Cataracts
What are Cataracts?
Your eyes function like a sophisticated camera system. At the heart of this system lies your natural lens, a crystal-clear structure that focuses light rays onto the retina at the back of your eye, creating the sharp, vibrant images you see every day.
Just as a camera lens must remain clear to capture crisp photographs, your eye’s natural lens needs to stay clear for optimal vision. At birth, this natural lens is typically clear and flexible. However, as you age, the proteins within the lens begin to break down and clump together, gradually clouding your vision.
This clouding of the natural lens is called a cataract, and it’s one of the most common age-related changes affecting vision. While aging is the primary cause of cataracts, affecting nearly everyone over age 50 to some degree, several other factors can accelerate their development or cause them to appear earlier in life.
Risk factors for cataract development include age, family history of cataracts, diabetes, certain medications such as corticosteroids, previous eye injuries or surgeries, and lifestyle factors like smoking.
What are the Symptoms of Cataracts?
Cataracts typically develop slowly over months or years, which means many people don’t notice symptoms in the early stages. As the condition progresses, however, you may notice symptoms including:
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, especially if they’re interfering with your daily activities, it’s important to schedule a comprehensive eye examination at Holland Eye Surgery and Laser Center, where we will diagnose the cause of your visual changes, Early detection allows for better monitoring and optimal treatment of all eye diseases.
When Should I Get Cataract Surgery?
Unlike some eye conditions that require immediate treatment, cataracts can often be monitored for months or even years before surgery becomes necessary. However, if your cataract symptoms are bothersome to you (such as while driving, reading, watching TV, or pursuing hobbies), then it may be time to consider cataract surgery.
Many patients find that their cataracts significantly impact their independence and confidence, leading to social isolation or abandonment of activities they once enjoyed. Cataract surgery improves your vision and is associated with a decreased risk of falling and hip fractures. Your eye doctor will evaluate several factors when discussing surgery timing, including the severity of your cataracts, your overall eye health, your lifestyle needs, and your personal preferences.
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What to Expect During Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures, with millions of people undergoing the treatment annually. The procedure itself is completed in about 10 minutes and is performed at our outpatient surgery center, so you’ll go home the same day.
Before surgery begins, you’ll receive numbing eye drops to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. You will also receive a mild sedative in your IV to help you relax. Although you will be awake and breathing on your own during the surgery, the anesthesia ensures that you won’t have pain or anxiety. Many patients do not remember much of the surgery, though it’s not unusual to remember seeing colorful lights, like a kaleidoscope.
Once you are comfortable, your cataract surgeon creates a small self-sealing incision in the cornea. Through this small opening, he uses an ultrasonic probe to break up and remove the cloudy cataract.
Once the cataract is completely removed, your surgeon carefully inserts an intraocular lens (IOL) through the same small opening.
This IOL unfolds inside your eye and is positioned where your cataract once sat. The IOL becomes a permanent part of your eye and will never need to be replaced. The small self-sealing corneal incision does not typically require sutures, and patients have minimal discomfort after the procedure.
Modern IOLs come in various types, including monofocal IOLs that provide clear vision at one area, multifocal IOLs that can reduce dependence on glasses for multiple areas, and the Light Adjustable Lens that can be customized after cataract surgery.
At Holland Eye, we can use these advanced technology IOLs in combination with Laser Guided Cataract Surgery to reduce any astigmatism and minimize your dependence on glasses. At your consultation, we will discuss which options are most appropriate for your lifestyle and visual goals.
What is Cataract Surgery Recovery Like?
Recovery from cataract surgery is generally straightforward and comfortable for most patients. You’ll need someone to drive you home afterward, due to the anesthesia. Once home, plan to rest for the remainder of the day. You’ll receive a protective eye shield to wear while sleeping for the first week, preventing accidental pressure on the healing eye while asleep.
At Holland Eye, we minimize the number of prescription eyedrops you need after cataract surgery by giving you medicine directly into the eye at the time of surgery. Certain patients may still need to use some prescription drops for about a month after surgery to help the eye heal. We also recommend that all patients use over-the-counter preservative-free artificial tears in the weeks before and after cataract surgery, to lubricate your eye and maximize your comfort.
Most patients notice temporary blurry vision at first, with steady improvement in their vision day after day. Complete healing typically takes four to six weeks. You’ll have several follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress, starting the day after surgery.
Most patients can return to normal daily activities the day after cataract surgery, though you should avoid swimming, extremely dirty work, and eye makeup for 1 week.
What Will My Vision Be Like After Cataract Surgery?
The majority of patients experience dramatically improved vision after cataract surgery, often describing colors as more vibrant and details as sharper than they remember. Many patients are less dependent on glasses, especially if they choose one of our Laser Guided Cataract Surgery options, which include advanced technology IOLs.
At Holland Eye Surgery and Laser Center, our experienced team is committed to guiding you through every step of your cataract journey, from initial diagnosis through complete recovery, ensuring you achieve the clearest possible vision for years to come.
Do you want to learn more about restoring your vision with cataract surgery? Schedule an appointment at Holland Eye Surgery and Laser Center in Holland or Grandville today!
