surgery, the doctor removes the cataract using a small tool called a laser. The laser melts the lens and destroys the surrounding tissues. This restores clear vision in most cases.
Most people experience minimal pain following cataract surgery. However, some people may experience minor discomfort during the healing process. All patients are usually able to return to normal activities within one week of surgery.
When to have cataract surgery
There is no definitive answer when it comes to when a person should have cataract surgery. However, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends that everyone over the age of 50 have a cataract evaluation. If you are over the age of 60, you should also have a comprehensive eye exam every two years. If you are over the age of 70, you should have cataract surgery every three years.
If you have been told by your doctor that you have an increased risk of developing cataracts, then it is important to get your eyes checked more regularly. Cataracts can develop at any age, but they are most common in older adults.
There are a few other factors that can increase your risk for developing cataracts: being female; having certain genetic mutations; having high blood pressure, and being a smoker or heavy drinker.
If you are considering cataract surgery, talk with your doctor about your individual risks. Together, you can decide when is the best time to take action.