Cataract Surgery to See Clearly
Blurred vision can be disconcerting. If you are getting older it could be caused by a build-up on the lens of your eye. If you are having problems like this it is important to go to a vision specialist. It may be that you have cataracts. Cataract surgery is a necessity if you have this problem and it begins to cause problems doing normal things or if it causes problems with other medical issues that you have. Bright lights can cause problems if you have cataracts, so if you are around bright lights often it might cause you to want to have the procedure done sooner. It is important that you find a specialist that you will be able to trust if you do need to have a surgical procedure.
Cataract surgery is not a serious procedure, and it can be put off unless your doctor thinks it is an emergency. This scenario is not likely, but your doctor may want it done so that another eye procedure can be done as well. It is usually done on an outpatient basis.
There is some preparation that will need to take place before having cataract surgery. You will likely have to have an ultrasound of your eye to make sure the doctor can get the right lens for your eye since you will likely be given an artificial lens to correct the problem. If you take medication that causes bleeding you will likely need to discontinue use until the doctor says it is safe. You may take some antibiotics through an eye drop if the doctor prescribes it. You may also need to avoid eating before your procedure. Make sure and ask what your doctor would like you to do because your instructions may vary.
There are two types of procedures that may be used for cataract surgery. One type uses an ultrasonic probe. In this procedure there is an incision, but the incision is used for an opening to insert the probe. The ultrasound will break apart the cataracts, and those pieces will be suctioned out. Another type of procedure uses an incision. This procedure will need stitches. The incision is larger in this procedure than in the first. Both procedures insert an artificial lens in the eye. This lens will be made out of silicone, acrylic, or plastic.
Most likely if you choose to have cataract surgery you will have improved vision. If you are trying to decide whether to get one of these procedures or not, consider your quality of life as your vision currently is. It may be that you need to have this procedure done simply to allow you to work and do the things you need to do. You should definitely go forward with it if your doctor believes it is important for another area of your health.
