How Safe Is A Cataract Surgery Operation?
The decision to undergo any kind of medical procedure always comes with a level of apprehension. When it comes to that for your eyes, and cataract surgery, in particular, it’s human nature to want to understand what you’re letting yourself in for. The procedure is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the USA. But, as with any invasive treatment, there is a certain level of risk—albeit negligible.The following will answer many of your questions regarding the safety of having a cataract operation.
Cataract Surgery: The facts
- The evolution of cataract surgery
- Safety statistics surrounding cataract surgery
- Risk factors
The evolution of cataract surgery
Cataract surgery has been carried out for decades. However, what once required a major operation and several days in hospital is now carried out on an outpatient basis. Today’s advanced procedures are undertaken by an experienced cataract eye surgeon under local anasthetic and usually require just a few hours of your time. The basic premise of such surgery is to replace the diseased lens within the eye with an artificial one, known as an intraocular lens. There are various types of these lenses. The type that best suits you will be discussed in-depth with your eye surgeon before the operation is carried out.
Safety statistics surrounding cataract surgery
Today’s cataract procedures are incredibly safe. Millions are carried out in the USA per year, with most having what are often life-changing benefits. Cataracts are extremely common and are mostly associated with the aging process. The National Eye Institute states that “By age 75, half of white Americans have cataracts. By age 80, 70 percent of whites have cataract compared with 53 percent of blacks and 61 percent of Hispanic Americans”.Around 1 in 100 procedures result in minor postoperative issues that can be treated by your ophthalmologist. These include a prolonged dry eye condition that can be treated with drops. Very occasionally, the mild pain felt after surgery may go on for longer than the usual few days. This is most usually effectively treated with OTC analgesia as advised by your eye surgeon.
Risk factors
Pre-existing conditions can elevate certain risks of cataract surgery. These include:
- Diabetes
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Glaucoma
- Macular degeneration
- Previous eye trauma
In such situations, it’s advisable to consult with a cataract surgery expert who’s highly experienced in treating cataracts in conjunction with your condition.
How to Find the Best Doctor for Cataract Surgery
- Convenience vs. experience: the best doctors for cataract surgery near me
Convenience vs. experience: the best doctors for cataract surgery near me.
The sheer number of cataract operations that are carried out each year means there are many providers throughout the country and worldwide. However, just because an eye doctor near you can perform such an operation doesn’t necessarily mean that this is the best healthcare professional for you.This is undoubtedly the case should you have a pre-existing condition, as the need for an ophthalmologist who specializes is paramount. This makes traveling for treatment often the preferable option—after all, your precious eyesight is something that deserves no shortcuts.
The West Boca Eye Center Provides the Ultimate in Cataract Treatment
Dr. Brent Bellotte, the lead clinician at the West Boca Eye Center, is a world-leading cataract surgeon who pioneered some of the cutting-edge procedures that are commonly carried out today. His globally revered work continues to advance. Bringing successful cataract surgery to even the most complex of cases is one of his specialties—just one reason that many of his patients travel nationwide to avail themselves of his expertise.To find out more visit https://westbocaeyecenter.com and book an appointment today.
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Specializing in modern cataract surgery.
Located 1/2 miles North of West Boca Medical Center on Glades Road, directly behind Macy's Furniture Gallery.
West Boca Eye Center
9325 Glades Road, Suite 201.
Boca Raton, FL 33434