Cataract Surgery
What is the treatment for cataracts?
When a cataract is small, the symptoms may be treated with new eyeglasses,
increasing the brightness of lights, or using magnifying lenses and/or
anti-glare sunglasses. However, these measures are only able to reduce the
symptoms of a cataract. Once these measures are no longer effective,
cataract surgery is the only treatment option. Cataract surgery removes
the cloudy lens and replaces it with an artificial lens.
When vision loss interferes with everyday activities, such as driving, reading,
or watching TV, consideration should be given to removing the cataract.
You should clearly understand the risks and benefits relating to cataract
surgery so that you can make an informed decision about whether cataract surgery
is the appropriate choice for you. In most cases, delaying cataract
surgery will not cause long-term damage to your eye or make the surgery more
difficult. Dr. Cravey does not encourage you to rush into surgery.
He will clearly explain your situation, along with the risks and benefits, and
allow you to make an informed decision.
Occasionally, a cataract will need to be removed even if it does not cause
problems with your vision. This situation may occur if the cataract
prevents examination or treatment of another eye problem, such as
age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy.
One of the most common questions we are asked is: "If I have cataracts in
both eyes, can they be removed on the same day?" Our answer is: No.
The cataract surgery will be performed on each eye at separate times, usually
three to four weeks apart.
How effective is cataract surgery?
One of the most
common operations performed in the United States is cataract surgery. It
is also one of the safest and most effective types of surgery. In about
90% of cases, people who have cataract surgery have better vision afterward.
What type of cataract surgery does Dr. Cravey perform?
Dr. Cravey performs Phacoemulsification, or small incision cataract
surgery, in which a small incision is made to the side of the cornea, the clear,
dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. He will insert a
tiny probe into the eye. This device emits ultrasound waves that soften
and break up the lens so that it can be removed by suction.
An intraocular lens (IOL) replaces the natural lens that is removed during
surgery. The IOL requires no care and becomes a permanent part of your
eye.
Occasionally, someone will not be able to have an IOL due to another eye disease
or problems during surgery. For these patients, a soft contact lens, or
glasses that provide high magnification, may be suggested.
What are the risks of cataract surgery?
As with any surgery,
cataract surgery does have risks, such as infection or bleeding. Following
surgery, it is important to keep your eye clean, wash your hands before touching
your eye, and use the prescribed medications to help minimize the risk of
infection.
The risk of retinal
detachment slightly increases following cataract surgery. Other eye
disorders, such as high myopia (nearsightedness), can further increase your risk
of retinal detachment after cataract surgery.
For our
patients:
Once you have
decided to have cataract surgery, you will want to know:
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