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While all senses are important, I believe that vision is one of the most profound. Without sight, many of the tasks necessary to enjoy a normal life are forever taken away. So what happens when someone finds that they have cataracts? Cataract treatment options include surgery or stronger glasses/bifocals. However, in most cases, patients suffering from cataracts feel that surgery is the better choice.

In this article I will introduce cataracts and why they form in the eyes. I will also mention common symptoms that indicate cataracts. Further, I will explore cataract removal surgery extensively, including cost, recovery time and the actual procedure itself.

Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes clouded. They become progressively worse over time and, in the long run, result in decreased vision. There are three main types of cataracts that form in the eyes.

• Nuclear Cataracts – This type of cataract forms in the nucleus (the center of the lens) and is caused by natural aging changes in the eye.
• Cortical Cataracts – This type of cataract forms in the lens cortex. Many diabetic people encounter this type of cataract.
• Subcapsular Cataracts – This type of cataract begins at the back of the lens. The cause of cataracts in this case includes Diabetes and high doses of steroids.

There are several symptoms that could indicate cataracts. Some may suffer from blurred or cloudy vision, as well as double vision and spots in vision. Other cataract symptoms include increased sensitivity to light and poor night vision. Changes in pupil color and distortion of images could also be signs of cataracts.

Cataract eye surgery involves removing the clouded lens of the eye and replacing it with a clear, artificial lens. This operation is usually performed under local anesthesia, as well as on an outpatient basis. The technique used to remove the clouded lens depends on the needs of the individual patient and the particular surgeon performing the operation. There are two main types of cataract surgery.

• Extracapsular – This type of cataract surgery removes the lens but keeps the capsule in place. Performing the surgery this way improves the healing ability of the eye while also adding extra support. The most common type of extracapsular surgery performed in the United States is phacoemuisification. This technique softens and breaks apart the lens of the eye using ultrasound technology.
• Intracapsular – This type of cataract surgery removes the entire lens and capsule of the eye and is less frequently performed due to the increased risk of post-operative complications. Another newer way of performing this operation is called AquaLase. This procedure uses small, strong pulses of water to break up and remove the clouded lens.

In both main variations of the cataract operation, the artificial lens is inserted through a small incision. The lens is then unfolded once it is inside the eye. The total amount of time needed to perform this procedure is around an hour, however the results will improve the patient’s vision significantly for the rest of their life. The one question that any patient considering this procedure always thinks of is “Is this operation worth the recovery?”

After cataract surgery, only 10% of patients will still need glasses. Further, 98% of patients that undergo this procedure will not suffer from complications and 95% of patients will notice improved vision. Even though these statistics are by far in the patient’s favor, risks and complications are present in every surgery. Cataract surgery complications can range from devastating vision loss to minor bruising and swelling. Severe vision loss is extremely rare in this type of surgery and could only be caused from infection or bleeding inside the eye. Retinal detachment could also occur weeks, months, or even years after a successful operation. Swelling of the cornea or retina increase the pressure in the eye, making temporarily droopy eyelids the most common complication. This can be resolved with medication and healing time.

Cataract surgery recovery, for most, is relatively easy, however, the patient must follow certain guidelines in order for the recovery to go as planned. The patient will not be able to drive home after surgery, and should therefore arrange for transportation. Also, at least one full day of rest and sleep is highly recommended, since the patient will feel groggy from the anesthesia. Rubbing or applying any sort of pressure to the eye is extremely discouraged for the first few weeks after surgery. An eye shield is also given to the patient that protects the eyes. Some patients see clearly almost immediately after surgery while others notice gradual improvement over the course of several weeks. In some instances, double vision may occur. This only lasts for 1-2 days. Cataract eye drops are also given to the patient. These eye drops serve as an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory. Most patients are able to resume normal activities 24 hours after surgery, although strenuous activities (such as exercise or lifting heavy objects) should be avoided for about 2 weeks. All in all, a full recovery is reached about 1 month after surgery.

The average cost of cataract removal surgery is $3,000. However, certain factors will affect cost. These factors include:

• One eye or both eyes being operated on
• The severity of the cataract
• The specific removal technique used
• The type of artificial lens used
• The surgeon performing the operation

To conclude, cataract removal surgery may involve a certain amount of recovery time and pain, but the results will almost always include better vision and better quality of life. Complications involving extensive vision loss can be frightening, but once again are extremely rare. Many instances in which complications such as this arose have also been due to surgeons that did not perform the surgery correctly. To all patients considering surgery: Always check out the surgeon you are considering. Make sure that the surgeon has been in practice for a number of years and, if possible, get in touch with former patients of the surgeon. While everyone is different, it is usually safe to say that if a good number of people have a positive experience with a surgeon, that surgeon is a reliable one.