5 Positive Things to Know About Cataracts
Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness but also one of the few conditions that can be effectively cured. If you notice blurry vision or faded colors as you age, you might develop cataracts. Fortunately, a skilled surgeon can replace your clouded lens with a new intraocular lens, restoring your sight.
At Ventura Eye Institute in Camarillo, California, our eye health specialists can screen you for cataracts and determine whether you need cataract surgery to improve your sight.
Five encouraging facts about cataracts
Cataracts can be intimidating, especially if you or a loved one has difficulty seeing. Fortunately, ophthalmology advancements have made diagnosing, managing, and curing cataracts easier.
1. You have time to prepare for surgery
Cataracts are less threatening than glaucoma, which requires early detection and immediate action to preserve your eyesight. While your lens will continue to cloud over, you can wear corrective eyewear until you’re ready to undergo surgery.
2. Cataract surgery is faster and safer than ever
During cataract surgery, the team at Ventura Eye Institute uses advanced techniques and lasers to remove your clouded lens. Then, it’s replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The process is quick, with few risks and downtime, and you can go home the same day.
3. You only need cataract surgery once
Artificial IOLs do not degrade in the same way as natural ones. Once you replace the lenses in both eyes, you won’t develop cataracts again.
4. Cataract surgery can correct refractive errors
Depending on the IOL, you can address different issues. This includes refractive errors like astigmatism, presbyopia, and loss of vision as you age. Since presbyopia and cataracts go hand in hand, many people opt for premium IOLs that correct both.
5. There are premium IOLs for glaucoma
Premium IOLs can improve more than just refractive errors. For patients struggling with glaucoma, Ventura Eye Institute recommends the iStent inject.
During cataract surgery, your surgeon can implant tiny stents within the eye to manage intraocular pressure and prevent further vision loss caused by glaucoma.
Finding the right surgeon
The fortunate thing about cataracts is that they progress rather slowly, giving you time to decide on a surgeon and IOL. At Ventura Eye Institute, we offer a range of services for cataracts, including:
- Comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis
- Small-incision cataract surgery
- Laser-assisted cataract surgery
- Astigmatism correction/LRI
- Lens replacement surgery
- iStent for glaucoma
If you’re interested in premium IOLs, our team will happily explain the differences and help you decide what suits you best. While the goal is to correct the cataracts, eye surgery provides a valuable opportunity to correct other issues simultaneously.
To learn more about cataracts and premium IOLs, call Ventura Eye Institute at 805-388-1211 or visit the contact page for more options.