I have to wear contact lenses or I can't see a thing. I spent a lot of time making sure the contact lenses were hard to detect, but recently I've started getting some tinted contact lenses. It's actually really cool that I can make subtle shifts in my eye colour. It's funny when I see that people can tell there is something a bit funny or different with my appearance and they can't always tell what has changed. My optometrist is great about showing me new products and ideas that come out that might suit my prescription because he knows I'm always up for new things.
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If you experience things like blurry vision, difficulty seeing at night, or a change in your glasses prescription, it is likely that you have cataracts. Cataract surgery is a common procedure that can restore clear vision.
This post explains everything you need to know about the procedure.
What Are Cataracts?
Cataracts are very common, affecting millions of Americans age 40 and older. They are a clouding of the eye's natural lens. The lens is responsible for focusing light into the back of the eye, so cataracts can make vision blurry.
Most cataracts develop slowly and painlessly over time. However, in some cases, cataracts can form more rapidly. They are also more likely to develop in people who have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes.
Who is a Good Candidate for Surgery?
If cataracts impact your quality of life, you may be a good candidate for cataract surgery. They can cause several vision problems, including:
If you experience any of these symptoms, cataract surgery may be an option.
What Happens During Surgery?
Cataract surgery is a common and safe procedure usually performed as an outpatient procedure. This means you can go home the same day as your surgery.
The surgery is usually a quick procedure that takes about 30 minutes. It is performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the area around your eye. You will be awake during the surgery, but you will not feel any pain.
Your cataract doctor replaces the cloudy natural lens of your eye with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) during surgery. The artificial lens is chosen based on your eye's measurements and vision goals. Its job is to help focus light into the back of your eye, just like your natural lens.
There are different types of IOLs, and your doctor will help you choose the best one for you based on your vision goals. For example, if you would like to reduce your dependency on glasses or contact lenses, some IOLs can correct for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
What Should You Expect After Surgery?
Cataract surgery is usually very successful in improving vision. In fact, more than 90% of people who have cataract surgery experience improved vision afterwards.
Thankfully, most people have successful cataract surgery with no complications. However, as with any surgery, there is a small risk of complications, such as infection, bleeding, or retina damage. You'll likely need to take eye drops to help prevent infection and inflammation post-surgery. You may also need to wear protective glasses or sunglasses.
Contact a cataract doctor today if you develop cataracts and would like to learn more about cataract surgery. They will be able to answer any questions you have and help you decide if cataract surgery is right for you.
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