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Cataracts are common in the United States, affecting more than 24 million people over the age of 40. Nearly half of Americans develop cataracts by age 75.
Cataracts can cause poor night vision, cloudy vision, halos around light, difficulty reading, and light sensitivity. You might also notice that colors seem more muted. Thankfully, you’re not stuck with the symptoms of cataracts forever.
Cataract surgery can restore your sight, and this procedure is available at Maryland Eye Care Center in Silver Spring and Hyattville, Maryland. If you’re considering cataract surgery, continue reading as our team of experts discusses what you need to know.
Normally, the lens in your eye is clear, but if it becomes cloudy (due to aging or injury), your vision becomes hazy. Some people describe it as if they’re looking through a frosted window.
Initially, you might find that strong lighting and eyeglasses help you see, but over time, a progressively cloudy lens can impact your daily life. Severe cataracts can make it hard to perform tasks like cooking, crossing the street, or reading, or enjoy hobbies like crocheting.
Your ophthalmologist at Maryland Eye Care Center guides you through this process. Determining if you need surgery starts with an accurate diagnosis. We use several tests, including a visual acuity test, slit-lamp examination, and retinal exam, to confirm cataracts.
During surgery, the goal is to replace your cloudy lens with a new, artificial one. Your artificial lens is called an intraocular lens, and it remains permanently in your eye.
Before your procedure begins, you receive numbing drops to keep you comfortable, and your eyelids stay secure thanks to a speculum.
The steps for cataract surgery include:
The new, artificial intraocular lens contains your desired prescription. Your new lens is cloud-free, and you’re able to see clearly once again.
Most surgeries only take about 30 minutes, but you won’t be able to drive yourself home afterward. Your Maryland Eye Care Center provider sends you home with post-op instructions for your recovery process.
Post-operative eye drops are often prescribed and usually contain:
You can expect most of your side effects from surgery to subside within a few days, but it takes up to six weeks to fully heal from surgery. Once your eyes are fully healed, you can order new glasses (if needed).
If your cataracts can no longer be managed with stronger lighting and glasses, call Maryland Eye Care Center at one of our three convenient locations to find out if cataract surgery is right for you. You can also book a consultation online.
