Guide To Diagnosing And Treating Cataracts

Cataract Surgery

Surgery is the only way to remove cataracts and restore normal vision. The surgery is normally recommended when a patient's cataracts impact their quality of life, making it difficult for them to enjoy daily activities such as watching TV, reading, and driving. For patients who have additional eye problems such as diabetic retinopathy or macular degeneration, cataract removal may be necessary to properly examine and treat these issues. Surgery for cataracts has an estimated ninety percent success rate. For patients with cataracts in both eyes, one cataract is removed in a single surgery, and a second operation is usually scheduled for the following month to remove the remaining cataract. Typically, the operation lasts one hour, and most patients can remain awake for the entire procedure, which can be done using local anesthetic and numbing drops for the eye. During the operation, the cloudy lens with the cataract is removed, and an artificial lens is placed. Patients can leave the same day of the surgery, and most will make a complete recovery within two months. Eye drops may be used following cataract surgery to heal the eye and prevent infection.