Are you over the age of forty and beginning to develop issues with your sight? Blurry vision is a very common problem as people age, and it can be due to various things.
The risk for developing macular degeneration and glaucoma is known to increase in later years. Cataracts are one hurdle that every person will face eventually.
A Cataract is a clouding of the lens inside the eye that is a natural part of aging. The clouding of the lens is caused by proteins breaking down and clumping together.
The best way to combat changes to your vision due to cataracts is through cataract surgery. Keep reading to learn 3 things to know about cataract surgery!
1. Your Entire Lens is Replaced
Cataracts cannot be separated from the lens as a cataract is the clouding of the lens itself. Instead, your cataract surgeon uses an artificial lens that replaces your aged and cloudy natural lens.
The surgeon creates a tiny opening in the front surface of your eye, also known as the cornea, using a laser. Stitches are often not needed after the procedure due to the cornea’s rapid healing capabilities and the fact that the opening is so small.
Once the tiny opening is made, the surgeon inserts a probe that emits high-frequency sound waves. The probe is programmed to break apart the lens without damaging the surrounding structures of the eye in a process known as phacoemulsification.
Finally, your cataract surgeon removes the tiny bits of the lens using suction, implants the artificial lens, leaves the little opening on the cornea to reattach on its own.
2. There are Different Options for Artificial Lenses
The replacement lenses, also known as IOLs, used in the surgery, come in various options based on your vision goals and financial preferences.
Monofocal IOLs
The standard option is the monofocal IOL. Monofocal IOLs allow you to see at one distance. Together with your eye doctor, you will be able to choose which distance will best fit your hobbies and lifestyle.
Most people decide to set their monofocal IOL power to see well at a distance. Since the monofocal IOL only corrects for one distance, near or far, you will need to use glasses to assist you in situations that you need to use the other range.
Toric IOLs
The design of the toric IOLs is to help people who have astigmatism. Astigmatism is the abnormal curvature of the eye’s clear front surface, called the cornea.
Your cataract surgeon will inform you if you have any corneal astigmatism at your cataract evaluation. If so, they may suggest that a toric IOL is the best option for you.
Multifocal IOLs
You can also invest in premium lens options like multifocal IOLs. The design of these lenses intends to produce vision similar to what you would have with bifocal or progressive glasses, with correction for multiple distances.
Accommodating IOLs, another premium option, have a similar visual result. Accommodating IOLs work by physically changing their structure to help you see at different distances, as your natural lens does.
The main benefit of choosing a premium IOL is that it will drastically reduce your chances of relying on glasses after the surgery.
3. Cataract Surgery is Low-Risk
Reading about cataract surgery can make some people nervous, but rest assured, it is a standard procedure with a shallow risk of complications.
Recovery from cataract surgery is often an easy process. After the surgery is complete, your cataract surgeon will give you guidelines and instructions to help your eyes properly heal.
Following these instructions will reduce your risk for complications and help produce the best outcome for your vision.
Are you interested in learning more about cataract surgery? Schedule an appointment at Westlake Eye Specialists in Austin, TX, today!
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