It’s normal to feel a little overwhelmed when you’re diagnosed with cataracts. However, your cataract treatment should not feel stressful. Cataract surgery is the only treatment for cataracts, but has come a long way since it was first performed. Here at Loden Vision Centers, we believe knowledge is the best way to give our patients the confidence to schedule their cataract surgery.
There are so many things that are misunderstood about cataracts and cataract surgery. Our staff and doctors at Loden Vision Centers are committed to providing patients with clear, accurate information. Read on to get the answers to some of the most common cataract-related questions we hear.
Can cataracts be treated without surgery?
Most people know that cataracts are treatable through surgery. However, many people do not know that surgery is the only treatment currently available for cataracts.
In today’s world, misinformation can spread very easily. It is not uncommon to come across information that is inaccurate or just plain untrue. When researching anything online, especially medical procedures, it is easy to happen upon a blog or webpage that is spreading false information. Anyone is free to post anything on the internet – which can be a good and a bad thing. We see this often with cataracts.
During your search for information, you may come across some products for sale that claim to cure cataracts without surgery. These may be in the form of eye drops, pills or supplements, but in all cases, this is completely false. Anyone claiming to have a non-surgical cure for cataracts at this moment in time is lying.
Maybe someday, cataracts will be treatable through non-surgical methods. Researchers are constantly trying to come up with new and better treatments. However, it is important to note that cataract surgery is one of the safest and most routine surgical procedures in the world.
Can cataracts grow back?
Cataracts can not grow back, at least not in the same way. Because your natural lens is removed completely during surgery, it is impossible to develop a cataract again. However, it is possible for something called a secondary cataract to occur.
A secondary cataract occurs when a hazy membrane grows over the back of your new lens. The symptoms are very similar to an actual cataract. This is easily treated through a short correction surgery.
Do I need surgery as soon as my cataract is discovered?
No! People live with cataracts for years before scheduling their cataract surgery. Here at Loden Vision Centers, we recommend getting cataract surgery as soon as cataracts begin to affect your daily life. If you find it difficult to read, drive or see at night, it may be time for cataract surgery. In a similar vein, if you would like to get your cataracts removed as soon as you are diagnosed, that is ok too!
Will my vision improve after cataract surgery?
This depends on the person and the IOL chosen before surgery. Of course, cataract surgery will always improve vision by removing the cloudy, hazy element. However, refractive error correction depends on which IOL you choose that have implanted.
Before your cataract surgery, you have the choice between multiple different types of lens replacements. If you do not choose a premium IOL, you will receive a standard monofocal IOL. This lens will allow you to see clearly only at one distance. Other lenses can correct myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. There are even some IOLs that correct presbyopia! After cataract surgery, many people experience vision even better than their pre-cataract vision
Do cataracts cause blindness?
Cataracts, when left untreated, can cause blindness. However, blindness from cataracts is not permanent. Cataracts at all stages are treatable, but we do recommend getting your cataracts removed before they cause blindness. This will help you avoid a lot of unnecessary frustration, and cataracts are easier to operate on before they become extremely advanced.
Are you interested in cataract surgery? Do you have more questions about cataracts? Our cataract experts at Loden Vision Centers are here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule your cataract surgery consultation and ask away!
