CATARACTS
WHAT ARE CATARACTS?
A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens of the eye. This happens as a result of age, exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun, and due to any genetic predisposition to cataracts. Cataracts can occur at any age – even at birth, but most everyone has some degree of cataract formation by the 7th decade of life. Even though most people develop cataracts, surgery is only necessary when poor vision makes it difficult to do the activities that we need and want to do and if vision cannot be improved with a new glasses prescription.
CATARACT SYMPTOMS
- BLURRY OR CLOUDY VISION
- COLORS ARE FADED OR DULL
- GLARE FROM THE SUN OR HEADLIGHTS
- POOR NIGHT VISION
- DOUBLE OR MULTIPLE VISION IN ONE OR BOTH EYES
- FREQUENT CHANGES IN GLASSES PRESCRIPTION
OTHER FACTORS CAUSING CATARACTS
- DIABETES
- HYPERTENSION
- SMOKING
- EYE INJURIES
- ALCOHOL ABUSE
- RARE METABOLIC DISEASES
The good news is that cataract surgery is highly successful. The cloudy lens is removed by a procedure called phacoemulsification, and an intraocular lens (IOL) is placed inside the eye. Modern IOLs can provide clear vision and reduce or eliminate the need for glasses.
If you think you may have cataracts, please call Colorado Ophthalmology Associates and schedule an appointment for an eye exam
To learn more about cataract surgery, contact us today to schedule a Consultation.
FAQ
WHEN IS CATARACT SURGERY NECESSARY?
It is not necessary to have cataract surgery the minute you are diagnosed with cataracts. Surgery becomes necessary when vision loss starts interfering with your everyday activities. Your doctor can help you determine the right time for surgery.
WHAT IS CATARACT SURGERY RECOVERY LIKE?
Immediately after surgery you will be given a protective eye cover to wear for the remainder of the day. Don’t plan on attending any events after surgery; you should rest at home on surgery day. Most patients are able to return to normal activities the day after surgery. Of course, every patient is different and will heal at different rates. Vision continues to improve for several weeks after the procedure.
ARE THERE ANY ALTERNATIVES TO CATARACT SURGERY?
Surgery is currently the only treatment for cataracts. Medicines, eye drops or other drugs will not treat cataracts.
IS CATARACT SURGERY SAFE?
Cataract surgery is one of the most common operations performed in the United States, and approximately 95% of patients have improved vision after surgery. While it’s heralded as one of the safest types of surgery, there are risks, including infection, dry eye, bleeding, inflammation, glaucoma and retinal detachment . Your doctor should review all of the risks with you before you undergo the procedure.
DOES CATARACT SURGERY HURT?
Most patients do not experience any pain during cataract surgery. Patients typically only feel mild discomfort afterward.
WILL I STILL HAVE TO WEAR GLASSES AFTER CATARACT SURGERY?
If you did not have to wear glasses to correct your vision prior to getting cataracts, chances are you will not need glasses after surgery. However, if you did wear corrective lenses for astigmatism or difficulty reading up-close (presbyopia), there are Multifocal Intraocular Lenses (IOLs) that can correct for these conditions. This means that you might not need glasses after surgery.
WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE COLORADO OPHTHALMOLOGY ASSOCIATES?
Colorado Ophthalmology Associates specializes in state-of-the-art cataract surgery utilizing the latest in Multifocal IOLs available today. Our doctors were among the first to bring IOLs for cataract surgery to Colorado. Our practice was founded in 1960, so we have decades of experience to back up our procedures.
