How Are Cataracts Treated?

Surgery is the most effective treatment for cataracts. Cataract surgery is typically a safe and effective procedure that permanently removes cataracts and improves your vision.

A cataract is a cloudiness of the lens of your eye, which is located behind the colored iris in your eye. A healthy lens is clear, allowing light to pass through it, which is transmitted onto the retina at the back of your eye. This information is then sent to your brain which interprets what you’re seeing.

Cataracts can cause blurry vision, can make colors look dull, and can also make it harder to see at night.

More than half of adults over the age of 80 in the United States have cataracts or have had cataract surgery. Surgery is the most effective way to treat cataracts.

This article takes a closer look at cataract surgery, what it involves, and questions to ask your doctor if cataract surgery is an option for you.

Surgery is the best treatment for cataracts. During cataract surgery, the ophthalmologist removes your natural cloudy lens and replaces it with a new artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL).

Americans see their primary care doctors less often than they did a decade ago. Adults under 65 made nearly 25% fewer visits to primary care providers in 2016 than they did in 2018, according to National Public Radio. In the same time period, the number of adults who went at least a year without visiting a primary care provider increased from 38% to 46%.

The new IOL is made from a synthetic material that won’t break down the way a natural lens does, yet it still allows light to easily pass through it.

Cataract surgery is safe and effective. About 90% of people have significant improvement in their vision after surgery.

Depending on the type of IOL you get, you may still need to wear glasses or contact lenses after you’ve had cataract surgery. There are many different IOL options, such as monofocal (focus only at one distance), multifocal (focus both near and far), as well as other types of lenses.

Take the time to talk with your ophthalmologist about the type of IOL that’s best for you, your needs, and your budget. It’s important to keep in mind that monofocal IOLs are typically the only IOL covered by Medicare and private health insurance. You will be responsible for any additional charges beyond what’s covered by your insurer.

What are the risks of cataract surgery?

Although cataract surgery is a very common and safe surgery, as with most medical procedures, there are some risks, such as:

• eye infection
• halos around lights
• blurry vision
• eye pain
• dry eyes
• floaters in your vision
• swelling in the retina (cystoid macular edema)
• corneal swelling (bullous keratopathy)

Be sure to discuss the risks and benefits of cataract surgery with your ophthalmologist so you can weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. Also talk with your doctor about what to expect after cataract surgery, and how long you should wait before resuming your daily activities.

Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgeries done in the United States.

Cataract surgery takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Before the surgery begins, your ophthalmologist will put numbing drops in your eye so you won’t feel any pain. You’ll also be given medication to help you relax during your surgery.

Although you’ll likely be awake during the surgery, you’ll feel drowsy. You may be able to see some lights and movement, but you won’t be able to tell what your eye surgeon is doing. Because of the numbing drops, you won’t feel pain.

During the surgery, your ophthalmologist will use either a tiny blade or a laser to cut into your eye through the cornea — the outer layer of your eye. The cloudy lens then gets broken up with special instruments and removed. Your natural, cloudy lens is then replaced with a new artificial lens. Typically sutures are not needed to close the incision.

After the surgery is done, you’ll go to a recovery area for about 30 minutes. A healthcare professional will monitor you to make sure there are no problems after the surgery. If there are no complications, you’ll be able to go home.

What is the recovery like?

It can take about 4 to 6 weeks to fully recover from cataract surgery. However, you’ll likely notice an improvement in your vision within a couple of days.

Your ophthalmologist will give you specific instructions regarding how to take care of your eye. After having cataract surgery you’ll need to:

• Use prescription eye drops for a few weeks to help your eye heal.
• Wear an eye shield over your eye while you sleep — this prevents you from accidentally touching your eyes for the first few days after surgery.
• Wear dark sunglasses outside.
• See your ophthalmologist so they can check on your healing.

Your ophthalmologist will likely ask you to avoid the following for the first few weeks after cataract surgery:

• rubbing or touching your eyes
• getting soap or water in your eyes
• swimming
• lifting heavy objects
• working out too vigorously
• wearing contact lenses
• flying, unless you get approval from your doctor

You’ll usually be able to resume most daily activities, including gentle exercise, within a few days of your surgery.

For the first few days after cataract surgery, it’s normal for your eyes to feel itchy, dry, or irritated. You may also have blurry vision for the first few days after surgery, and your eyes may be sensitive to light. These side effects are all normal and will usually go away as your eyes heal and adjust to the new lens that’s been implanted.