Cataract Surgery Benefits
The greatest advantage of cataract surgery is undoubtedly the freedom to once again see clearly. In fact, cataract surgery benefits virtually every patient who has been diagnosed with cataracts, replacing their clouded lens with a clear, artificial IOL. After surgery, many patients are surprised to discover how dramatically their vision has improved-and many may wonder why they waited so long to pursue treatment in the first place.
Better Vision
When you choose cataract surgery, benefits of the procedure include:
- Crisper, clearer eyesight: By replacing the protein-clouded lens of your eye with a crystal-clear IOL, cataract surgery brings the world back into focus.
- Brighter colors: Cataracts have a yellowish appearance, causing colors-especially those on the "blue" end of the spectrum-to appear dull or washed out. An artificial IOL will restore your ability to appreciate colors that are rich, bold and vivid.
- Freedom from glasses and contact lens: Many patients do not need glasses after surgery, while others only require corrective lenses while reading. One doctor compared cataract surgery to implanting your contact lens prescription directly into your eye, since the post-operative quality of vision is often as good as your corrected vision before cataracts.
Although the clear vision achieved with cataract surgery often exceeds patients' expectations, technological advances have made it possible for the procedure to offer even more extraordinary benefits. New IOLs are specially designed to correct additional ocular conditions, including:
- Presbyopia: Multifocal and accommodating lenses-like CrystaLens and ReSTOR-allow patients to focus clearly at all distances.
- Near- or Farsightedness: Multifocal lenses allow the eyes to focus at any distance; however, clear distance vision may also be achieved through the strategic placement of two monofocal lenses, one set to "near" vision, and one fixed for "distant" vision.
- Astigmatism: Toric IOLs are now available to correct astigmatism, directing light toward one location at the back of the eye for clear, focused vision.
Safety
Approximately 3 million Americans have cataract surgery each year, making it one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in the world. According to the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, 98% of patients who choose to correct their cataracts with surgery experience positive results with no complications.
Quality of Life
As cataracts progress, the inability to see clearly can affect a person's confidence. Patients with advanced cataracts may feel uncomfortable driving at night, or may be hesitant to engage in activities they once enjoyed. It can be immensely frustrating to be unable to read street signs, to have difficulty finding your vehicle in a crowded parking lot, or to limit daily activities due to decreased vision. Cataract surgery benefits patients who feel limited by their vision loss, restoring their independence, confidence and mobility.
Learn More about Cataract Surgery Benefits
While there are certainly many advantages to cataract surgery, only an experienced ophthalmologist is capable of determining whether the procedure is right for you. To learn more, contact a qualified cataract surgeon in your area today.
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