Is Early Cataract Surgery Right for You?
Benefits of Cataract Surgery
Cataracts are a natural result of aging, but they are reversible through surgery. This safe, routine procedure removes the clouded lens and replaces it with a clear, synthetic lens that restores your vision and is customized to your unique needs. There are numerous benefits of cataract surgery, such as:
- Clear vision
- Increased quality of life
- Independence
- Decreased risk of falls and fractures
- Longer life expectancy
Average Age for Cataract Surgery
There is no minimum age for cataract surgery. You should have a cataract removed when your eye doctor recommends it.
Certain factors like smoking and sun exposure can affect how rapidly a cataract develops. When you begin to experience cataract symptoms like blurry vision, double vision, decreased night vision or light sensitivity, it may be time to talk to your ophthalmologist about cataract surgery.
While there is no rush to schedule cataract surgery, you also do not need to delay the procedure. Your ophthalmologist will help monitor your cataract development and advise you when to schedule surgery.
Types of Cataract Surgery
Better technology means more choice in cataract surgery. You can still choose traditional cataract surgery, performed by a skilled surgeon using a handheld blade, or laser-assisted cataract surgery. This modern technique allows surgeons to use optical coherence tomography (OCT) to create a 3-D map of the eye. From the OCT map, the laser can create an incision at the exact location, depth and length to treat conditions like astigmatism.
Whether you choose traditional or laser-assisted cataract surgery, you will heal better if you are in excellent health. For this reason, you may want to consider early cataract surgery. Younger patients tend to heal faster because their cataracts are softer, their corneas are clearer and their pupils dilate easier (Review of Ophthalmology).
Best Lens for Cataract Surgery
An intraocular lens (IOL) is a clear, artificial lens that requires no care and becomes a permanent part of your eye. Your surgeon will recommend an IOL based on test results and your specific preferences. Today, there are dozens of customized IOLs that correct vision at one, two or multiple distances, as well as astigmatism and presbyopia.
Early cataract surgery can be a wise economic decision. You can feel confident choosing a multifocal premium lens because it will never need replacement, and you’ll enjoy clear vision for an extended period.
Call Your Ophthalmologist Today
Talk to your ophthalmologist about early cataract surgery. One procedure could offer a lifetime of clear vision.