A cataract is a condition in which the lens in the eye starts to develop a cloud, affecting your vision. Your chance of developing a cataract in one or both eyes increases as you age. Almost half of those older than 80 suffer from some level of cataract. Common symptoms include blurry and double vision, reduced night vision and viewing colors as faded.
About Cataracts
A cataract occurs when the protein in the lens of your eye starts to clump together. A cataract might at first seem a minor problem -- you can get sunglasses to reduce the glare created by the cataract, change the prescription in your eyeglasses or avoid nighttime driving. But, if the cataract worsens, surgery may prove the only treatment option. Cataracts, mostly commonly associated with the aging process, can also form from exposure to radiation, a complication of eye surgery or because of a congenital problem.
Vitamins
You should limit your intake of some vitamins before a cataract surgery. Vitamin E increases bleeding following cataract surgery. Discontinue taking vitamin E two weeks before surgery to limit bruising. If you take a multivitamin, check to see if it contains vitamin E. You may want to add vitamin C to your diet three days before cataract surgery because it can promote healing. Continue taking vitamin C for 10 days following the surgery.
Medicines
Avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen or any analgesic for at least weeks before cataract surgery. Aspirin and similar products thin your blood, which is helpful in relieving some types of pain, inflammation and blood circulation problems. But analgesics could cause you to bleed more during cataract surgery. You should also discontinue some herbal supplements for two or more weeks before your surgery. If a medical condition requires that you take analgesics, do not discontinue their use. Let your surgeon know, however, about these and any other medications or supplements you take.
Considerations
Modifications to your medicine and vitamin regimen can help you avoid complications and recover more quickly from cataract surgery, which is a relatively simple procedure that involves replacing your cloudy lens with an intraocular lens implant. You will likely go home the same day as your surgery. About 85 percent of those who undergo cataract surgery enjoy improvements in vision that enable them to drive, according to Centre for Eye Research Australia. In about 25 percent of surgery patients, the capsule that supports the artificial lens turns cloudy. This can be corrected with laser surgery.
