What is a cataract?
Cataract removal surgery is a very successful and common procedure. Over 90% of people who have the surgery experience an improvement in their vision.
What are the symptoms of a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens. Cataracts are very common in older adults. By age 80, more than half of Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery.
A cataract can occur in either or both eyes. It usually develops slowly and painlessly. A cataract may cause you to see slightly blurred or fuzzy images. You may have more difficulty seeing at night. For this reason, many consider looking for the best cataract-removal surgery.
The most common symptom of a cataract is cloudy vision. Other symptoms may include:
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Seeing “halos” around lights
- Blurry vision
- Colors that seem faded
- A need for brighter light when reading or doing other close-up work
- A need for new eyeglasses or contact lenses
- Double vision in a single eye
How is a cataract removed?
A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye and can cause blurry vision. Cataracts are very common, especially in older adults. In fact, by age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery.
There are several different types of cataracts, but the most common type is age-related cataracts. Other types of cataracts can be caused by trauma, certain medical conditions, or medications.
Cataracts usually develop slowly and painlessly. In the early stages, cataracts may not cause any symptoms. As they progress, cataracts can cause blurred or hazy vision, trouble seeing at night, and increased sensitivity to light.
Cataract surgery is the only way to remove a cataract. The surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis, which means you can go home the same day.
During cataract surgery, your surgeon will make a small incision in your eye and then remove the cloudy lens. The lens will be replaced with an artificial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL).
What is the recovery process after cataract removal surgery?
Cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed by ophthalmologists. More than 3 million cataract surgeries are performed each year in the United States, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
The surgery involves removing the cloudy lens of the eye and replacing it with a clear artificial lens. Most people who have cataract surgery experience significant improvement in their vision.
The surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis, which means you can go home the same day. The procedure itself takes only a few minutes.
After the surgery, you will be taken to a recovery area where you will be monitored for a short time. You will then be given instructions for at-home care.
Most people can return to their normal activities the day after surgery. However, you will need to avoid strenuous activity and contact sports for at least a week. You should also avoid swimming for at least two weeks the celebrity portal.
You will need to use eye drops for a few weeks after surgery to help prevent infection and promote healing. You will also need to wear sunglasses when outdoors to protect your eyes from the sun.
