Cataract surgery, more commonly known as lens implantation surgery, is actually the simple removal of the external lens of your eye which has developed a dry, waxy, or an opaque opacification, and its replacement using an artificial intraocular lens, commonly an IOL. This type of cataract is more common than you may think. In fact, studies indicate that as many as 90% of all cataracts are caused by a family member, such as a parent or grandparent, or some other close relative. These types of cataracts are typically not the sort of thing that you’ll catch from just walking outside the house; most people will have some form of cataract on their eyes at some point in their lives. It is rather easy to realize that if you don’t have it now, chances are good that you will down the road; cataracts are rather sneaky, and once you get them, they tend to be rather difficult to reverse.
If you have experienced some degree of loss of vision, then most likely you would be a candidate for cataract surgery. Generally these days, cataracts surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, but in some cases, the surgery may require an overnight stay in the hospital. There are a few advantages to having cataracts surgery performed on an outpatient basis. For starters, the recovery period is generally much less aggressive, because there is no need to remove a suturing or an overnight stay in the hospital.
The other advantage of cataracts surgery is that there is generally less scarring, since the anoscope is used. Also, since the cataracts surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, there is no risk of infection. Another advantage of cataracts surgery is that the cost is usually quite low, especially when compared to the costs of glasses. Typically, cataracts surgery patients pay as little as half of what they would spend for glasses.
However, even though cataracts surgery is very successful, it is not for everyone. It may be necessary for you to try a variety of different types of lenses before you find a solution that works best for your specific case. Many times, the best solution is a combination of various types of natural lens care, including the use of an eye pillow, the addition of a humidifier, the lowering of your eye pressure with the use of an eye cap, and the addition of daily dry eye drops or ointments.
One thing to keep in mind is that cataracts surgery is not an appropriate procedure for everyone who suffers from vision problems. If you suffer from myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, then you are probably going to need the use of glasses in order to see better. Even if you do not have these conditions, cataracts surgery is still not a good choice. For this reason, you should talk to your doctor about other treatment options. You should not be afraid to discuss alternative vision correction options, including the use of Bifocal Contact Lenses, because they are often more effective than conventional glasses.
A word of warning about cataracts surgery – you should be absolutely sure that you are a good candidate for this procedure. There are many factors that can play into whether or not you will qualify. For example, you must be older than 65 years old, and you must also suffer from any or more than two dry eye episodes each year. You must also have a history of glaucoma, high blood pressure, or retinal detachment. Some forms of cataracts surgery can actually cause additional vision problems, such as progressive myopia. Talk to your doctor if you have these additional conditions.
One of the most popular ways of treating cataracts surgery complications is with the use of an artificial lens. These lenses are custom-made to fit your particular eyes, and they can last for up to ten years or more before you will have to replace them. They are much less expensive than the natural lenses that your eyes are adapted to using, and many people prefer them. There are two types of artificial lenses: soft and rigid gas permeable (RGP) and bifocal disposable. Soft cataracts surgery lenses require no eye exam and will cost you much less money than those that must be custom fitted. They are also not susceptible to the protein build up that can occur in natural lens wearers, which significantly reduces the risks of complications.
The last resort for treating cataracts is to remove the affected lens. This is typically performed by a trained surgeon, who will make an incision inside your eye and pull out the lens. The risk of infection increases with this treatment, however. Removal of cataracts generally cannot restore normal, clear vision. As you age, the possibility of your cataracts becoming serious enough to interfere with your vision naturally decreases. However, it is important to continue to monitor your cataracts for development or worsening, in order to make sure that you can maintain the benefits of cataracts surgery even as your eyes age.