Just as with grief, there are specific stages relating to cataracts. First, there is the diagnosis, followed by the research, and finally, the treatment. If you are in the research stage, there is a good chance that you are scouring the internet to find as many facts as you can. With the information provided, you can learn some facts and then contact a Garden City, New York eye surgeon for treatment.
Cataracts Do Not Go Away Without Surgery
Cataracts will not get better over time. Even eye drops and other over-the-counter options do not work. If you have cataracts, your only viable option is surgery. During the process, the surgeon will remove the affected lens and replace it with a fresh lens. When finished, you will have your vision back.
They Are Incredibly Common
If you have been diagnosed with cataracts, you are far from being alone. Approximately 50 percent of people who are 80 years of age or older either have cataracts or had one removed. However, cataracts do not just affect the elderly. According to statistics, over 17 percent of Americans who are 40 or older have cataracts.
They Cause Blindness
If left untreated, cataracts can cause blindness. The cloudier the lens gets, the harder it is to see, until eventually, you are unable to see at all. This is actually the leading cause of blindness in the United States. That is a big reason why people are encouraged to seek treatment quickly. Of course, if you suffer from blindness due to cataracts, surgery will restore your sight so it is never too late to get help.
You Are Not Put Under for Cataract Surgery
If the idea of being put under anesthesia for surgery frightens you, there is no need to worry about cataract surgery. In most cases, surgeons use only a local anesthetic. You might also be given a sedative to keep you calm during the procedure.
Cataracts Do Not Grow Back
You might have heard the old wives’ tale that cataracts grow back after surgery, but that simply is not true. Your surgeon will remove the entire lens, making it impossible for the same cataract to grow back. However, the membrane that holds your new lens might cloud over. If that happens, your surgeon can use a laser to remove the cloudiness.
You Do Not Have to Wait for Cataracts to Ripen
In the past, eye surgeons waited until cataracts “ripened” before removing them. Now, surgeons remove cataracts as soon as they begin to impact people’s lives. For instance, if you cannot see well because of a cataract, your surgeon will likely remove it.
You Will Notice a Difference Immediately
Patients are often surprised that they can see better as soon as the bandages come off. In fact, your New York City, New York surgeon will likely take the bandage off the day after surgery. When the bandage is gone, look around the room and you will see better than you have in ages.
Now that you are done with the research stage, it is time to schedule an appointment with a Hauppauge, New York eye surgeon. Let your surgeon analyze your cataracts and walk you through the surgery process. Then, schedule your surgery and get ready to enjoy clearer vision.