Do You Have Cataracts? Here Are Your Treatment Options 

Do you think you might have cataracts? Have you talked to your eye doctor about treatment options?

Getting cataracts is a part of aging, and most people will get them at some point in their life. It’s essential to be aware of your vision and any deterioration and regularly have your eyes checked. 

Keep reading to learn more about your treatment options if you have cataracts!

What Are Cataracts and How Do You Know If You Have Them? 

Cataracts occur when proteins in your eye’s lens begin to break down and clump together. As these proteins gather, your lens starts to darken, making it hard for you to see.

Your vision may appear blurry or cloudy, and colors may seem dull over time with cataracts. You may also suddenly develop double vision in one eye.

You may even develop headaches as a result of light sensitivity. But this can be tricky because, at the same time, you may need a brighter light to see. 

Cataracts can cause vision loss if left untreated for long enough. They’re one reason why you should have annual eye checkups.

If you think you may have cataracts, schedule an eye exam. Diagnosis is the only way to know for sure if you have cataracts. 

Cataract Treatment Options 

Cataract surgery is the only sure way to treat cataracts. If your cataracts are immature, your eye doctor may recommend a new glasses prescription and more frequent eye exams.

But eventually, you will need to get surgery as they begin to interfere with your life. Cataract surgery replaces your cloudy lens with an intraocular lens or IOL.

You will discuss IOL options with your eye doctor ahead of your cataract surgery. They will help you determine which type will be best for you and your lifestyle. 

A monofocal lens is the most basic IOL option. Insurance and Medicare cover monofocal IOLs, but they only allow you to see at one distance.

You’ll have to decide whether that distance is near or far. If you don’t mind reading glasses, a monofocal IOL that corrects distance vision may be suitable. 

A multifocal IOL allows you to see both far and near. But you may need to pay out of pocket as most insurance carriers do not cover this type of premium IOL.

However, multifocal IOLs give you a chance never to need glasses again. Many people feel the cost is worth the visual freedom a premium IOL gives them.

What Happens During Cataract Surgery?

During cataract surgery, your surgeon starts by making a small incision in your cornea. Then they break the lens into tiny pieces to remove it with light suction.

Next, they implant your IOL and press the corneal incision closed. Over the following days and weeks, your eyesight will continue to improve.

Cataract surgery takes less than thirty minutes, and you’ll be able to go home and rest within an hour. Make sure someone else drives you home after because your vision will be blurry.

You may have some discomfort in and around your eye for several days after. It’s essential to take this time to rest your eyes and let your body recover fully.

Do you think it’s time to get your cataracts removed? Don’t risk losing your precious eyesight!

Schedule an appointment at Vermont Eye Laser in Plattsburgh, NY today!