Cataract Treatment

Cataracts are a very common condition of the eye. Studies show that by the age of 65, 90 percent of people will develop cataracts. The older you get, the higher your chances are of developing cataracts. Our optometry staff at Wellington Eye Care in Wellington, CO, can diagnose and treat cataracts.

woman receiving an exam from her eye doctor

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts occur when protein deposits build up on the lens of your eye. Many people who have cataracts compare their vision to looking out a dirty window. Cataracts can also cause blurry vision, reduced color perception, seeing a yellow tint, sensitivity to light, and seeing halos around light.

Who Can Get Cataracts?

Anyone can get cataracts. While age is a major contributing factor for cataracts, there are a few other risk factors.

  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • High blood pressure
  • Excessive exposure to sunlight
  • Smoking
  • Previous eye surgery or eye injury

How Are Cataracts Treated?

In the early stages, the only cataract treatment necessary would be to increase your eyeglass prescription. This can effectively treat your cataract symptoms for a while. In time; however, your cataracts can start to interfere with your daily life. This is when surgery would be necessary.

Cataract surgery is a very common procedure. It is performed in a hospital or surgical center, and it is an outpatient procedure.

During the surgery, your eye doctor would remove your clouded lens and replace it with a clear, artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). This lens would need no care because it would become a permanent part of your eye. There are a few types of IOLs available.

  • Fixed-focus monofocal: This lens comes in a single strength for vision. If you need correction for closeup vision, you would need reading glasses.
  • Accommodating-focus
  • monofocal: This IOL has a single strength, but they respond to your eye muscle's movements. This allows you to focus easily on closeup and distant objects.
  • Multifocal: This IOL is similar to bifocal glasses or contact lenses.
  • Astigmatism correction: If your astigmatism is significant, this IOL can correct it.

Before the Surgery

Before the surgery, your doctor will examine your eyes to determine the best IOL for you. You would also be given eye drops to use before the surgery to prepare your eyes for the surgery and to prevent infection. You will also need to find a ride to the appointment.

During the Surgery

You will be awake during the surgery, but your doctor will give you something to help you relax. After dilating your eyes, your doctor will provide you with a local anesthetic to numb the area. After removing your natural lens, your doctor will put the artificial lens in the empty space. When it is in the eye, it will unfold, filling the empty space.

After the Surgery

Your vision will be blurry for a few days after the surgery while you heal. Within a week, your vision will have improved, and you will see colors more brightly.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

Our eye doctor at Wellington Eye Care can provide the eye care and cataract treatment that you need. After surgery, our doctors of optometry can have you seeing as best as you possibly can. Call us today at (970) 568-7161 to schedule an appointment!

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