Cataracts are a condition of the eyes which is commonly seen in those over the age of sixty years old. Although, age is a definite factor other factors can bring on the condition as well such as having a health condition such as diabetes, a birth defect or injury to the eye. Sometimes a person can have a cataract without having any noticeable symptoms although the condition has several symptoms that can be a warning that something is wrong.
Symptoms of Cataracts
There are symptoms that will accompany a cataract in the eye. Although, not everyone will experience all these symptoms having at least one is a reason to see an ophthalmologist for assessment.
- Double Vision
- Cloudy, Blurry and Foggy Vision
- Noticing a Difference in Vision Quality
- Change is vision quality at night
- Sensitivity to Direct Sunlight
- Difference in How Colors are Perceived
When Cataract Surgery is Necessary
There are times when having cataract surgery to correct the condition isn’t necessary. Sometimes if the condition is in its earlier stages that eye doctors can prescribe eye drops or certain eyeglasses to wear to correct the problem. However, if the problem persists or is in an advanced stage Cataract surgery will be the best course of action. As for the surgery itself, it is done on an outpatient basis. Basically the existing lense on your eye that is clouded by the cataracts is removed and replaced by a new lense. Keep in mind though, that cataract surgery is done one eye at a time. If a patient has a cataract issue and only one eye then there will be no need for more surgery. However, if the condition is present in both eyes then it will be necessary for them to have a second cataract surgery months later.
Post Cataract Surgery Orders
As with any surgery, there will be certain things that patients will be required to do after cataract surgery. One of these most important will be to use the eye drops that will be prescribed to them as drawn out in their post-op orders. These tell the patient which eyedrop is to be taken at a certain time of day and how often per day. Another important thing that will be to do is follow up with their eye doctor to ensure that the eys is healing well.
Cataract Surgery Moving Forward
Cataract surgery is a simple, relatively painless procedure, but unfortunately, it can also be inconvenient. Mainly due to the fact that having it done can be time-consuming between having the procedure, going through post-op and in the case of the condition affecting the other eye will require another surgery down the line. However, as we move into the future with technology bringing about advancements in laser procedures being used on the eyes. There is already talk of one day a person requiring cataract surgery being able to have both eyes done at the same time. There is even research into the possibility that dilating the eyes may not be necessary to do the procedure in the future. Something that no doubt would please many patients since pupil dilation can blur someone’s vision for almost half a day. When we stop to consider that cataract surgery was developed over a hundred years ago and not very many modifications have been made to the procedure since then maybe it is time to move forward. Yes, if it’s not broke don’t fix it and cataract surgery as it stands has a high proven success record. But medical science is evolving as is technology, so why not cataract surgery as well. In another decade or so who knows what modifications could be made to this proven procedure that will make it even better.