There is a high occurrence of cataracts in the US, and because of this, ophthalmologists perform cataract surgery consistently during the course of each year. In northern Virginia the trend is the same. In an effort to improve prevention, eye specialists recommend patients have regular eye exams, because cataracts can cause blindness if untreated.
About cataracts
A cataract is the cloudiness of the lens of the eye. A normal lens is clear and easily allows light to pass through to the retina that is behind the lens. However, if the lens is cloudy, then the image will appear blurry. The incidences of cataracts generally increase with age, and are very common in people over the age of 60.
Symptoms
Blurred vision and sensitivity to light are two of the most common symptoms of cataracts. But there are other symptoms such as double vision, seeing halos around light, and difficulty reading. In the early stages of the disease, new eyeglasses may offer some level of relief for people with cataracts, but as the condition progresses, surgery will be required. If the disease is not treated then it can result in vision loss, so it is important to catch it early.
Cataract Surgery
Intra ocular lens implant or IOL is cataract surgery that involves the replacement of the cloudy lens of the eye. It is regularly performed in northern Virginia as an outpatient procedure, using general anesthesia. During surgery the surgeon will make a small incision in the eye. After this, a probe is inserted to break up the faulty lens. The lens is then removed and replaced with the IOL.
New techniques in cataract surgery are available in northern Virginia. These techniques are more precise, and therefore help to reduce the size of the incisions. These advances make the procedure safer, and reduce operating time.