Cataracts can significantly impair your quality of life. From blurry or reduced vision to blindness, cataracts have the potential to be a major issue over time. In the United States, over 24 million people aged 40+ years are impacted by cataracts. In their advanced stages, cataracts can be particularly difficult to live with if you haven’t had corrective surgery.
Research has found that people who get corrective surgery for their cataracts are happier and more productive after the surgery. Of the over 1300 United States adults who took the survey, 75% said that they gained a greater appreciation for and satisfaction with their lives. 50% said they didn’t realize how much of an impact cataracts had on their lives, and that they’d recommend the surgery to others with cataracts because their lives improved so dramatically.
If you or a loved one have cataracts, read on to learn about some of the surgical options you have for treatment to ensure the future continues to look bright!
Cataracts Symptoms:
A cataract refers to the clouding of the eye’s natural lens; becoming thickened, less transparent, and more rigid. Cataracts worsen over time and can cause blindness if no curative measures are taken. It is most common in people over the age of 60. Symptoms include:
- Blurry vision
- Faded or washed out colors
- Limited night or low light vision
- Glare and halos
- Light sensitivity
- Double vision
- Decreased reading vision
Those with minor symptoms may be able to temporarily delay surgery by optimizing their glasses or contacts. But those with severe symptoms should consider pursuing surgical solutions.
Cataract Surgery:
A popular option available for correcting cataracts is refractive cataract surgery. This procedure is similar to traditional cataract surgery, but the key difference is that refractive cataract surgery uses advanced laser and lens technology to both get rid of cataracts and also remove your prescription and dependence on glasses or contacts. The surgery can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
The natural cataract lens is removed from the eye and replaced with an intraocular lens implant. This artificial lens can reduce or entirely remove your need for prescription glasses or contacts. Multifocal IOLs are the most technologically advanced option for an intraocular lens implant, and are most effective in providing clear long distance, intermediate, and reading vision without the need for glasses or contacts afterwards. Most patients who elect to have this type of lens implanted do not have to depend on readers or “cheaters” for their near vision.
LensX Laser Cataract Surgery is a “bladeless” surgery by using a femtosecond laser to create incisions for the procedure. The use of this laser improves the precision and reproducibility of the incisions made during cataract surgery and ultimately improves visual outcomes in patients who elect to use this technology during their cataract surgery.
Next Steps:
Don’t ignore these symptoms once they start because cataracts worsen with time. Talk to your ophthalmologist about getting a full evaluation and when you are ready for cataract surgery, ask them which option is best for you. Remember that cataract surgery can allow you to be more productive and have a greater appreciation for life, so consider having this life-changing procedure when you start experiencing the visual symptoms of cataracts.
If you are suffering from impaired vision due to cataracts, reach out to Dr. Salisbury today.