Cataract Surgery – When it's time for the surgery
What is Cataract?
A cataract is the most common eye disease that may be experienced due to age, exposure to excessive ultraviolet radiation, smoking, intraocular inflammation,exposure to ionizing radiation, diabetes, formation of protein structures within the lens, physical injuries or through natural birth and development. Cataract disease is when the lens inside the eye becomes cloudy, blurring the vision of the individual. The disease prevents light from being focused to the retina, which results in distorted vision. Glasses and contacts lenses cannot fix this problem; surgery is required to replace the lenses in the eye to improve your vision. The disease may result to blindness, difficulty in reading, recognizing objects and color differentiation. Consult with a doctor if you are experiencing a decrease in your vision ability, you may need a cataract evaluation surgery.
How Cataract surgery is done
During the cataract surgery the doctor removes the damaged lens in your eye and replaces it with a manmade lens called an intraocular lens or an IOL, the technique used by most doctors is called phacoemulsification. The method is preceded with the incision of a small slit made on the inside of the cornea. Next, a device which sends ultrasound vibrations breaks the lens in the eye, into small pieces and then the pieces are vacuumed out. Other techniques like laser are also used to perform the same surgery. When the cataract is removed from the eye the intraocular lens is placed on the pupil. The lens is usually composed of clear plastic, acrylic or silicone. The material of the IOL is recommended by your doctor. The aim of the surgery is to improve your vision, and help you see clearly. After the surgery you may experaince irritation, this is part of the healing process.
Although the surgery is common and 98% successful, you should still discuss the potential risk factors with your doctor before you commit to the surgery.
How long can you have Cataract before requiring surgery?
It is up to the individual to decide when they want to proceed with the surgery. Depending on your daily vision needs and lifestyle, you can make your choice. If you are experiencing terrible vision, you may want to contact your doctor right away and explore your options on the date. Symptoms of cataract include: blurred vision, blindness, difficulty with color differentiation. The disease can cause difficulty in everyday activities like driving and working. Additionally, as you age cataracts become more common, the surgery is recommended for your safety and a healthier living. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms or problems, contact your optometrist and find out if you have cataract disease.
A cataract is the most common eye disease that may be experienced due to age, exposure to excessive ultraviolet radiation, smoking, intraocular inflammation,exposure to ionizing radiation, diabetes, formation of protein structures within the lens, physical injuries or through natural birth and development. Cataract disease is when the lens inside the eye becomes cloudy, blurring the vision of the individual. The disease prevents light from being focused to the retina, which results in distorted vision. Glasses and contacts lenses cannot fix this problem; surgery is required to replace the lenses in the eye to improve your vision. The disease may result to blindness, difficulty in reading, recognizing objects and color differentiation. Consult with a doctor if you are experiencing a decrease in your vision ability, you may need a cataract evaluation surgery.
How Cataract surgery is done
During the cataract surgery the doctor removes the damaged lens in your eye and replaces it with a manmade lens called an intraocular lens or an IOL, the technique used by most doctors is called phacoemulsification. The method is preceded with the incision of a small slit made on the inside of the cornea. Next, a device which sends ultrasound vibrations breaks the lens in the eye, into small pieces and then the pieces are vacuumed out. Other techniques like laser are also used to perform the same surgery. When the cataract is removed from the eye the intraocular lens is placed on the pupil. The lens is usually composed of clear plastic, acrylic or silicone. The material of the IOL is recommended by your doctor. The aim of the surgery is to improve your vision, and help you see clearly. After the surgery you may experaince irritation, this is part of the healing process.
Although the surgery is common and 98% successful, you should still discuss the potential risk factors with your doctor before you commit to the surgery.
How long can you have Cataract before requiring surgery?
It is up to the individual to decide when they want to proceed with the surgery. Depending on your daily vision needs and lifestyle, you can make your choice. If you are experiencing terrible vision, you may want to contact your doctor right away and explore your options on the date. Symptoms of cataract include: blurred vision, blindness, difficulty with color differentiation. The disease can cause difficulty in everyday activities like driving and working. Additionally, as you age cataracts become more common, the surgery is recommended for your safety and a healthier living. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms or problems, contact your optometrist and find out if you have cataract disease.
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