Austin Cataract Surgery: When is it necessary
There are a number of vision issues that people need to be worried about, but none seems more worrisome to many than cataracts. This could be because of the prevalence–everyone knows someone who has had them–or it could just be because it is a more well-known condition than some others. Whatever the case, it is important that people become educated about cataract surgery.
Cataracts are the clouding of the lens of the eye. Although they do not usually cause pain to the afflicted individual, it makes seeing difficult. People with cataracts often compare it to seeing through fog. Naturally this makes reading, driving, and seeing the world around you quite hard. The one thing to keep in mind is that cataracts develop slowly. Therefore, if you think you have symptoms, talk with your eye care professional about what you can do now to help lessen the symptoms and maybe slow the progression.
The symptoms of cataracts are cloudiness in your vision, however slight. It may even only affect a small part of the lens, so it may be a more subtle condition than someone whose entire lens is affected. Other things to look out for are blurred vision, sensitivity to light, fading or yellowing of colors, double vision in just one eye, and trouble seeing at night. While certainly some of these symptoms could also just be a cause of your vision getting worse naturally, in any case, you should see your eye doctor.
Age is the most common risk factor, but other risks include previous eye injury, smoking, excessive sunlight exposure, diabetes, and family history of the condition. Even if you do not have several of these risk factors, you should still see your eye care professional if you have any of the symptoms.
For people with cataracts, the only truly effective cure is surgery. Although cataract surgery was once fairly risky, newer procedures have helped to decrease the risks involved, creating a safer procedure. Surgery is typically recommended when the cataracts begin to interfere with daily activities and hinder your normal way of life. This is, of course, different for each person and you should decide with your doctor when is right for you.
During the surgery, the doctor will remove the lens and replace it with a lens implant that is clear, rather than cloudy like your lens. The procedure will be done one eye at a time in order to make recovery easier. You will be able to continue most activities while the first eye heals, rather than being without vision entirely. The surgery can be done on an outpatient basis in most cases.
The recovery time for cataract surgery has improved drastically in recent years and that should not prevent you from having the procedure performed. Some patients are even cleared to drive after a day or two, so your life will not be tremendously impacted. You owe it to yourself to get your vision back and begin enjoying the world again.
About the Author: Mark Masters has authored may pieces on the eye care & surgery industry and enjoys keeping his readers up to date in this field
