Cataract surgery is very common in the US, and when people are diagnosed they often have many questions they need answered. Here are a few of the cataract FAQs.
What are cataracts? Cataracts are cloudy areas that appear on the natural lens of the eye. This occurs when proteins in the lens build-up,resulting in the formation of abnormal patches on the lens. This causes images to appear blurry. The lenses of the eyes are normally very clear, allowing light to pass through to the retina behind them. However, when the lenses become cloudy, this impairs vision clarity. Age related cataracts are the most common, and it affects many men and women over the age of 60years.
What are the symptoms? People with cataracts generally experience blurred vision and double vision, sensitivity to light and difficulty reading. They also see halo around lights, and colors appear faded.
How are cataracts diagnosed? Cataracts are generally diagnosed by way of a medical eye examination. During this examination the doctor will be able to see the abnormal lens.
What are the Treatment Options? Lens replacement is the most common treatment option for cataract surgery. It involves the replacement of the cloudy lens with an intraocular lens implant (IOL). This is the recommended solution for patients over the age of 45.
How is lens replacement surgery performed?After the application of local anesthesia, a small incision is made at the edge of the cornea. An ultrasound instrument is then inserted to break up the center of the cloudy lens. The lens is then extracted, and the IOL inserted.
Are there any risks associated with Lens Replacement surgery?As with all types of surgery, there are minimal risks involved, but these should be discussed with your doctor prior to surgery.
These are a few of the cataract FAQs that patients often ask their ophthalmologist.