Having cataracts is often depicted as being similar to looking out of a dirty or fogged window pane. Medically speaking, a cataract is a progressive clouding of the eye lens that makes it hard for one to see and can eventually lead to blindness if untreated. Studies show that most people start experiencing vision problems by the age of 50, and most people will have had cataracts by the time they reach 80. Even though the condition is more common with older people, anyone can have it. If you’re having impaired vision that’s making your everyday activities increasingly difficult, there’s still great hope for you. We are a well-established Ophthalmology Medical Practice with a successful track record of cataract surgery in Dallas Metroplex.

While most cataracts are often associated with aging, there are also various circumstances in which the condition can be triggered. Cataracts can also occur due to an eye injury, metabolic changes, exposure to toxic chemicals, exposure to various forms of radiation, and use of certain drugs such as steroids. Luckily, we are living in an era when the onset of cataracts doesn’t necessarily mean an end to one’s vision. At our facility, we make use of modern technologies that improve outcomes of cataract surgery, giving our patients options that make it possible for them to achieve 20/20 vision or better.

Who Should Have Cataract Surgery?

Having a cataract doesn’t necessarily mean that one should have surgery. Some people do not even notice any change in their vision and can see just fine when wearing prescription glasses. However, cataracts can cause more symptoms and more problems as they grow. This leaves surgery as the best option to eliminate those symptoms. Cataract surgery is recommended if:

  • You have blurred dim, or double vision. This can make it hard for you to read, work on your PC or on anything else that requires clear eyesight.
  • You have poor night vision. This can make it hard for you to see at night or drive when it’s dark.
  • You have become quite sensitive to glare from the sun. This can make it difficult for you to spend time outdoors.
  • You see halos around bright lights.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, we recommend that you consider cataract surgery in Dallas sooner, rather than later. There are also other special circumstances when removal of your cataracts may be necessary even if they don’t bother you. We may suggest surgery if your cataracts are preventing you from having a complete eye exam. Cataracts removal may also be required if they are making it hard for us to treat another eye condition you may have.

How to Prepare for Cataract Surgery

After our board certified cataract surgeon diagnoses you with cataracts, he’ll recommend various preparations that will be necessary before the surgery. These preparations include:

  • You’ll undergo cataract evaluation: A week before your cataracts surgery, your doctor will perform various tests including:
  • Examining your eyes to evaluate their overall health.
  • Evaluating your cataracts to establish their extent.
  • He will also perform several eye tests to help establish the right type of lens implant to use.
  • Stop taking certain medications: If you are taking any medications that are known to maximize the risk of bleeding, your doctor may ask you to stop taking them a few days prior to undergoing the procedure.
  • Use antibiotic eye drops: The doctor will prescribe antibiotic eye drops that you’ll need to use one day before the surgery. This will help to minimize the risk of infection.
  • Don’t eat or drink: Just like with many surgical procedures, you’ll also be advised not to eat or drink anything 12 hours before the surgery.

It’s also important that you prepare for your recovery after the cataract surgery. Normally, patients are allowed to go home the same day they have their surgery. Even if you’ll be fit to go home soon after the procedure, you’ll not be able to drive. Therefore, it’s best that you arrange your ride home. Your doctor will also limit various strenuous activities, including lifting and bending for about a week or so after undergoing surgery. So, it’s best that you arrange for help around home beforehand to ensure that you won’t be overwhelmed with work after surgery.

What to Expect During your Cataract Evaluation

There are various ways of improving vision after being diagnosed with cataracts. While there may be several treatment options available, cataract surgery is the best and only way to remove cataracts. During the procedure, the surgeon will numb your affected eye with anesthetic and give you some medicine to help you relax.

After your eye is numb and you are well relaxed, the cataract surgeon will create a small opening in the front of the affected eye through which he will slot in a small tool to fragment the cataract and gently remove it. Once the cataract is removed, the doctor will insert a new artificial lens through the same opening and make some stitches.

The process above is for traditional cataract surgery, which involves the use of basic surgical tools and basic lenses to extract lenses. Even though the success rates for this particular procedure is usually high, there are still some risks involved. At our clinic, we rely on the newest cataract surgery technology available that is by far more exacting compared to traditional procedures. This allows us to provide virtually problem-free results.

Advancements in Cataract Surgery Technology

Advancements in cataract surgery technology give patients the liberty to choose between basic lenses and advanced technology lens. Our eye surgeon will inform you of the various lens options that are available, and help you choose the option that will best match your lifestyle and visual demands. He may recommend the use of advanced technology lenses known as Intraocular Lenses (or IOLs). These are tiny, artificial lenses that are being increasingly used as a replacement to the eye’s natural cloudy lens. There are different types of IOLs, including:

  • Monofocal IOLs: These are the most common type of lens used with cataract surgery. They have one focusing distance and are set to focus for either distance vision, medium range, or up close. Use of eyeglasses most likely will be required for close work and reading.
  • Multifocal IOLs: These IOLs have different focusing powers, giving clear vision for more than one set distance. This is because they are designed in such a way that the brain learns to automatically choose the right focus. With multifocal IOLs, there is a good chance that glasses will not be required after surgery.
  • Accommodative IOLs: These types of IOLs are designed to change shape or move inside the eye, enabling focusing at different distances.
  • Toric IOLs: These types of IOLs are ideal for those with astigmatism. They are designed to correct the refractive error caused by an uneven curve in the lens or cornea.

As you plan for your cataract surgery in Dallas, it’s important that you consider all the above aspects. Once you visit our clinic, be sure to discuss your vision needs and expectations with our Cataract Surgeon. He will explain the various IOL options available for you in more detail.
Contact LaserCare Eye Center today at 214-328-0444 to schedule your free cataract surgery consultation.