Cataract Surgery -The Risks and Benefits of Cataract Removal

You have been diagnosed with cataracts and your doctor tells you the only way to remove them is through cataract surgery. You might be able to avoid an operation and simply live with the poor vision caused by your condition. To make an informed decision you need to know the basic facts about cataracts as well as the benefits and risks associated with cataract surgery and removal.

What Are Cataracts?

A cataract is a clouding on the lens of the eye, almost as if you were looking at the world through wax paper. Cataracts tend to develop slowly and in the early stages there may be no symptoms. But as the years pass and the disease progresses, vision problems become more noticeable. It is as this point that important decisions must be made.

What Are The Symptoms of Cataracts?

Blurry vision is often one of the first signs that a cataract has developed. Poor vision at night is another. Also,cataracts can make colors seem less sharp and sensitivity to light may occur. Some cataract sufferers see halos when they look at bright lights. If you have one or more of these symptoms you should see your ophthalmologist and find out if you have cataracts or if there is some other underlying problem with your eyes.

If your doctor confirms that you have cataracts then he might suggest new eyeglasses or contact lenses. If these do not help then he may recommend surgery. Cataract surgery is unlike other surgeries such as nose surgeries that correct your nose with non-surgical rhinoplasty in Birmingham. Cataract surgery is more complicated and sensitive hence it really requires careful examination.

What Does Cataract Surgery Involve?

The procedure to remove cataracts is to replace the faulty eye lens with an artificial lens,called an intraocular lens or IOL. You will not be able to feel the IOL and an it will not need any special attention.

Cataract removal is normally an outpatient procedure and you should be able to return home the same day. Although you may feel some mild discomfort for the first couple of days after the surgery, you should heal quickly and be able to test your vision very soon.

The Risks of Cataract Surgery

Some months after the surgery there is a 25 percent risk for developing a second cataract, a condition called posterior capsule opacification. This can be treated successfully with another outpatient procedure known as a YAG laser capsulotomy. Other possible complications from cataract surgery are infection, inflammation,and retinal detachment but fortunately these are rare.

The Benefits of Cataract Surgery

After allowing the eye to heal from the operation your overall vision should be greatly improved. Your vision should be much clearer, colors should appear sharper than they did before, and your ability to see at night increased. In 90 percent of cases the patient’s vision is greatly enhanced .These are some the factors to weigh when you are considering having cataract surgery.