subject: Exactly How Safe Is Cataract Surgery? [print this page] If you are suffering from cataracts, then you are probably doing everything in your power to correct them. But it's extremely hard to carry on with everyday activities when you have cataracts. They affect everything from driving at night to going to the grocery store, because your vision becomes cloudy and erratic. Eye drops and home remedies can only do so much. When cataracts get really problematic, the only viable solution is cataract surgery. If you are contemplating this procedure, you may be nervous and worried about the outcome. Though it's completely understandable to be cautious and careful when it comes to your eyesight, you don't want to forgo cataract surgery because of fear. Cataract surgery can actually help improve your vision. It's almost guaranteed that you will be able to see better after this procedure, so that you can get on with your life. Most importantly, you won't have to worry about cloudy vision anymore.
The bottom line is that this procedure isn't as complex as some people might think. It's a simple procedure that removes the cataract directly form your eye. It's known as a "corrective surgery" that replaces the cloudy lens that forms over the eye. The impaired lens is removed and replaced with a completely safe and effective clear plastic lens. After cataract surgery, you will be able to see even more clearly than you did before. The clear plastic lens is often known as an intraocular lens.
An experienced eye surgeon usually performs cataract surgery, and this can be done right in the doctor's office. You don't have to go to the hospital to have cataract surgery, either. If you have cataracts in both of your eyes, the doctor will only remove one at a time. This procedure can be done with light anesthesia, and is performed with ultrasound waves and optical lasers. It's one of the most common surgeries in the country, with a 98 percent success rate. However, if you are still unsure about having this procedure, a seasoned ophthalmologist can give you all of the information you need in order to put your mind at ease.
After surgery, you will need to maintain an eye drop regimen in order to avoid infection and help your eye heal. You may also have to take it "easy" for a little while so that you don't risk any accidents that could adversely affect your eye. Your eyesight should improve soon after surgery, but you may not see any significant improvement for about a month. Overall, cataract surgery is completely safe and effective. Most health insurance companies cover it, and the recovery time is minimal. It makes perfect sense to weigh all of your options before you move forward with this procedure. There is plenty of information available, so that you can make an informed decision. But don't wait too long, because the longer you wait, the worse your cataract will become. Learn everything you can about cataract surgery and you will "see" that it's entirely safe.
