The human eye is extremely complex. Often, over time, conditions like cataracts may develop. Cataracts occur slowly, but can easily impact your vision. If left untreated, they can cloud your vision and change how you see the world around you. Fortunately, there’s a straightforward solution: cataract surgery.
Cataract surgery is a quick and safe procedure designed to restore your vision. The surgery normally takes about 30 minutes. However, if you need surgery on both eyes, you’ll need to wait about 6–8 weeks between procedures. This gives the first eye the chance to heal fully and removes the risk of further problems.
What Are Cataracts?
Inside each eye is a clear lens that focuses light onto the retina at the back of your eye. This lens changes shape as needed in order to help you see clearly. Over time, however, the lens can develop cloudy spots—the result is called a cataract.
Cataracts are a common eye condition. They develop slowly, and they’re difficult to notice in their earlier stages. However, as they progress, they create visual distortions and make everyday tasks more of a challenge.
While cataracts mostly develop with age, they can also be caused by:
- Underlying health conditions
- Certain medications, such as corticosteroids
- Eye injuries or trauma
- Prolonged exposure to UV radiation
If untreated, cataracts can significantly disrupt your quality of life.
How to Tell If You Have Cataracts
Cataracts can be subtle. They slowly cloud over the lens of your eye, distorting light as it enters your eyes. At first, cataracts only result in small vision changes, but eventually they can cause:
- Blurry or cloudy vision.
- Double vision in a single eye.
- Trouble seeing clearly at night.
- Increased sensitivity to light or glare.
- Faded appearance of colors.
- Halos around bright lights.
If you develop any of these symptoms, visit your optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam. They’ll be able to check your eyes to find what’s causing your symptoms and create a treatment plan going forward.
Cataract Treatment: What Are Your Options?
Treatment for cataracts depends on their progression, how much they interfere with your quality of life, and how noticeable the symptoms are. While early-stage cataracts can sometimes be managed with updated glasses or brighter lighting, these are only temporary fixes.
During your eye exam, your optometrist will determine how far along your cataracts are. This is done through a series of non-invasive tests, like a slit-lamp examination, to check your eye from different angles. Your optometrist will recommend an appropriate treatment option depending on your specific circumstances.
At Optometric Group of Fontana, Upland and Rancho Cucamonga, we work closely with a team of ophthalmologists in our area. If needed, we’ll refer you to an experienced surgeon for cataract surgery.
What to Expect From Cataract Surgery
Heading into surgery can seem concerning, but it doesn’t have to be. Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the world, and it’s a safe, effective way to handle cataracts.
First, you’ll need a consultation. This determines the specific extent of your cataracts. Then, your optometrist refers you to an experienced surgeon nearby.
On the day of your surgery, you can expect the following:
- When you arrive for surgery, your eye will be measured to ensure the right lens is selected.
- You’ll receive drops to dilate your eye and be given a mild sedative to keep you relaxed.
- The surgeon will remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a new one. This takes about 30 minutes.
- After surgery, you’ll rest briefly before heading home. You’ll need someone to give you a ride. Don’t drive yourself after eye surgery, as you’ll likely experience some unusual visual distortions for a few days.
If both eyes need surgery, they’ll be treated one at a time. Operating on both eyes at once can lead to complications, so there’s a waiting period between surgeries.
Typically, there are 6–8 weeks between surgeries. This gives the first eye to heal in full. After a few weeks of monitoring, your optometrist can determine if you’ve recovered enough for the procedure to be performed on the other eye.
Tips for Recovering From Cataract Surgery
The recovery process after cataract surgery is generally smooth. You may experience a bit of discomfort and blurred vision at first, but this should quickly subside. If symptoms persist, return to your optometrist for a follow-up exam.
After surgery, make sure to:
- Avoid rubbing or touching your eye after surgery.
- Wear the provided eye shield while sleeping for the first few nights.
- Rest your eyes as much as possible after the surgery.
- Use prescribed eye drops to reduce inflammation and prevent infections.
- Avoid rubbing or putting pressure on the treated eye.
- Protect your eyes from sunlight by wearing sunglasses when outside.
With the right care, your vision should improve steadily. Your eyes should recover quickly, and you should enjoy clear and comfortable vision once more!
Get Checked for Cataracts Today
Cataracts don’t need to hold you back from living life. Addressing them sooner rather than later is key to clear vision, and our team at Optometric group of Fontana, Upland and Rancho Cucamonga is ready to help. Contact our team today to schedule an appointment—whether it’s cataracts or any other eye condition, we’re here to help!
