Cataract surgery might be necessary when your cataracts have developed to the point where your vision is compromised. If you are having trouble seeing or can’t make out objects in the distance, you may be dealing with growing cataracts on your lenses. Over time, you may lose your vision entirely or be subjected to other uncomfortable problems with your eyes.
Are You a Candidate for Cataract Surgery?
Are you a candidate for cataract surgery in OC? Find out by reading our short guide below. Learn more about the way cataracts form, how to identify signs and symptoms of cataracts, and whether or not you are a good candidate for this type of procedure.
About Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery uses a combination of advanced techniques to remove cataract buildup from the lens of your eyes. This is typically done using a very small laser, typically without blades. This makes cataract surgery a minimally-invasive procedure that many people recover from quite quickly.
After the doctor makes an incision using the laser, they will remove the cataract by hand, replacing the area with a new intraocular lens. The greatest part about this procedure is that there are no scalpels or anesthesia involved.
Symptoms of Cataract Problems
If you’re not sure whether or not you have been affected by cataracts, you can run through a list of common signs and symptoms to see if any of your experiences match up.
Cataracts can start as very small spots on the lens and may be hard to notice at first. It can become a serious issue if you develop symptoms of:
- Seeing double
- Seeing halos around lights
- Constant change in vision
- The consistent need for a different eyewear prescription
- Trouble seeing late at night
- Blurred or sensitive vision
Even if you are just displaying one of the symptoms, you should make an appointment with your eye doctor right away. Unfortunately, cataracts can worsen over time, eventually clouding your vision so much that you can no longer see out of one or both of your eyes.
Ways to Prevent Cataracts
There may be a way to avoid cataract surgery if your symptoms are not too severe, or if you do not have any symptoms at all. As an example, make sure to always protect your eyes against the sun when you go outside. Wear sunglasses or at least a hat that can block sunlight from directly hitting your face.
Similarly, focusing on your overall health can improve your vision quite a bit. From better dietary choices to toning down your smoking habits, there are plenty of good choices you can make now to prevent cataracts from developing in the future.
Are You a Good Candidate for Cataracts?
During an appointment with your eye doctor, certain tests will be performed to determine the status of your cataracts. Typically, patients over the age of 60 should visit their doctor at least once per year to test for cataracts. If cataracts are confirmed, you may be asked to move forward with surgery.
Not every case of cataracts warrants immediate surgical intervention. Other medications and physical treatments can prevent your cataracts from growing for quite some time. You may be asked to wear corrective lenses for a while before the doctor decides whether or not you need surgery. Additionally, your doctor will prescribe some home care instructions. You can use these methods during the recovery period to help your eyes heal faster.
Find Out About Cataracts Today
Reach out to our expert eye surgeon in Orange County today to learn more about the benefits of advanced cataract surgery. If you aren’t sure about the status of your cataracts make an eye exam as soon as you can. Cataracts may not warrant surgery right away, but it is important to get started with a custom treatment ASAP.