Cataracts are defined as a clouding of the lens of the eye that can impair vision. Cataracts form over time and are generally painless, simply causing blurred or distorted vision. While the exact cause of cataracts is not known, they can appear with age, eye trauma, genetic disease, or a number of other factors. In most cases, cataracts appear in both eyes but it is not uncommon for one eye to develop a cataract faster than the other. Surgery is often recommended if cataracts impair the doctor’s ability to treat other eye ailments and conditions, or if they begin to cause difficulty with performing everyday tasks.
How Cataract Surgery Works
Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure and is performed by a specially trained surgeon called an ophthalmologist. The procedure involves making a small incision near the cornea. Once the incision is made, a microscopic ultrasonic probe is inserted and used to destroy the damaged cornea. The pieces of cornea are suctioned through the same incision point. Once the cornea is removed it is replaced with a synthetic lens. The most commonly used synthetic lens is the monofocal lens, which is the same strength throughout the entire lens. Patients with a monofocal lens will generally need light corrective lenses. Toric lenses are specially designed lenses that can be used to correct astigmatism, however patients with toric lenses will require reading glasses for any up close tasks. Once the artificial lens is inserted, the incision is closed.
Patients can expect to have blurred vision for a few days after surgery. This is normal as the eye is healing and adjusting to the new lens. The doctor may prescribe medicated eye drops or require the patient to wear an eye patch or protective shield during the healing process. Mild itching and discomfort are a normal part of the healing process during the first few days and will fade quickly. Patients will meet with their ophthalmologist several times throughout the healing process, once at two days, a week, and then a month following surgery. The healing process is generally complete within 8 weeks.
Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey have been in their respective fields for a combined 30 + years, and they are some of the most experienced eye doctors in the Metro Detroit area. Come in today for a consultation and find out why so many people trust Eye Michigan for their optical needs. LASIK, Cataracts, you name it – G, S & G will have you seeing clear in no time.