3 Main Reasons Why You Should Have A Cataract Surgery
Cataracts are among the most common age-related vision problems in the United States. It is estimated that cataracts affect over 24.4 million Americans aged 40 and above. If the cloudy layer is not removed, it can easily cause blindness. However, this vision problem is treatable through cataract surgery.
Signs That You Need Cataract Eye Surgery
The lens of your eyes plays a significant role in enhancing vision. As you age, the proteins in the lens clump together, making the lens cloudy. Initially, the symptoms are usually mild. However, with time, the condition worsens, and everything appears blurry, cloudy, and dim. The clouded vision makes it difficult to drive at night, read, or see expressions on other people's faces.
Since cataracts develop gradually, it's sometimes hard to tell if you have the condition. The main signs to watch include:
- Fading of colors
- Blurred or dim vision
- Double vision
- High sensitivity to glare and light
- Frequent changes in contact lenses or eyeglasses
- Inability to read
- Inability to see at night
Why Should You Have a Cataract Surgery?
Initially, the ophthalmologist may prescribe eyeglasses, mainly if cloudiness affects only a small part of the eye's lens. However, as the cataract grows larger, more of the lens is clouded, significantly blocking light from passing through it. In such a case, you experience more pronounced vision problems, and you need urgent cataract surgery.
Here are various reasons why you shouldn't fear cataract surgery:
- It is a common procedure in the US
- It is usually painless
- It is one of the most successful surgical procedures performed in the country
- It is mainly an outpatient procedure
During cataract eye surgery, the ophthalmologist removes the clouded lens and replaces it with an artificial one. Apart from improving your vision, this surgical procedure has other benefits, including:
- Improved Quality of Life — Mainly, cataracts make it more difficult to drive, read, and perform other activities. With time, you stop participating in some of your favorite activities, which may lead to anxiety and depression. However, once the cataracts are removed, your vision is restored, and your quality of life increases.
- It's Good for Your Eye Health — If you have cataracts, you may develop other eye problems. Sometimes, cataracts cause pressure in your eyes, leading to glaucoma and other severe vision issues.
- Decreased Risk of Falls — Loss of vision is a leading cause of falls and fractures among the elderly. If cataracts are removed, patients achieve an enhanced range of vision, substantially decreasing the risk of vision-related falls.
Conclusion
One simple outpatient procedure can give you an improved, youthful vision. If cataracts are making it harder for you to do day-to-day tasks, ask your ophthalmologists if cataract eye surgery is right for you.
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