Is your vision cloudy? Have you noticed changes in your eyesight over time that make things more difficult to see? For many people, these symptoms are indicative of cataracts. Many will eventually have to talk about cataract treatment with their eye doctor, as it is extremely common to develop cataracts.
Let's start with the basics. Just what is a cataract? In simple terms, it's a clouding of the eye's lens and occurs most typically in people over 40. Sadly, it's also the most prevalent cause of blindness worldwide. There are three cataract types:
We have 2 convenient eye care locations in Lancaster and Willow Street, PA, to serve you. If you are looking for cataract treatment in Lancaster, PA, or the surrounding areas, contact us today!
You may initially see little effect on your vision when you develop cataracts. Your eye care professional may tell you that you have a cataract, but you may not even recognize any vision problems. At worst, you may notice slightly blurred vision. However, cataracts may cause light sources to be too bright or cause headlights coming in your direction to glare much more noticeably. Other cataract symptoms include:
Cataracts can develop slowly or appear quickly. The only way to know if you have cataracts with certainty is to get an eye exam from an ophthalmologist. After your examination, your eye doctor in Lancaster, PA, can discuss cataract treatment options.
The lens in your eye is a delicate structure made up of water and protein, organized to maintain clarity and allow light to pass through. As we age, this protein may cluster together, leading to a clouded or blurred lens— a condition known as a cataract. Over time, the cataract can expand, further impairing your vision. The National Eye Institute estimates that the number of Americans affected by cataracts will rise from 24.4 million in 2010 to a staggering 50 million by 2050. Given the trend of an aging population, this figure is expected to continue its upward trajectory beyond 2050.
However, age isn't the only factor contributing to the onset of cataracts. Other risk factors include:
While cataract surgery is an option for many people who develop this condition, it is essential to try to prevent them from forming as much as possible. There's conflicting evidence associated with cataract prevention.
Some studies suggest various nutrients and supplements may reduce the risk of this eye disease. Vitamin E, vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids can potentially reduce your risk. Additionally, because UV rays from the sun are a cause, sunglasses that block them may be a deterrent.
Watch Cataracts VideosAt first, treating cataracts could involve using reading glasses, brighter lights, and other techniques to help you see more clearly. However, when cataracts advance to a stage where vision loss becomes significant, cataract eye surgery in Lancaster, PA, could be the best solution for your vision.
During this surgical procedure, the cloudy lens is removed and generally substituted with an artificial lens known as an intraocular lens (IOL).
This lens implantation becomes a permanent part of your eye and is unnoticeable. IOLs are made from materials like plastic, silicone, or acrylic, with some types of IOLs, such as monofocal IOLs and toric IOLs designed to block UV light. Most IOLs are flexible, allowing them to be inserted through a small incision without the need for stitches. The surgeon simply folds it and places it where your natural lens used to reside.
Cataract removal options typically utilize ultrasound energy or laser-assisted technology. In some instances, a cataract might obstruct the treatment of another eye condition and need to be removed to monitor better or treat that condition, like macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy.
Undergoing any type of surgery can be daunting. However, the risks associated with cataract treatment are minimal. It's a straightforward, relatively pain-free outpatient procedure at a surgery center and a generally safe method to regain your vision, whether it's distance vision or driving at night.
Cataract surgery is one of the most frequently performed surgeries in the United States, with over 3 million operations conducted each year. Sight-threatening complications occur in less than 2% of procedures, illustrating the high standard of patient care involved.
Cataract surgery can be scary, but it is a common procedure with few complications when done correctly. Many patients undergoing cataract surgery have questions to help ease their minds, and below, you will find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive at Campus Eye Center.
Cataract surgery is typically an outpatient procedure that we carry out in our office. We employ cutting-edge small-incision, no-stitch surgery techniques coupled with a topical anesthetic to minimize recovery time. The straightforward operation should not exceed 10 minutes unless your cataract surgery involves complex factors.
Post-surgery recovery due to sedation might take 30 minutes to an hour. It's important to note that if both eyes require cataract surgery, your surgeon will allow one eye to recuperate before proceeding with the second eye.
While it may sound intimidating, patients remain awake during cataract surgery. This approach is adopted to mitigate anesthesia-related risks and enable your surgeon to communicate with you throughout the procedure. Rest assured, you will receive medication, either orally or via an IV, to ensure you remain calm, relaxed, and comfortable. Some patients even report not remembering the surgery afterward.
You'll need a driver to take you home following cataract surgery. If you don't have sunglasses, you'll also be given a pair to wear home to protect your eyes from bright light. We will also fit you with an eye shield to help protect your vision during sleep. The protection only has to be worn for a few days.
It's advisable to avoid bending over until two weeks post-surgery. Bending over exerts pressure on the eyes, which can cause discomfort or impede the healing process. It's best to exercise caution after your surgery and adhere to the recommended recovery timeline.
A 24-hour waiting period is sufficient for most individuals before they can resume driving. However, it's crucial to consult with your eye doctor beforehand to confirm it's safe. If you typically wear contacts while driving, you must switch to glasses during your eye's healing phase post-surgery.
Post-surgery, there may be a transitional period as you adjust to the intraocular lens that replaces your natural lens. Temporary blurriness is normal. Due to surgical trauma, your eye may appear bloodshot due to damaged blood vessels, but this redness typically subsides within a few days.
On a positive note, many patients report experiencing clearer vision within hours after cataract surgery. For others, it may take a week or two. By the end of a month, your lens should be fully healed, although some patients may still need glasses post-surgery.
As mentioned above, recovery timeframes will vary from person to person, and your doctor can help you determine how well you're healing at a check-up appointment in the days after surgery. There are steps you can take, however, to speed your recovery.
Following recovery from cataract treatment in Lancaster, PA, most people do still need glasses. There are cases, however, where your reliance on eyeglasses is reduced. If you wear glasses following cataract surgery, choosing lenses with anti-reflective coating and photochromic lenses for better vision and comfort.
If you're experiencing vision problems and think cataracts might be an issue, give us a call to schedule an appointment. Campus Eye Center has locations in Lancaster and Willow Valley.
Campus Office2108 Harrisburg Pike, Suite 100
Lancaster, PA 17601
Phone: (717) 974-9661
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8-5
Willow Lakes Office222 Willow Valley Lakes Drive, Suite 1800
Willow Street, PA 17584
Phone: (717) 464-4333
Office Hours: Monday 8-5, Tuesday 8-12, Thursday 9-5
This office can be closed due to staffing. Please call ahead before coming to pick up contact lenses.
Campus Eye Center is an exceptional eye center with experienced eye doctors, Ophthalmogists and Optometrists, in Lancaster, PA.
We offer total vision care including contact lenses at either of our two locations.
