Determining if Cataract Surgery is Right for You
The best way to determine if you need cataract surgery is by having a comprehensive eye exam. This will check the health of your eyes, identify any potential risk factors and evaluate the reasons why surgery may or may not the correct choice. The majority of eye examinations include a specific test called a refraction. This will determine how much farsightedness, nearsightedness or astigmatism you have. If surgery is the right option for you, other measurements will be taken to ensure Dr. Patel uses an intraocular lens with the right power. This will provide you with the best possible vision after your surgery.
It is important to understand not everyone is a good candidate for an IOL or a vision correcting lens. This specific technology may not be completely covered by your insurance or Medicare. It is a good idea to discuss this with your current insurance carrier prior to having surgery to eliminate any unexpected surprises. It is equally important to realize just because you have cataracts, does not mean you will spend the rest of your life with your vision becoming poorer and poorer. Cataract surgery is one of the most effective, fastest and safest procedures used by modern medicine. A lot of the people who have cataract surgery have better vision than they did prior to the development of cataracts. This is because of the advanced technology associated with lens implants.
Understanding Cataracts
If you are at least forty years of age and are experiencing any of the symptoms below, there is a good chance you have cataracts and may require cataract surgery.
• Double vision in one eye
• A glare or halos around bright lights
• Distorted vision
• Blurred vision
• Poor night vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Faded colors
It is important to note even if you have not yet reached the age of forty, there is a slim chance you have developed cataracts. This is rare in younger individuals, but it does happen. The number one cause of American seniors becoming blind are cataracts. Once a cataract has formed, it gradually becomes more opaque. This will stop light from getting to the back of your eye and dim your vision. If cataract surgery is not performed at this point, your vision will eventually be totally lost. Many individuals are hesitant to have cataract surgery because they do not realize this is one of the most successful and safest surgeries performed. The average surgery only requires about fifteen minutes for each eye. Once a cataract has been removed, it will never come back.
The lens implants used for cataract surgery are innovative and effective. Surgery targets several different types of vision disorders including astigmatism, farsightedness and nearsightedness. The best way to correct your vision and see clearly again is to find out if cataract surgery is the right option for you. The next step is determining which lens implant will work best for your specific circumstances. Scheduling a consultation now with the Wichita Vision Institute may save your vision for the future. Contact us today to learn more.