Cataracts are a common eye problem that occurs most often in older adults. Left untreated, they can result in blindness. Cataracts are caused when the lens in the eye becomes thicker and begins to cloud over, distorting the light that enters the eye. Luckily, cataract surgery is a fairly simple procedure.
Identification
Because cataracts cannot be cured with medication or overcome by using glasses, surgery is necessary to correct the condition. In the early stages, glasses may help. However, as the lens continues to thicken and cloud over, glasses eventually are not enough. Surgery is usually recommended when your vision deteriorates to a point that it affects your daily life. Surgery may also be advised when cataracts interfere with the treatment of another medical condition, such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy or retinal detachment.
Process
Before the surgery, your physician will use an ultrasound to determine the size and shape of your eye. The actual surgery takes about 15 to 30 minutes. You will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area and possibly a sedative to help you relax. During the procedure, ultrasound waves are used to break up the cataract or remove the thickened lens and replace it with an artificial lens. Your surgeon will make a small incision near your cornea. An instrument that is about the size of a pen will be used to break up the cataract or remove your lens and replace it with an artificial one. In most cases, you can go home the same day. You will not be able to drive yourself home and may need to limit your activities for a few days.
Types
There are different types of cataract surgery. The most common is phacoemulsification, which is used to break up the cataract or remove and replace the lens. This procedure uses a very small incision that does not require stitches and heals very quickly. Most patients have no complications. Extracapsular surgery is more complicated and is used in cases where the lens is extremely thick. Extracapsular surgery removes and replaces the lens. After the surgery you will need stitches and have a longer recovery time. Intracapsular surgery is used only in cases where the cataract is the result of an injury or disease. In this procedure both the lens and capsule are removed.
Features
Your natural lens will be replaced by an artificial, intraocular lens (IOL) made of plastic, silicone or acrylic. Because artificial lenses are soft, they can be folded, allowing the lens to be inserted through a very small incision. In addition to replacing the thickened lens and cataracts, some lenses are also designed to filter light, reducing the harmful effects of UV rays, changing the curvature of your pupil and correcting other abnormalities.
Benefits
Cataract surgery not only replaces your cloudy lens so you can see better. It can also correct other eye problems, including nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Your new lens will allow your eyes and brain to once again process the images you see and interpret them correctly. According to the Mayo Clinic: "Cataract surgery is usually successful---more than 90 percent of people who have a cataract removed enjoy improved vision after the procedure."
Warnings
The Mayo Clinic says complications from cataract surgery are rare. However, some patients experience inflammation, infection, bleeding, swelling, retinal detachment, glaucoma or the development of a second cataract. The chance of a complication is greater if you have another underlying medical condition. According to the National Eye Institute, after surgery some itching and mild discomfort are to be expected. You may also notice some fluid discharge and your eye may be sensitive to light and touch. These symptoms should only last a day or two.
