Counteract That Cataract
If your recent eye exam resulted in a diagnosis of cataracts, try not to be too alarmed. This extremely common eye problem is totally curable and the treatment is surprisingly painless, quick and reliable. To get some quick facts about this eye disorder, read below.
The first sign of a problem: You may notice that the glare of oncoming headlights at night cause more distraction than usual, which will slowly progress to blurred vision and problems during the daytime as well.
The cause of cataracts: The outer layer of the eye, known as the lens, can build up protein over time, which works to obscure your vision. Since cataracts usually begin small and grow larger over time, your eye doctor may advise you to wait a while before you get surgery.
Aging is one common cause of cataracts, but those who smoke, have spent a lot of time in the sun and that drink alcohol excessively are more prone to get them and to get them earlier. Using certain medications, like corticosteroids can also make you more prone to getting cataracts.
Removing the cataract: Just the thought of someone preforming surgery on one's eyes can make some squirm, but you might be surprised how simple and painless the procedure really is. For those who need it, general anesthesia can be used, but usually a numbing drop to the eye and a little local anesthesia will do the trick.
In the surgery, the entire lens is actually removed and replaced with a new lens. This new lens is called a intraoculuar lens (IOL) and there four main types:
1. Standard: Most commonly used, this lens is clear and allows the recipient to have an immediate improvement in vision. Many people report that they had no idea how much the cataracts affected them until they were gone.
2. Toric: This lens is ideal for those who suffer from an astigmatism. The lens is specially crafted to be more powerful in some areas, which improves distance vision. Needless to say, the toric lens must be fitted precisely.
3. Multifocal: This lens can do multiple duties, assisting with near, intermediate and distant vision issues. This type of lens can cause issues with glare, however.
4. Accomodative: Similarly to the multifocal lens in its vision correction, this type of lens flexes with your eye muscles.
As you can see, cataract surgery can do more than just remove the cloud from your vision; it can also correct some of your annoying visions problems and make it possible to live without your glasses. Speak to an eye doctor like De Venuto Joseph J for more information.
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