10 Of The Most Frequently Asked Questions About Cataracts

1. What are cataracts?

Cataracts occur when the lens in your eye becomes cloudy or foggy. Some people describe having cataracts as looking at the world through a cloudy window. This causes blurry or distorted vision for those with cataracts.

2. Will cataract surgery hurt?

Patients who have cataract surgery do not say that it was painful. Most say that they experienced some discomfort.

3. Is vision loss from cataracts permanent?

No, your vision loss is not permanent. During cataract surgery, your surgeon will remove the natural lens and replace it with an artificial one. The lens is what allows you to have clear vision after cataract surgery.

4. At what age will I get cataracts?

Cataracts are very common as a result of aging. You may start developing cataracts in your forties or fifties and not even realize it.

5. Will everyone get cataracts?

Not everyone develops cataracts or needs cataract surgery. By the age of 80, at least half of your peers will already have or had cataracts.

6. What are the most common signs of cataracts?

There are many signs that you have cataracts. Common signs include:

• Cloudy or blurry vision
• Having trouble seeing at night
• Developing light sensitivity
• Seeing halos around lights, especially at night
• Needing more light to complete detail-oriented tasks like reading
• Experiencing double vision in one eye
• Seeing colors as more faded or yellow-tinted
• Frequently needing new glasses or contact lens prescriptions

7. How long does cataract surgery take to recover from?

Once you have cataract surgery, your vision will start to look clear within a few days. During this time, your eyes are adjusting to your IOL, so your vision might be a bit blurry as your eyes heal.

Your vision will clear up and any discomfort should go away during this time. Also, most patients’ eyes heal within two weeks after cataract surgery.

8. What is an IOL?

An IOL is an intraocular lens. During cataract surgery, your surgeon will remove your eye’s natural lens.

This is where an IOL becomes important. It is the artificial lens that replaces your natural lens. You will select an IOL before surgery.

9. Are cataracts treatable without surgery?

It is common for patients to delay cataract surgery. Cataract surgery isn’t necessary until cataracts impact your daily life. Many people go on to live with cataracts for years before having surgery.

They may need more light, magnifiers to read, or extra help. If you want to be outside, polarized sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats help too.

10. Is Cataract Surgery Safe?

Cataract surgery is a very safe procedure. It has a high success rate, making it one of the most reliable procedures.

Before surgery, you’ll receive numbing eye drops. After numbing your eyes, the surgeon makes a small incision and removes the lens.

Once the lens has been completely removed, the IOL is put into your eye to replace the natural lens. The best part is that there are no stitches needed during cataract surgery! This promotes a fast and safe recovery process for patients.