Cataracts are the world’s leading cause of remediable blindness. A cataract is a clouding of the clear lens of the eye. This occurs as scratches accumulate on the lens, which breaks down with age.
Although most cataracts are due to the eye’s natural aging process, other causes include diabetes, radiation, systemic diseases, and eye injury. Despite this, cataract removal is one of the safest and most effective surgical procedures.
With custom cataract surgery, a trained doctor will remove the cloudy lens. While cataract surgery may be pain-free, there are risks and complications to consider.
Risks of Custom Cataract Surgery
Some of the risks associated with custom cataract surgery can be divided into three separate time periods. The most common complication includes posterior capsule rupture, which can lead to retained lens fragments or corneal edema. This also increases the risk of retinal detachment.
Other risks of cataract surgery include elevated intraocular pressure and corneal edema. Additionally, some risks may present later, such as posterior capsule opacification, hazy vision, and shadowing or halos. Despite risks, cataract surgery is a safe treatment when performed by a professional.
Symptoms of Cataracts
Those suffering from cataracts can experience a wide range of symptoms. For instance, signs that an individual may have a cataract include the following:
- Halos around lights
- Glare and reduced vision in bright light
- Need for brighter lights when reading
- Floaters
- Frequent eyeglass prescription changes
- Double vision in one eye
- Poor night vision
- Flashing lights
Individuals who experience any of the above may require surgery to remove the cataracts. Once removed, a cataract cannot return. Thankfully, there are numerous lens options such as:
- New generation intraocular lenses (IOLs) – artificial lens implanted during surgery
- Monofocal lens – lenses that have one point of focus
- Multifocal lens – specially designed lens to replace cataracts and correct reading loss at the same time
- Accommodating lens – lens that works naturally with the eyes’ muscles
- Astigmatism-correcting lens – lenses providing patients with quality distance vision for less dependence on glasses
The only way to remove a cataract is with surgery. Once removed and after surgery, a shield will be placed over your eye to protect it while you heal. Recovery lasts from 15 to 30 minutes.
From there, treatment involves an individual refraining from getting soap or water in the eye. Additionally, the patient must use eye drops and wear a protective eye shield during sleep.
Eye Evaluation for Cataracts
To understand the clinical significance, the National Library of Medicine states that a diagnosis must be established and that other conditions that cause visual impairment must be ruled out. An evaluation is required if cataracts are present.
An evaluation includes the following:
- External examination
- Glare testing
- A comprehensive medical history
- Measuring intraocular pressure (IOP)
- Assessing pupillary function
- Ophthalmoscopy of the retina, optic nerve, and macula
- Examining ocular alignment
- Visual acuity correction
- Slit-lamp examination of the anterior segment, lens, and vitreous humor
In addition to these tests, others may be performed. For instance, optical coherence tomography (OCT) evaluates retinal or anterior segment disorders. If cataract density prevents visualization of the posterior segment, a B-scan ultrasound may be another test to consider.
Receive Cataract Surgery Today
For those who struggle with eye-related health issues, eye doctors can help you find relief with treatments, medications, or surgery. Although cataract surgery involves risks, our professionals at Advanced Eye Medical have a long history of delivering top-notch surgical care.
Contact us today to speak with one of our knowledgeable, trained employees who can answer your questions and provide more information about treating cataracts and surgical procedures.