Treating Cataracts for Improved Quality of Life

With ongoing advancements in the field of ophthalmic surgery, treatment for the everyday cataract is better than ever. In fact, cataract removal is one of the safest and most effective surgical procedures performed today. More than 4 million cataract surgeries are completed in the United States every year, and the vast majority result in astounding visual outcomes for the patient. 

As technology progresses, this surgical procedure has increasingly precise and personalized effects for the patient. After the cloudy lens is removed from the eye, the doctor implants an intraocular lens–more commonly referred to as an IOL. There are various types of IOLs—multifocal, toric, and aspheric—and they have the potential to improve near and distance vision and even correct astigmatism. 

Before the procedure, the doctor and patient will work together to determine the most favorable type of IOL for the patient. This aspect of the surgery is highly personalized to each and every patient, as it is based on eye health and unique lifestyle needs. Typically, those who undergo this procedure experience a reduced reliance on glasses, a significant improvement in vision quality, and an increased sense of independence and competency. More often than not, patients leave this simple surgical procedure thinking, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?”

That being said, it is important to treat cataracts as soon as they become an apparent medical issue. Although they may seem harmless, the sooner cataracts are removed, the better the final visual outcome can be for the patient. Furthermore, untreated cataracts can unfortunately result in devastating injuries and health consequences. Cataracts can lead to legal blindness, glaucoma, and even total blindness if left for too long, and it is impossible to predict how quickly cataracts will worsen.

Since this gradual clouding of the eye’s lens impairs vision and depth perception, untreated cataracts have the potential to cause dangerous accidents and injuries. In particular, cataracts affect the ability to see clearly when driving at night, which can result in fatal crashes. Likewise, the gradual loss of depth perception can cause someone to misjudge the height of a curb or the depth of a bathtub, causing a fall.

It is always better to seek prompt treatment for a cataract, even if the issue does not seem urgent. This improvement in vision goes hand in hand with an improvement in overall quality of life. If you or a loved one is experiencing visual impairment as a result of a cataract, please get in contact with Better Vision New Jersey to schedule an appointment today.