What are cataracts?
A cataract is an opacity that clouds the natural lens inside the eye. Normally the path of light to the retina (where the light sensors are) is as clear as possible. As we age, the proteins that make up the lens harden and discolor, eventually becoming cloudy. The resulting cataract blocks some of the light, making vision blurry or hazy, increasing glare and halos around lights, and eventually disrupting normal activities.
Cataracts typically occur more frequently in the aging population, however there are many other factors such as family history, diabetes, long term UV exposure, or certain medications like steroids that can cause cataracts. Also, previous eye injuries can be an attributing factor.
Cataract symptoms may include:
Early on, a cataract may be mild enough that simply changing a glasses or contact prescription may improve vision. However, once the cataract progresses enough and begins to interfere with daily tasks such as reading and driving, surgery is the only remaining option.
Advanced Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is a very common procedure, and complications (if any) are rare and treatable. The surgery itself is highly successful in improving the vision of patients about 95% of the time. Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure usually taking less than 30 minutes to complete.
During the surgery, Dr. Bearie removes the cloudy natural lens, or cataract, from the eye while the patient is under a topical anesthesia. Next, the doctor inserts an intraocular lens (IOL), which remains permanently in place of the removed natural lens. The IOL compensates for the magnification the old lens provided. Modern IOLs are designed for various functions and made out of different materials; Dr. Bearie will help you choose which one is most appropriate for your specific vision needs. After the procedure Dr. Bearie will place a clear shield over the eye and prescribe you with eye drops to use for about a month following surgery.
Recovery from Cataract Surgery
The patient may return home the day of the procedure. With proper rest and avoidance of any strenuous activities such as heavy lifting, recovery is usually a matter of days, with only minor discomfort. Several follow up appointments will be required to ensure the eye is healing properly and initial results are sustained.