Should You Seek Surgical Removal Of Your Cataracts?

If you've recently noticed a cloudiness or fuzziness in your vision that doesn't go away with a good night's sleep, you may be dismayed to learn that this cloudiness is being caused by the permanent weakening of your eyes' lenses, causing them to form cataracts. You're likely anxious to do whatever is necessary to preserve your vision for as long as possible. However, undergoing surgery on your eyes can be an intimidating prospect, and you may be reluctant to entrust your vision to a sharp scalpel or powerful laser beam. What are your other cataract treatment options, and when is surgery the best choice? Read on to learn more about the progression of cataracts to help you make your decision.

What are your non-surgical cataract treatment options? 

For many, cataracts are so slow-growing that it can take years for them to have a noticeable effect. In the meantime, lubricating eyedrops and stronger eyeglasses or contact prescription should be enough to accommodate any eye dryness or weakened vision your cataracts may be causing. You'll also want to be sure to shield your eyes from UV rays by wearing reflective sunglasses whenever you're outside. These methods won't be enough to reverse the damage to your lenses that has already occurred, but can help slow the progression of your cataracts if surgery isn't an option you're willing to consider for a while.

When should you schedule surgery for your cataracts? 

If the issues your cataracts have caused with your vision were severe enough to send you in for an eye exam (rather than simply having the cataract discovered at a routine eye exam), you may want to consider surgery. This is a sign that your cataracts are growing more quickly than average and may be less responsive to corrective treatment short of surgical removal and replacement of your eye lens. Letting your cataracts continue to grow could make surgery more complex if you pursue this option later.

You'll also want to seek surgery if you've been diagnosed with cataracts at a relatively young age or if your vision is already very poor. Having surgical cataract removal is generally the best way to preserve your vision over the long term after being diagnosed with cataracts. In addition, for those who already need major vision correction through glasses or contacts, replacing the defective and cataract-covered lens with an artificial one can be a life-changing improvement.

Contact professionals in your area to check it out.


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