Cataracts are quite common, and it is estimated that this eye condition impacts more than 50 percent of the American adult population. When the cataract begins to cloud the eye, it causes vision impairment. The only way to restore vision is to replace the lens, and this procedure is a fairly common treatment. Thousands of people around the world have been able to benefit from cataract eye surgery.
HOW DOES CATARACT SURGERY WORK?
When you undergo eye surgery to have your cataracts removed, the ophthalmologist will remove the clouded lenses first, then replace them with the implants. The corrective lens placed within the eye is known as an intraocular lens (IOL), and becomes a permanent part of your eye.
Cataract surgery is one of the most common types of eye surgery, and is an effective way to help restore your vision and rid of any cloudy impairment you’ve been experiencing.
TYPES OF CATARACT LENSES
Your doctor will talk with you about common types of cataract lenses to help you select the best lenses for your individual needs. Monofocal lenses are often more affordable than most other options, but have some drawbacks. For example, the lenses help with distance vision, but many find they still require the use of bifocals for improved vision for both near and far distances.
Other options include multifocal IOLs and monovision lenses, which can focus light in alternate ways. These lenses decrease the chance you’ll need bifocals after cataract surgery is complete. With the monovision procedure, one of your eyes will be optimized for near vision, while the other eye is optimized for far vision. It may take a little while to become familiar with this difference, but this treatment is worth it in the long run for people who don’t want to wear bifocals after surgery.
Talk to your doctor about the options available so you can start the process of selecting the best lenses for your eyes. Choosing the optimal lenses for your vision care needs will help reduce the long-term vision care costs that you might accrue in the future, and you will be more satisfied with the results that can be achieved.
Call Silverstein Eye Centers today to make an appointment for an eye exam.