Many patients come for their annual eye exam complaining of blurry vision, thinking they just need a simple update in their glasses prescription.  Sometimes glasses just don’t seem to make the vision as crisp and clear as it once was. Most of the time, that is because a cataract has now developed in the eye.

What is a cataract?

A cataract is a change in the natural lens of the eye.  Over time, natural processes cause changes in the lens proteins that make the lens cloudy.  At that point, you can no longer see clearly, and it may appear like you’re looking through a piece of film.

How are cataracts treated?

The only solution to that problem is to remove the old lens and replace it with a new, clear, lens which is cataract surgery. The good news is there are so many options these days when it comes to the new lens implant that your surgeon can put in your eye. Implants can correct astigmatism, and special lenses called multifocal lenses can even eliminate the need for glasses!

What to expect during your cataract surgery

Cataract surgery is very common and safe. It is performed on an outpatient basis and usually lasts an hour or less. To start, an anesthesiologist will give you light anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout the surgery. Then, your surgeon will make a small, microscopic incision in your cornea, break up and remove your cataract with an ultrasound probe and then implant an artificial lens in its place.

What to expect after your cataract surgery

Within a few days following cataract surgery, your vision will begin improving. It may be blurry at first as your eye heals and adjusts. It’s also normal to experience itching and some minor discomfort for a couple of days. Colors may seem brighter after your surgery as you’re looking through a new, clear lens. You may need to wear an eye patch or protective shield the day of surgery and possibly a few days after your surgery. Typically, complete healing occurs within eight weeks. If you have cataracts in both eyes, we typically schedule the second surgery after the first eye has healed.

Book your consultation

You can restore your vision to what it was when you were a youngster.  Call us at VIP Laser Eye Center at (561) 624-7878 to schedule your consultation if you think you may have cataracts and want to get back that youthful vision.