What are Cataracts?
Cataracts are an eye condition that causes blurry and clouded vision. It’s most common among those who are older, specifically those who are over the age of sixty. In the United States alone, cataracts affect more than 24.4 million people over the age of forty. The risk gets higher as one gets older. We find that more than half of Americans over seventy-five have the disease. Cataracts are the leading cause of treatable blindness. While cataracts are not preventable, there are effective treatment options. This leads to the question: does LASIK help with cataracts? To understand the answer, we have to look at the causes of cataracts.
Cataracts are caused by a buildup of proteins in the lens of the eye. This buildup causes cloudiness in your eyes that keeps light from passing through clearly. This can lead to vision problems and even complete loss of vision.
There are four different types of cataracts. The most common and well-known is age-related, which occurs as you get older. The second is congenital, which occurs at birth. The causes of cataracts at birth include infection, injury, or poor development during pregnancy. Secondary cataracts are the third type. They are a result of certain medical conditions, being around certain toxic materials, or taking medications. The last type is traumatic cataracts, caused by an injury.
Does LASIK Help With Cataracts?
LASIK surgery is an excellent option for those with common vision problems. It is a long-term option that replaces the use of glasses or contacts. Because cataracts are not a common vision problem, LASIK is not the best option for those with the disease. Surgery specific to those with cataracts is necessary for effective treatment.
Surgery for Cataracts
Before treatment, a consultation with a board-certified eye surgeon is necessary. Once diagnosed, the surgeon can provide you with treatment options. One it is determined that you are a candidate, cataract surgery is an effective option to restore your vision. A candidate for surgery is someone who is suffering from hazy or blurred vision due to clouding in the eye.
Cataract surgery restores your vision as best as possible. The surgery can treat cataracts caused by any one of the four types referred to above. Below you will find some of the most common causes cataracts surgery can be a viable treatment option for.
- Exposure to UV radiation
- Hereditary
- Eye disease
- Medical conditions, like diabetes
- Certain medications
- Eye trauma
Cataract surgery works to treat the clouding in your eyes. The clouding inhibits light from passing through the eye normally, which is why your vision can be obstructed. During the procedure, the clouded portion of your natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens.
A monofocal lens is the standard replacement, but patients have the option to choose a multifocal lens. A monofocal lens corrects only one distance (shortsightedness or farsightedness). However, the multifocal lens corrects both, so you no longer have to rely on glasses heavily.
Eye Surgery in Orange County
Dr. Ghosheh at Advanced Eye Medical is the top eye surgeon in Orange County. He is a board-certified ophthalmologist and refractive surgery specialist. He has performed more than 40,000 laser vision correction procedures, making him one of the top eye doctors in the field. Dr. Ghosheh’s clients have raved about his work and their experiences with him. His network is vast due to his experience in the field.
If you think you may have cataracts or you want to set up a consultation, contact Advanced Eye Medical. Dr. Ghosheh and his team of experts have been serving the Orange County area for decades. He focuses on providing patients with the most cutting-edge eye care to meet their unique needs. Contact his office today for an appointment!