A cataract is a clouding and hardening of the natural lens of your eye. Cataracts may develop from normal aging or from an injury to the eye. Steroid use can cause cataracts. Surgery is the only way to remove a cataract. Without surgery, vision loss will continue.
The symptoms of a cataract are:
- blurred vision
- dulled vision
- sensitivity to light and glare
- ghost images
- halos around street lights and headlights
- a feeling like a film over the eye
Cataract surgery can correct the decreased vision caused by the cataract. An eye surgeon (Ophthalmologist) will remove the cataract and replace the lens with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens or IOL. In the North Austin, Texas area, Hill Country Eye Center specializes in the laser surgery required to remove the damaged lens and replace it with a new, artificial lens.
A complete eye exam by your surgeon is necessary to determine your prescription for the IOL. These measurements are very precise in order to choose the best lens for your individual vision choices. The eye does have to be dilated in order to do these measurements. This is probably the worst part of the whole procedure.
During a cataract surgery, the eye is completely numb and the patient is usually given light anesthesia, such as Versed. The procedure lasts about 15 minutes and all you can see is a bright light and perhaps some colors. If you are very observant during this time, you can actually see the points of the tool that the surgeon is using. The most uncomfortable thing is the eye mask to hold your eye open, not during the procedure itself, but when it is removed as they usually remove it quickly and it is sticky like a band aid or tape. Not painful, but not comfortable either.
Vision is usually noticeably better right away and by the next day when you return for a follow up appointment, vision will definitely be better. Again, the worst part is the dilation of the eye during the surgery. It makes bright lights seem bothersome. You should be able to return to normal activities within 2 to 3 days, and your eye will usually be stable within 3-6 weeks.
There are few risks to cataract surgery, but you may have to be prepared to wear glasses to correct some vision. The eye will be scratchy for a while after surgery and you cannot rub it because you can dislodge the new lens. It's one of the fastest, safest surgeries in the nation and probably one of the most common too. Don't be afraid to have the procedure if you have cataracts, you'll be glad you did.
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