Do you have cataracts? Are you wondering how you can get rid of them? Cataracts are a part of the aging process, and most adults will eventually develop them.
When you have them, the first thing you likely think about is how you can treat them. Keep reading to learn how you can get rid of cataracts.
What are Cataracts?
You develop cataracts when proteins in the natural lens in your eye break down and clump together. This clumping causes your lens to become foggy.
A healthy lens is clear. If you have cataracts, it feels like you are looking through a frost-covered or cloudy window.
Cataracts become very common as you age. They begin to develop in your forties, but they usually don’t affect vision until you are in your sixties.
If you do not get rid of your cataracts, they can lead to complete vision loss. Cataract surgery is the only way you can get rid of cataracts.
Will I Immediately Know if I Have Cataracts?
Cataracts develop gradually over time. When you are initially diagnosed with them, they are typically small and do not impact your vision.
You may have cataracts for a long time before you even know they are there. Getting frequent eye exams is the best way to track the development of cataracts in your eyes.
What are the Symptoms of Cataracts?
Cataracts have numerous symptoms that depend on how developed the cataract is. The most common symptoms are:
Foggy visionDifficulty telling the differences between light and darkHaving double visionDifficulty seeing things far awayNoticing glares or halos around lightsDifficulty driving at nightMultiple glasses prescription changes in a short periodDifficulty seeing details like a friend’s face, reading, or sewingNeeding increased or more powerful light to see clearlyTrouble with depth perception like seeing stairs or walking safely around your home
Cataract surgery is the only way to treat these symptoms caused by cataracts. In some cases, cataract surgery can give you better eyesight than you had before cataracts.
How Do You Diagnose Cataracts?
Your eye doctor performs a few pain-free and noninvasive tests to diagnose cataracts. Afterward, they will discuss various treatment options with you.
If your vision issues are not treatable with a new prescription, cataract surgery is your only option. Fortunately, cataracts develop slowly over time.
You do not have to get them removed the moment you get diagnosed with them. But when you do get cataract surgery, your vision will quickly improve to how it was pre-surgery.
Can I Get Rid of cataracts?
The only way to get rid of cataracts is cataract surgery. When your cataracts start impacting your safety and quality of life, it is time to talk with your eye doctor about having it.
Before your procedure, you select the lens to replace your natural lens. This lens is an intraocular lens (IOL).
During cataract surgery, your natural lens gets taken out and replaced with the IOL. IOLs are responsible for your eyesight after cataract surgery.
The IOL you choose to have implanted determines the quality of your eyesight after cataract surgery. Depending on the IOL you choose, you could have the best vision of your life!
What Types of IOLs are Available?
IOLs come in a wide variety of options. The most basic IOL is a monofocal IOL or standard IOL.
These IOLs correct vision at one distance. That means they can give you excellent distance vision, for example. But in that case, you will still need reading glasses for up-close tasks.
Other types of IOLs can give you more advanced vision than a monofocal IOL. These IOLs are premium IOLs. You may need to pay out of pocket for them, but the lifestyle advantages they provide may be worth it.
PanOptix Trifocal IOL
The PanOptix trifocal IOL is the only FDA-approved trifocal IOL available. It lets you see up close, at intermediate distances, and far away without glasses or contacts.
This IOL will let you see at all these distances with crisp vision. If you enjoy reading, working at the computer, watching TV, and driving, all without glasses, then the PanOptix trifocal IOL is for you.
The PanOptix trifocal helps filter UV and blue lights from hitting your eye, too. This protection ensures that light from screens will not damage your eyes.
If a life without glasses sounds good to you, be sure to discuss the PanOptix trifocal IOL with your eye doctor.
Vivity IOL
If you primarily want to see far and intermediate distances in high quality, then the Vivity IOL is the IOL for you. It gives you functional up-close vision too. You may need reading glasses for fine text, but otherwise, you should not need glasses.
These features are due to advanced X-WAVE technology, which also protects you from UV and blue light rays. The Vivity IOL can also limit occurrences of halos, glares, and other disturbances in your vision.
Can You Correct Astigmatism During Cataract Surgery?
Astigmatism is an eye condition that occurs when the edge of the cornea has a jagged, irregular shape. This rough shape causes the cornea to scatter light onto your retina instead of focusing the light.
Patients who have this condition experience blurry vision as the main side effect. Fortunately, you can correct your astigmatism during cataract surgery.
A type of IOL, called a toric model IOL, gives you this option. If the IOL you select for cataract surgery comes in a toric model, you can correct your astigmatism.
Using a toric model of the PanOptix trifocal or Vivity IOL can give patients the best eyesight of their life. If you have astigmatism, you’ll be able to see without glasses or contacts for the first time in your life!
Are you ready to talk with a professional about cataract surgery? If so, schedule a consultation at Chicago Cornea Consultants™ in Chicago, IL.
Don’t risk losing your eyesight to cataracts. Come see how you can get rid of them!
