Cataract Surgery

When cataracts cloud the lens of the eye, causing blurriness and decreased visual acuity, they are treated with surgery. Because cataracts develop over time, you may not notice a difference in your vision for months or even years. However, when lenses become significantly obscured by cataracts, you will experience a marked decrease in your ability to see clearly.

The decision to pursue cataract surgery is your own; while the progression of your cataracts will be tracked by your ophthalmologist during regular office visits and visual acuity exams, only you can decide the best time to replace your lens. Although cataract surgery is relatively routine procedure with extremely high success rates, many ophthalmologists recommend postponing surgical treatment as long as possible. However, when cataracts develop to the degree that they affect your day to day life, impairing your ability to drive, read, or clearly see a television or computer screen, your ophthalmologist will recommend surgery.

Procedure

Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure that removes the eye's natural lens, which has been clouded by cataracts, and in most cases replaces it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The procedure will vary depending upon the severity of the cataract, the removal technique being used, and the replacement lens chosen. The most common lens removal technique, known clinically as phacoemulsification, uses ultrasound vibrations to break up the eye's natural lens, which is then extracted by suction and replaced with a monofocal, multifocal or adaptive lens. It is important that you familiarize yourself with the cataract surgery procedure in order to make an informed decision about treatment.

Candidacy

Because it is the only cure, all patients diagnosed with cataracts will eventually become candidates for cataract surgery. However, if your cataracts are in the early stages of development, it may be months or years before surgery becomes necessary. And while your doctor will monitor the progression of your cataracts, knowing the right time to pursue surgery is often a very personal choice.

Benefits

Cataract surgery is a popular procedure that is performed on approximately 3 million Americans each year, with an extremely high success rate for improving vision. By removing the eye's natural, clouded lens, and replacing it with an artificial lens, patients can restore much, and in certain cases all, of their visual acuity. The freedom from obscured vision is by far the greatest benefit of cataract surgery.

Risks

While the success rate for cataract surgery is extremely high, and the recovery period is short, there are potential risks involved in any surgical procedure. Rare but possible side effects include macular edema, which refers to the retention of fluid within the retina, and retinal detachment. Your ophthalmologist will thoroughly discuss potential risks with you prior to your cataract surgery.

Results

Because cataract surgery removes the eye's clouded natural lens, replacing it with a clear artificial lens, the procedure results in improved visual acuity. Patients will be able to see clearly again while driving, reading, and watching television, and students who have had cataract surgery will enjoy a comfortable view of their computer screens and classroom whiteboards. In some cases, patients may still require glasses or contacts after cataract surgery-however, the removal of the lens allows this corrected vision to appear sharp and clear. While your personal case will determine your need for post-procedural vision correction, a tremendous number of patients are satisfied with the results of cataract surgery.

Cost

Although it is considered an elective procedure, the cost of cataract surgery is nearly always covered by medical insurance. Because surgery is the only way to cure cataracts, the question is a matter of "when" rather than "if." Additional cost may be incurred depending on the type of intraocular lens (IOL) you choose to replace your existing lens-while the standard monofocal lenses are often wholly covered by medical insurance, premier lenses may require a larger out-of-pocket contribution.

Learn More about Cataract Surgery

When you are preparing to undergo even the most routine surgery, it is important to have a knowledgeable, compassionate doctor that you trust. If cataracts are clouding your vision, find a qualified cataract surgeon in your area to discuss your treatment options.

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