Cataracts develop in the lens of your eye and cause clouding, which can make your vision blurry and less colorful. They are common, natural, and develop with age, typically beginning in your mid to late-60’s.
Cataracts will not go away on their own and eventually may require surgery to restore your vision to normal. However, cataract surgeries are the most commonly performed procedure in the world and have a high success rate with few complications.
When considering cataract surgery, there are two techniques to consider: traditional and laser-assisted. Traditional cataract surgery uses a manual device to gain access and remove the cataract, while laser-assisted surgery uses a highly sophisticated precise laser for the same procedure.
Cataract surgery occurs in three steps: access the lens, removal of the lens, and replacement of the lens. There are a few things your doctor will take into consideration when evaluating you as a candidate for cataract surgery:
Laser-assisted cataract procedures result in nearly perfect round edges, while manual procedures can lead to irregularly shaped edges.
Since lens segments are removed in sections, the size of the cataract plays a role. With laser-assisted cataract procedures, the cataract is pre-segmented by the laser for easier removal than through manual methods.
The placement of a replacement lens, intraocular lens, or IOL, can be made more accurately with a laser-assisted procedure than with a manual procedure, which is an approximate placement.
It is important to be fully educated by your surgeon so that as the patient you can make the best medical, lifestyle, and financial decisions. Your surgeon should take their time with you and answer all of your cataract surgery questions. Cataract surgery is performed on one eye at a time, so it may take a month or so to complete the process. Most patients can see an improvement in their vision in 1-2 days, with vision improving over the next couple of weeks. It’s important to be prepared and feel comfortable with your eye doctor throughout your experience.
Watch the video below to learn more about the different types of cataract surgery options.
Contact Providence Eye and schedule a cataract evaluation with our cataract surgeon, Dr. Nunnery.
