If you’ve been recommended cataract surgery to help restore your vision, you may have a lot of questions. Here are some of the most commonly asked cataract surgery questions and answers to help put your mind at ease.
Cataract surgery questions
What are cataracts?
Cataracts refer to white patches that develop in the lenses of your eyes. Your lenses are usually clear when you are born and remain so as you grow older. However, after the age of 40, cataracts can commonly develop, meaning less light is able to pass through your lenses, causing blurry or misty vision.
What causes cataracts?
Aging is the biggest risk factor for cataracts, but other causes include:
Family history of cataracts
Exposure to UV light
Smoking
Certain medications, particularly steroids
Diabetes
Eye trauma
Obesity
Radiation
Is cataract surgery covered by insurance and Medicare?
Yes, if an eye doctor recommends that the surgery is necessary.
What are the first symptoms of cataracts?
Symptoms vary but include:
Glare or halos when driving at night
Blurry vision when focusing at a distance or reading
Double vision
Sensitivity to light
Colors appearing faded
How safe is cataract surgery?
Over 3 million cataract surgeries are performed each year in the U.S., making it one of the most common procedures. It is also one of the most effective surgical treatments, with a success rate of 98% or higher.
How are cataracts removed?
First, numbing eye drops are applied to the eye. Then, 2 small incisions are made into the lens capsule, and an ultrasound device is used to gradually break up the cloudy lens into small pieces. Gentle suction is then used to remove these lens fragments. Finally, a clear, artificial lens is implanted to replace the old lens and the incisions are closed up.
What are the side effects of cataract surgery?
The most common side effect is temporary dry eyes. Other side effects include inflammation, infection, bleeding, and swelling. More serious complications are rare and can usually be successfully treated.
Which prostate medication can affect your cataract surgery and how?
Flomax or Tamsulosin. This drug is used to treat prostate enlargement and can sometimes cause floppy iris syndrome. This condition can occur even after you stop taking the drug and results in the iris (the colored part of your eye) becoming floppy. The floppy iris can get in the way when removing cataracts. This effect can be managed if you let your eye surgeon know before surgery that you are taking, or have taken, Flomax or Tamsulosin.
Are there conditions that make cataract surgery less successful?
Yes. In general, if you have other eye conditions, cataract surgery may be less successful. Eye diseases including macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy are known to reduce the success of Cataract Surgery.
If you have more cataract surgery questions, please get in touch with our friendly experts at TLC San Antonio today.
