Cataract Surgery: A Safe and Beneficial Procedure

Most people don’t have to worry about cataract surgery until they are in their 70’s. Development of this disorder any younger is exceedingly unusual, except in few rare cases where genetics are usually at fault. Cataracts are a breakdown of the proteins in the eye lenses, which may take a while to become visibly apparent. As the lenses age, a cloudy film begins to develop, eventually affecting vision as well as the appearance of the eye. Eyes suffering from cataracts may look partially or fully clouded, depending on how far the condition has advanced. If left untreated, complete blindness may occur or at the very least, extremely obscured vision. 

Initial detection of the problem can be difficult. Eyesight can degrade naturally over time, so it isn’t unusual to swap for higher prescriptions every few years. However, this is also a sign of potential cataracts. While not painful, if you are having increasing problems with nearsightedness, you may wish to speak with your ophthalmologist. Fortunately, cataract surgery is generally unnecessary until you feel that your vision is too poor. For some patients, the condition may never even develop to a point where a procedure is necessary. It is rare for any other complications to develop due to a cataract being present, so if you do wish to wait before undergoing surgery, the only risk is further temporary vision difficulties. 

The concept behind cataract surgery may seem a bit horrific. Your eye must be cut open in order to remove the defective lenses and replaced with an intraocular transplant. There are three different surgical methods that doctors currently employ which are phacoemulsification, extracapsular extraction, and intracapsular extraction. Phacoemulsification, or phaco, is the most commonly used and considered to have the highest success rate. However, depending on the severity of the cataracts, another method may be chosen by the surgeon. The lens transplant allows patients to see clearly, and in many cases without the aid of glasses. 

There is little discomfort following cataract surgery and complications are not common. Patients can return home on the same day and after a few days to a week should be completely recovered. There is generally no strong pains (over the counter medication should be sufficient to control any irritations) but there can be blurred vision. Some patients will find no side effects and be able to return to normal activities immediately. Swelling, high blood pressure, hemorrhaging, loss of sight, and full loss of the eyeball structure are all potential risks, but with a 95% success rate, it is far safer than most surgeries. 

There are many benefits to treating cataracts other than the obvious improved sight. Most insurance companies will cover the basic implants, but more advanced or upgraded models can be purchased for the difference. Once treated, there is no chance of future development of cataracts due to a lack of a natural lens. There is also the likelihood that you may be free from glasses or contacts forever, or at the very least have a less powerful prescription, so no more thick lenses to detract from your face.