Cataract Surgery
A cataract results when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. This blocks light from reaching the retina and can make it hard to see. Cataracts are one of the most common problems affecting vision. In fact, almost everyone who lives to old age will eventually develop a cataract. In the early stages of a cataract, glasses can be used to lessen the impairment to your vision. However, this will not correct the cataract. At a certain point, surgery is necessary to improve vision.
Cataract surgery is a procedure that involves removing the lens from the eye and implanting an artificial intraocular lens.
5 Things You Need to Know
- Cataract surgery is the most common surgical procedure in the United States today. Nearly 3 million cataract procedures are performed annually.
- Over 90 percent of cataract surgeries are successful in restoring an acceptable range of vision.
- Most ophthalmologists can perform a cataract surgery in under 30 minutes.
- Cataracts develop very slowly, so there is no need to rush into surgery if you are beginning to experience a loss of vision due to a cataract.
- Cataract surgery isn’t a new phenomenon. In fact, there are records that show that rudimentary cataract surgeries were performed in India as far back as the 5th century B.C. In the Western world, the first cataract surgeries were performed around A.D. 30.
3 Questions You Need to Ask Your Doctor
- Has my cataract progressed to the point where you would recommend surgery?
- What are the risks associated with cataract surgery?
- How long will it take before my eyes have healed from the surgery?
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