Can Cataracts Be Treated Without Surgery?

Having surgery on your eyes is naturally something that will make all of us feel anxious. When it comes to cataracts—a common condition that affects most of us as we age—it’s often asked if there’s any other option to a surgical procedure.At present, there’s no choice other than surgery to treat cataracts. However, much effort is being directed at changing this. Read on to discover the latest exciting developments that could one day see cataracts treated in a non-surgical manner.We also discuss the positive steps we can all take to look after our eyes and help slow the growth and progression of cataracts in the first place.

Treating Cataracts Without Surgery: The latest advancements

• Cataract treatment today
• Cataract treatment in the future

Cataract treatment today

Today’s cataract treatment is highly advanced. From traditional cataract lens replacement to state-of-the-art laser procedures, this is combined with a wide variety of intraocular lenses (IOLs) to suit every type of lifestyle and visual needs.Cataract operations are typically performed on an out-patient basis, with most being done under local anesthetic. This leads to fast recovery periods—in many cases you might even be able to drive as soon as 24 hours afterward.

Cataract treatment in the future

The above-mentioned procedures are highly sophisticated. However, exciting progression by scientists and researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst means that in the future it’s likely that ophthalmologists will be able to treat cataracts in a non-surgical manner.Early results of sophisticated experiments have allowed scientists to determine the relationship between protein clumping (the cause of cataracts) and the molecular basis of this. As this understanding expands, it’s very probable that instead of removing a diseased lens after the clumping has occurred, eye doctors will be able to intercept it as, or even before, it occurs.  In short, they’ll be able to treat cataracts without an operation.

Positive Steps to Great Eye Health

• Simple life changes to look after your eyes & help slow cataract formation

Simple life changes to look after your eyes & help slow cataract formation

Of course, this discovery and the resulting future technology will not come about fast. In the meantime, we can continue to take advantage of the latest techniques for cataract removal. We should also take positive steps to look after the health of our eyes—and do this way before any evidence of cataracts occurs. The following are easy life-changes we can all do to ensure our eyesight remains as great as possible as the years roll by:

• Have regular eye tests: This is vitally important as any problems will be picked up at the earliest stages. Depending on your age and medical conditions, such routine exams should be carried out at intervals ranging from 6 months to 2 years.
• Eat a healthy diet: Ensure plenty of green leafy veg and low levels of saturated fats. This will also help keep your weight within normal levels.
• Protect your eyes from the sun: Wear good quality sunglasses and use a hat to shade your eyes from the sun.
• Don’t smoke: If you do, seek help to give up.
• Drink alcohol in moderation: Excessive consumption has whole-body health implications
• Protect your eyes from trauma: Wear safety goggles or glasses if carrying out high-risk activities.

Your eyesight is vital to your quality of life. Looking after it in every way you can is the best gift you can give to yourself. Instilling the same ethos in your children will also set them up for great life-long eye health habits.

Contact the WBEC for the Ultimate Eye Care & Specialist Cataract Treatment

The key to great eye care is partnering with the right eye doctor. Dr. Brent Bellotte and the West Boca Eye Center are passionate about the provision of the ultimate service. Not only is the clinic a leading global facility for cataract treatment, but they also offer cutting-edge laser vision correction, glaucoma treatment, diabetic eye care, routine eye care, and emergency facilities.Your eyesight is precious, making it crucial that you want to receive the best care. Whether you’re young or old, have 20/20 vision, or are worried about deterioration from cataracts or other causes, the WBEC provides the latest in everything vision-related.  Visit https://westbocaeyecenter.com now and call to book your initial appointment.