Did you know that almost half of the adults in the US under the age of 60 show signs of cataracts? More than half of all US adults will either have cataract surgery or have had cataracts removed by age 80.
If you are 50 or older, it’s time to have your eyes checked for cataracts. Cataracts can impair your vision and leave you temporarily blind.
Cataract surgery is the only way to treat your cataracts. Keep reading for some signs you may need cataract surgery, and what to expect from the surgery!
Foggy Vision
When you have cataracts, one of the most common signs you may develop is foggy vision. This is because cataracts make your vision blurry.
Many patients report this kind of blurry vision as being “foggy.” It can appear as if you are looking through a foggy window.
Foggy vision can limit your ability to see and can make it impossible for you to complete your daily routine.
It’s time for cataract surgery when you can no longer go about your day with ease.
Halo Effect
Are you seeing halos around lights at night? This can include your porch or walkway lights, as well as street lights and headlights.
This is called the halo effect, and it can make it difficult for you to get around at night. It can make it downright unsafe, especially when it comes to driving at night.
You need cataract surgery if you are experiencing the halo effect.
Loss of Sharp Vision
Cataracts cloud the lens of your eye. This makes for blurry vision at all distances, especially up close.
When you have cataracts, your vision loses its sharpness. This impairs your ability to distinguish shapes, colors, and faces. Cataract surgery is the only way to restore your vision.
Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is quick and painless. Most patients are in and out when they have the procedure in under an hour.
Before the surgery, you’ll have your eyes numbed with eye drops. These special eye drops will ensure that you won’t feel a thing, including pain, during cataract surgery.
Once cataract surgery starts, your surgeon will make a small incision in your cornea. They will then remove the natural lens of your eye.
This is how your cataract gets removed. After removing the natural lens, it is replaced with an artificial lens, known as an intraocular lens.
Intraocular lenses or IOLs take over the job that the natural lens was doing. But most importantly, they allow you to see clearly again!
Standard IOL
A standard IOL is called a monofocal lens. This means that it restores and corrects your vision at only one distance.
Most patients still need prescription glasses or contact lenses to see clearly with a standard IOL. This is the only lens that Medicare will cover.
Premium IOL
A premium IOL will restore and correct your vision at all distances. They correct nearsightedness and farsightedness, as well as astigmatism.
Most patients do not need prescription glasses or contact lenses with a premium IOL. Reading glasses are still needed by some patients.
A premium IOL is an excellent investment in your vision. Artificial lenses do not age, instead providing you with clear vision for the rest of your life.
Ready to ditch your cataracts? The first step is a cataract screening.
Schedule yours today with Stahl Eyecare Experts in Manhattan, NY!
