The decision to have surgery is always an important one and it should be made with as much information and care as possible. At Eye Michigan, we educate our patients on their conditions and treatment options, so that they are knowledgeable and comfortable with the course of action. In this short article, we look specifically at cataract surgery and hope to answer some of your questions. Read on to learn more.
What are cataracts?
First, it helps to give a brief synopsis of what’s actually happening in the eye when cataracts are present. Essentially, a cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye (the lens is normally clear). A progressively-opaque eye lens causes blurred and otherwise compromised vision. The cause of cataracts is dependent on each person, but for the most part, they occur as a result of injury, aging, or even certain genetic conditions and develop gradually over time.
The question of cataract surgery.
Surgery is a safe and effective option for many patients but is usually not recommended until the cataracts interfere with normal life activities. The condition may never progress to a point of being a real problem in some patient’s lifetime, so the decision of surgery is sometimes avoided altogether. Cataracts generally do not harm the rest of the eye, and waiting to make the decision of surgery is not an issue to recover vision for most patients. The choice of whether you should have surgery will depend on a comprehensive eye exam and a discussion with you and your Eye Michigan doctor. Doctors Grosinger, Spigelman, and Grey look at each patient individually to advise the best possible option(s) and treatment plan.
During cataract surgery, the clouded lens of the eye is replaced with an artificial clear lens which then becomes a permanent part of your eye. For most people with healthy and normal eyes, the results are very favorable. Yet, for some individuals who may have other preexisting eye or other medical conditions, artificial lenses are not an option. This does not exclude you from benefiting from cataract surgery. Contact lenses or corrective glasses may also be used to restore vision once the cataract is removed. Your doctor will take into account your specific health conditions to ensure a safe and effective outcome. Call Eye Michigan for more information.