1. Undergo Surgery
Surgery to extract the foggy lens is really the only way to cure a congenital cataract permanently. Historically, doctors have not advised cataract surgery for patients with visual acuity test scores of better than 20/200. However, thanks to the advent of new surgical techniques and a lowered risk of complications from such surgery, doctors are now prescribing this course for patients with better vision.
The surgery is done using local anesthetic and is performed on one eye at a time. It's an outpatient procedure and most people can return to normal daily activities within a 24-hour period. In some surgeries, the cloudy lens will be replaced with a clear implant. In other situations, the eye doctor may choose not to replace the lens with anything, in which case, you'll need contacts or prescription eyeglasses to restore focus to your world. The good news is that surgery is successful for all but one out of every 20 cases.
2. Lifestyle Changes Can Relieve Symptoms--but They Can't Cure Cataracts
By employing optical devices, prescription medications and an improved diet and exercise regimen, you can reduce the severity of the symptoms of your cataracts. However, lifestyle changes won't actually remedy the underlying lens condition.
3. Use Prosthetics, Eye Drops and Other Tools to Improve Your Focus
Dilating eyedrops can provide some relief for cataract symptoms. You might also investigate wearing sunglasses, particularly during bright days or in situations where there's a lot of sun glare.
4. Treat Other Conditions that May Make Your Cataracts Worse
If you have diabetes, Parkinson's Disease, glaucoma or other similar conditions, you can develop cataracts or other significant eye problems. By undergoing therapy for diabetes (for instance), you can reduce the likelihood of exacerbating your cataract symptoms. Each patient's treatment regimen for these underlying disorders will be different, given the nearly infinite combination of contraindications and medical histories.
