| Cataracts
Cataracts usually occur as part of the normal aging process. Studies show that virtually everyone over age 65 has some cataract formation in their eyes! They can also occur in younger people with a family history of cataracts or in association with certain medications. Cataracts can reduce your vision and in fact are the leading cause of blindness in the world.
A cataract occurs when the normally clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy. As the cataract develops, the cloudiness no longer allows the lens to properly focus light on the back of the eye. This unfocused light causes the vision to look blurry or hazy. Some people experience difficulty with glare or decreased vision at night. Unfortunately there is little you can do to prevent cataract formation. There are no eye drops you can take to make the cataracts go away. Treatment is indicated when the decreased vision caused by cataracts affects your everyday activities or hobbies.
The only treatment for cataracts is the surgical removal of the clouded lens. Cataract surgery is one of the most common and most successful surgeries performed in the United States. With small incision/no stitch surgery your cataract can be safely removed and you vision restored on an outpatient basis. A very small opening is made and a tiny ultrasonic probe is used to break up the cataract and gently suction it away. A clear membrane is left in your eye where an intraocular lens is placed (IOL). This IOL is necessary to replace the focusing power of the natural lens, which was removed. With insertion of an IOL, there is little need for thick cataract glasses and contact lenses that were used years ago.
Small incision/no stitch surgery has several benefits as a newer procedure. Often very little anesthesia is needed. The actual procedure is very quick, sometimes taking less than 20 minutes. Patients are able to eat a light snack and drink immediately after the surgery. Many people notice improvement in their vision within hours of surgery and restrictions on your physical activity postoperative is minimal. With small incision/no stitch surgery there is reduced astigmatism, reduced risks and faster healing.
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