Cataracts can cause your vision to become blurry, making it difficult to make out what you’re reading or seeing things from afar. Cataracts are not only dangerous, but can severely affect your quality of life. The transition from having good eyesight, even with the help of glasses and contact lenses, to blurry or cloudy vision can be alarming. Fortunately, treating cataracts is now quick and easy, the only question is whether you are a good candidate for cataract surgery.
Cataract Symptoms
Cataracts is a serious condition that produces the following symptoms:
- Blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Seeing double or halos
- Frequent change in eyeglass prescription
All the symptoms listed can be dangerous. With cataract surgery, you can regain normal vision and enjoy greater independence and confidence in your ability to see things.
Cataract Surgery
Cataracts are caused by a clumping up of proteins in the eye that prevents light from passing through. During cataract surgery, the eye doctor will manually remove the protein buildup using bladeless lasers. Cataract surgery uses laser technology through a computer to make individualized specifications for greater accuracy. This procedure removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with an intraocular lens.
Without the use of scalpels, laser-assisted cataract surgery is touted as a marvel of medical technology. The entire procedure is completed in less than 15 minutes. Once a cataract is removed, there is no chance of it returning.
What Makes a Good Candidate?
The best candidates for cataract surgery are those who desire better vision and are not willing to settle for blurry vision for the rest of their lives. Moreover, a good candidate for cataract surgery is also in reasonably good health and has no medical condition that could prevent proper wound healing. Diabetics with poorly managed health and advanced retinopathy as well as patients with glaucoma are not good candidates for the procedure. Sometimes, eye doctors who diagnose cataracts will not immediately recommend surgery and wait until cataracts mature, but if cataracts impact daily life, surgery is often recommended.
Aging may come with vision changes, but it doesn’t have to be the case. With your vision being so important, see an eye doctor for any changes to your vision. There are now highly advanced treatments for all manner of vision problems. To find out if you are a good candidate for cataract surgery, make an appointment with an ophthalmologist.
Board-Certified Ophthalmologists & Optometrist in Washington and MO
Our ophthalmologists and optometrists at Advanced Sight Center provide comprehensive and superior quality eye care to patients with vision problems. For patients with cataracts who are good candidates for computer-assisted laser surgery, we guarantee the best visual outcomes. Come in for a consultation and evaluation, so we can determine the best treatment option for your eye condition. To make an appointment, call our Washington clinic at (636) 239-1650 or use our convenient online request form.
