When is the Right Time for Cataract Surgery?

The most common type of cataract evolves over many years. The condition is usually associated with aging, and most are diagnosed during a regular eye check before you notice any symptoms. Because of their slow progression, most cataracts don’t require immediate treatment. Instead, they’re monitored until your eye doctor deems the time is right for surgery.To understand when this might be appropriate it’s necessary to have a basic understanding of the condition. This will answer many questions surrounding the best time for cataract treatment.

Cataracts, Surgery, & Timings

• What is a cataract?
• How cataracts evolve

What is a cataract?

A cataract is caused by a thin film of proteins that clump together over the lens of the eye. The smooth passage of light through the eye becomes disrupted, causing reduced vision. The early signs of a cataract include:

• Reduced vision in poor light
• Fading or yellowing of colors
• Frequent eye prescription changes
• Seeing halos around light sources
• Foggy vision

How cataracts evolve

Most cataracts take many years, or even decades, to evolve to the stage where they cause symptoms. There are rarer types that have genetic causes or those caused by eye trauma that can progress faster. But the most common type is the age-related cataract that doesn’t tend to occur until the age of 50 or beyond.If you’re diagnosed, your ophthalmologist will monitor the progression during your annual eye examinations.

All About Cataract Surgery

• What is cataract surgery?
• The best time for cataract surgery

What is cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery is a common procedure that involves removing the diseased lens and replacing it with an artificial one. This is known as an intraocular lens, or IOL. While this might sound alarming, rest assured that it’s the most commonly performed operation in the world, with millions being successfully carried out every year.Cataract replacement typically takes place in the doctor’s office under local anesthetic and is completed in around 20 minutes. You’ll return home the same day and full recovery takes around 8 weeks. However, you’ll be able to return to light activities almost immediately and be encouraged to use your eye as normal within 24 hours.Because cataracts evolve at different rates, if you have them in both eyes then you’ll need two separate procedures at least 6-8 weeks apart to remove them both.

The best time for cataract surgery

The ultimate time for cataract surgery is when symptoms are apparent but don’t yet have a massive impact on your everyday life. This is unique to everyone, and one of the reasons it’s so crucial to have regular eye examinations throughout your life.

1. Regular eye exams will diagnose the cataract at the earliest stage
2. Your eye doctor will monitor the progression of the condition
3. Any other eye conditions will also be promptly diagnosed, should they occur
4. Any changes in your prescription—a common symptom of cataracts—can be altered to ensure you benefit from your best possible vision.

Your ophthalmologist will be able to determine the best time for cataract surgery based on your condition. The procedure can be timed to fit in with your life and you won’t run any risk of serious vision impairment through lack of monitoring and care.

Concerned About Cataracts? Contact the World-Leading WBEC Today

The West Boca Eye Center is a global leader in the most advanced treatment for cataracts. Led by Dr. Brent Bellotte, this academic-grade clinic is a center of excellence for the latest vision procedures and operations, including cutting-edge cataract surgery. For those who demand the ultimate level of expertise and vision care, this Florida-based clinic offers unrivaled care and vision correction options. Visit https://westbocaeyecenter.com/services/cataract-surgery/ to discover more about the latest cataract treatments available and get in contact today to book an appointment.