While cataracts aren't always serious, they can interfere with your vision over time. If you suspect that you have cataracts, or if you're considering cataract surgery, an optometrist at Wichita Optometry, P.A. in Wichita, KS can help you learn more about your options.
What Are Cataracts?
As we age, our eyes go through changes. The proteins and fibers on the lens of the eye can clump together or break down, causing the lens of the eye to become cloudy. Cataracts typically develop in both eyes, but the blurring may be more significant in one eye than the other.
While cataracts can be mild, they can also significantly interfere with vision, making it difficult to detect shapes or movements. If cataracts are making it difficult for you to see, our eye doctor may recommend an outpatient procedure known as cataract surgery.
Who Needs Cataracts Surgery?
Our eye doctor can examine your eyes to look for cataracts and see how dense the cataracts are. Although cataracts can interfere with vision, they generally don't cause damage to the eye, which means they don't necessarily need to be removed right away. In most cases, our optometrist will recommend cataract surgery if your cataracts are making it difficult for you to carry out daily activities. If you have a health condition that causes cataracts to progress quickly, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, our eye doctor may suggest scheduling surgery right away.
What Happens During Cataract Surgery?
During this procedure, the clouded lens is removed from the eye. An artificial lens is then placed in the eye, allowing you to see again. Cataract surgery typically takes between 10 and 20 minutes and is done while the patient is under local anesthetic.
It's normal for patients to go home the same day the procedure is performed, but it will take longer for eyes to fully heal. Most people can return to work within a few days of surgery, but it can take as long as three months to fully recover. Your eye doctor can discuss recovery times with you and help you prepare for the procedure.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Eye Doctor in Wichita, KS
Call Wichita Optometry today at (316) 942-7496 for more information or to schedule an appointment with our eye doctor.