A cataract is cloudiness of the eye’s lens that affects vision. It can affect either one eye or both eyes. Aging is the main cause of eye cataract. Other than aging, prolonged exposure to sunlight, smoking, alcohol consumption, and diabetes can also cause eye cataract. An eye cataract can be removed by cataract surgery performed by an ophthalmologist.
Before considering Lasik or cataract surgery, patients should consider the benefits and risks associated with cataract surgery. Consult an ophthalmologist to determine if you require the procedure. If no other treatment relieves the cloudiness of the lens, the ophthalmologist may suggest cataract surgery.
The early stages of eye cataract may show no symptoms. Blurry vision may be among the first symptoms of an eye cataract. Symptoms of eye cataract include cloudy vision, poor vision during night, and double vision. Fading of colors may also be among symptoms of eye cataract. Frequent prescription changes in the contact lens can also be among cataract symptoms.
Many of these symptoms may be common symptoms shared with other eye diseases. So, consulting the ophthalmologist is recommended. Patients should consult an ophthalmologist in case they experience any one or more symptoms. Symptoms of cataract may worsen if the condition is not treated. The ophthalmologist can even detect early symptoms by examining the eye lens.
Cataract surgery is among the common surgeries performed on a large number of people every year. Cataract surgery involves the removal of the eye’s natural lens that has become cloudy and replacing it with an intraocular lens. At the time of removing a cataract, the ophthalmologist tries to maintain the integrity of vision. Before the surgery, patients should inform the ophthalmologist about any medicines or supplements they may be taking. The ophthalmologist may prescribe antibiotics before surgery to reduce the risk of infection.
While performing the surgery, the ophthalmologist uses local anesthesia to prevent pain or discomfort. After the surgery, the patient should follow the instructions given by the ophthalmologist. The ophthalmologist should be informed if a patient wants to undergo early surgery, as ripening of the cataract is no longer required by modern cataract surgery.
Other than cataract surgery, other surgeries like laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (Lasik) surgery treat vision problems. Lasik differs from cataract surgery as Lasik is used to treat farsightedness, nearsightedness, and other vision problems. Lasik involves the use of a laser beam to reshape the cornea while cataract surgery removes cataracts to improve vision.
The benefits of cataract surgery are improved vision and improved vision in dim light, while driving and during nighttime. The ability to see rich colors also improves. Cataract surgery also eliminates the risk of blindness, while removing difficulty in mobility and aiding in a feeling of independence. It's a swift way to recover your eyesight.
There are risks of cataract surgery, however, such as loss of vision, sudden increase in flashes, inflammation and swelling, infection and bleeding, a secondary cataract, and retinal detachment.
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