Why Cataract Surgery Makes the Holidays Better
Wouldn’t you like precise, crisp vision when you gather with your family and friends this holiday season? When you’re trying to enjoy the festivities, the last thing you want to worry about is cataracts.
Blurry vision can affect your ability to do just about anything. And that includes enjoying your favorite activities.
Luckily, cataract surgery can dramatically improve your quality of life during the holidays and the rest of the year. Keep reading to see why cataract surgery makes the holidays better.
What Is a Cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens. Cataracts occur when proteins in your eye’s natural lens break down and clump together.
As they clump up, your lens becomes murkier and whiter. Eventually, cataracts can block all light entering your eye from reaching your retina.
Cataracts are a widespread phenomenon. A majority of adults will develop them at some point in their lives.
That’s because they are a natural part of the aging process. When light can no longer flow through your lens, and it interferes with your daily life, it’s time for cataract surgery.
There are three main types of cataracts:
Nuclear cataracts
Nuclear cataracts usually result from aging. They form in the center, or nucleus, of your lens and grow outward.
Cortical cataracts
Cortical cataracts also form around the nucleus, but they resemble the spokes of a wheel. They are also a result of aging, as well as diabetes.
Subcapsular cataracts
Subcapsular cataracts form in the back of the lens. Steroids and diabetes can lead to their development.
Cataracts take years to develop and have a gradual onset of symptoms. You may not realize you have one until it starts to cause symptoms that affect your day-to-day life.
Common cataract symptoms include:
- Blurry vision
- Decreased night vision
- Glare and halos
- Difficulty seeing contrast
- Double vision in one eye
Fortunately, you do not have to live with a cataract and endure these bothersome side effects. Cataract surgery can restore your vision so that you can see clearly again.
What Is Cataract Surgery Like?
The presence of a cataract does not mean you need to undergo cataract surgery. The procedure is only recommended if cataracts get in the way of your ability to function and enjoy life.
If you have difficulty reading, watching TV, or driving due to a cataract, it may be time to consider surgery. When you have a cataract, the only way to improve your vision is to undergo cataract surgery.
This outpatient procedure replaces the clouded lens of your eye with a clear, artificial one. It typically only takes about twenty minutes to complete.
First, your eye doctor will sedate you and insert anesthetic eye drops to ensure you won’t feel anything. Then, they use an ultrasonic instrument to break apart the clouded lens. Breaking the lens apart makes it easier to remove.
Next, they remove these pieces to get rid of the cataract completely. At this point, they can insert an intraocular lens or IOL, which replaces your natural lens and gives you clear eyesight again.
What are the Types of IOLs for Cataract Surgery?
There are three main categories of IOLs. Your eye doctor will help you choose the one that best suits your individual needs. These categories are:
Monofocal IOLs
Monofocal IOLs are the most common IOL choice for cataract surgery. They correct eyesight at one distance.
For example, they can give you excellent far vision. But you will still need glasses for close-up distances, like when you’re reading.
Multifocal IOLs
Multifocal IOLs focus light at both near and far distances. Part of the lens is set for distance focus, while the other part is set for up-close.
This design dramatically reduces or could eliminate your need for glasses. How often you need glasses and the quality of your vision with these premium IOLs depends on the one you choose.
Extended Depth of Focus
Extended depth of focus (EDOF) IOLs offer a seamless visual field without glasses. They can give you clear vision at near, far, and middle distances.
Because cataracts are so common, cataract surgery is the most common medical procedure in the country. It is a highly safe procedure with minimal risk of complications.
Also, the recovery time for cataract surgery is relatively short. You can return home the same day as the procedure.
Initial symptoms like soreness typically dissipate after a few days. Over the days and weeks following cataract surgery, your eyesight should continue to improve.
Enjoy the Holidays With Clear Vision
Clear vision is essential year-round, but especially around the holidays. You want to be able to enjoy the holiday lights, watch your grandchildren open presents, and help cook delicious meals.
The holiday season is a time of coming together. But just as important as this time of gathering is your ability to live independently.
For example, you may want to bake a pie to take to a family gathering or go shopping for gifts on your own. When you can’t see clearly, you may need to depend on others for help performing these simple activities.
Blurry vision caused by a cataract can put a real damper on your favorite holiday pastimes. However, after cataract surgery, you don’t have to worry about the quality of your vision.
Instead, you can relax and enjoy everything this special season has to offer. The best gift you can give yourself before the holiday season begins is clear vision.
Want to ensure cataracts don’t get in the way of holiday enjoyment this year? Schedule a cataract screening at Complete Eyecare West in Columbus, OH, to discuss how cataract surgery can help!
