There are several illnesses that creep up on us as we age, cataracts being one of them. There are misconceptions surrounding cataracts and their treatment. In this installment on laser vision correction surgery we will investigate cataracts and what can be done to treat them.
When the lens inside of your eye begins to cloud that is known as a cataract. This can cause a loss in vision that is unable to be corrected with contact lens, glasses, or normal corneal refractive surgeries like LASIK. This may sound frightening however, modern surgery for cataracts can often restore vision and ease dependency on eyeglasses.
Most often cataracts are associated with the aging process. Recent studies have shown that upwards of 68% of Americans over 80 years old have been affected by cataracts. This statistic is expected to continue to grow especially as the population continues to age. Thankfully, surgery for cataracts is one of the safest, most effective laser vision correction surgeries available.
When surgery for cataracts is performed, the cloudy lens is removed and then replaced with a lens that is artificial, known as intraocular, to restore clear vision. The surgery is an outpatient surgery that is often performed at an eye care center and does not require an overnight stay. Cataract procedures involve a high-frequency ultrasound device that is used to break up a cloudy lens into small pieces, which are removed with suction.
This procedure is known as phaco and can be performed with tinier incisions than previous techniques. This helps to promote healing and reduce complications. When the fragments are completely removed the eye surgeon inserts a clear lens putting it securely behind the iris and pupil in the same location that your natural lens had sat. Once the cataract is removed and the IOL is inserted and the procedure is completed with your incision being closed. A protective shield is placed over your eye to keep it safe while recovery occurs.
If you suspect your vision is starting to turn gray and cloudy, get into have an eye exam sooner than later. Cataracts that are caught early are more receptive to treatment which can lead to better outcomes. Each patient will recover at their own pace however in most cases you will see an improvement in your vision. Some patients report a glare or halo around bright lights which often disappear within a month. This is a very rare complication.
If you are looking to reduce or even get rid of your eye glasses and/or contacts let us at Rohr Eye & Laser Center help you! We offer several types of LASIK eye surgery including PRK, AK, CK, Cataracts surgery and more. We perform all these eye laser treatments with state-of-the-art equipment. We are a leader in laser vision correction, and our goal is to help you achieve superior vision. Contact us today or view our website http://www.michiganlasik.com/ to schedule an appointment.