Have you been experiencing blurred vision lately? Do simple tasks like reading a book, watching TV, or driving seem like a difficult task for you? What you are experiencing may be due to a cataract. It is one of the most common medical conditions and the leading cause of blindness.
In this article, we will explore everything about cataracts and how Modesto cataract surgery can help regain your vision.
What is a cataract?
A cataract is a dense, cloudy area that forms in the normally clear lens of the eye. This leads to decreased vision, which often develops slowly affecting one or both eyes. A cataract begins when the proteins in the eye clump around the lens and prevent the lens from sending clear images to the retina.
What causes cataracts?
Cataracts are commonly due to aging, overproduction of oxidants, trauma, radiation exposure, UV (ultraviolet) radiations, long-term use of steroids and other medications, certain medical conditions like diabetes (increased blood sugar levels), may be present from birth, or occur after an eye surgery for other problems.
What are the symptoms of cataracts?
Symptoms of cataracts include:
- Blurred, foggy, or cloudy vision
- Faded colors
- Double vision in the affected eye
- Halos surrounding lights
- Problems driving at night, reading, and recognizing faces
- May result in visual impairment
What are the types of cataract surgery?
There are 3 types of cataract surgeries:
Phacoemulsification: A procedure that uses an ultrasound device/probe to break up the cloudy lens for removal.
Extracapsular surgery: This is a less frequently used method that removes the lens in one piece through a larger incision (cut).
Laser-assisted surgery: This method uses a laser device to allow the surgeon to make an opening in the capsule through lasers to soften the cataract.
How is cataract surgery performed?
Cataract surgery is usually an outpatient procedure that takes an hour or less to perform. Read on to know the various steps involved:
Pre-procedure
- Your eye surgeon will record your detailed medical history to check for the presence of any medical conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and blood disorders.
- A painless ultrasound of your affected eye will be conducted to check the shape and size of your eye.
- This helps to determine what type of surgery and lens would suit you best.
- You may be prescribed prophylactic (to prevent the spread of disease or infection) eye drops 1 week before your surgery.
- You may be asked to fast for 6 hours before the surgery.
- You would be advised to avoid drinking alcohol at least 24 hours before the surgery.
Procedure
- First, your eye surgeon would put eyedrops in your eye to dilate the pupil.
- A local anesthesia will be given to numb the area, and a sedative to help you relax.
- The clouded lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens implant selected by your eye surgeon according to your eye morphology and the severity of the cataract.
- The surgical method applied would either be phacoemulsification or laser-assisted surgery.
- The clouded lens is broken into fragments, suctioned out and a new artificial lens is implanted.
- Currently, the laser-assisted cataract surgery method is widely used since it does not require any incisions.
Post-Procedure
- Immediately after surgery, you may experience pain, soreness, and discomfort.
- You will have blurred vision which will gradually reduce.
- Your surgeon will recommend an eye patch for 3 to 4 days post-surgery.
- An eye shield will be given to protect your operated eye. This should be used at night while sleeping.
- Your surgeon would recommend eye drops to help reduce the pain, and inflammation, control the eye pressure, and prevent infection.
- Complete healing would take around 8 weeks.
Cataracts are not considered a medical emergency since they progress slowly, and gradually. However, if left untreated it can lead to complete blindness. Hence it is important to undergo the surgery as early as possible.
