Cataracts are quite common among people who are over 50, but they can also affect younger individuals and make it difficult to see clearly. The basic definition of a cataract is the clouding of the lens that your eye uses to see. Unfortunately, glasses are ineffective for correcting the vision loss caused by cataracts, and although this condition might sound scary, it can be corrected with cataract surgery.
What Causes a Cataract?
When one of your eyes becomes clouded, there is a good chance that a cataract has formed. Older individuals are much more likely to develop cataracts, and it’s possible to develop cataracts in both eyes.
The lens is the part of your eye that focuses an image onto your retina, and your retina is located in the back of your eye and consists of tissues that are sensitive to light. As long as the lens isn’t affected by a cataract, light passes through the transparent lens and focuses on your retina. To receive a sharp image, the lens needs to be clear. If you have a cataract, the image sent to your retina will be blurred.
Do I Need Cataract Surgery?
If you have one or more cataracts, you’re probably wondering if you need surgery. To determine if surgery is the right course of action, you may want to ask yourself if the cataract is preventing you from driving safely or performing at work. Surgery can help if you’re having difficulty watching television or reading. If cataracts are making it difficult for you to be independent, then surgery is worth considering.
Removing Eye Cloudiness with Cataract Surgery
During cataract surgery, your natural lens is removed from your eye and replaced with an artificial lens. The replacement lens is called an intraocular lens or IOL.
Before the surgery begins, the exact size of your eye must be measured, and the focusing power of the IOL must be calibrated for your specific needs. Eyedrop medicine may be used after surgery to promote healing.
The Procedure
Cataract surgery is classified as an outpatient procedure, and before it begins, your eye will be numbed with special eye drops. Once the procedure begins, Dr. Patel gains access to the lens within your eye, and small instruments are used to break apart the lens. After the old lens is removed, it’s replaced with the IOL.
The Benefits of Cataract Surgery
This procedure can improve your quality of life and make it easier to see clearly. You’ll find it much easier to handle everyday tasks, and if you’re older, your risk of falling will be significantly decreased.
If you have cloudiness in your eye(s) and want to see clearly again, consider cataract surgery at Wichita Vision Institute in Wichita. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation to learn more.