As you age, you will inevitably encounter a host of vision-related problems. One of the most common conditions affecting senior citizens is cataracts. But this condition isn’t exclusive to seniors.
Cataracts can affect middle-aged people too, and, often, middle age is when this condition starts to develop. While it’s usually only after the age of 60 that complications from cataracts start to occur, it’s best to address the condition before that point.
Fortunately, younger people now have the option of undergoing early cataract surgery. To help you make an informed decision, Opti-Care, your go-to clinic in the state for eyeglasses, discusses the benefits of early cataract surgery below.
How Cataracts Can Affect Your Vision
Your natural lenses are primarily made of water and protein. As you get older, the protein may clump together and form a cataract, which blocks a small part of the lens and obscures part of your vision. Some of the initial symptoms of cataracts are double vision, blurred vision and light sensitivity, all of which eventually lead to vision loss.
Aging isn’t the only cause of cataracts, although it is the most common one. Other types of cataracts may be caused by glaucoma, eye injuries or exposure to radiation.
Cataract Treatment Options
Cataract surgery is the most common treatment option. During the procedure, the surgeon will take out the clouded lens and replace it with prescription intraocular lens.
Your eye doctor explains that medical technology has advanced to the point that cataract surgeries only take about 15 minutes. Recovery time has also been drastically reduced thanks to the use of local anesthesia. 98% of cataract surgeries have successful outcomes.
Cataract surgery is likely to have an even higher chance of being successful if it’s conducted before the symptoms manifest. If exams indicate you have cataracts, it’s important that you consult your optometrist to find out how to prepare for your operation. They’ll most likely recommend undergoing a pre-operative exam and will discuss your post-care options with you.
Opti-Care offers pre-operation exams, post-surgical care services and dry eye treatments. To schedule an appointment, call (410) 795-8670 or fill out this form. We serve patients in Westminster, MD.