People may think that the elderly are the only people who have to worry about cataracts. While it is true that this eye condition can develop as a result of aging, other factors lead to cataracts as well. An injury to the eye lens and medical conditions such as diabetes can lead to cataracts. The prolonged use of steroid medications can also result in cataracts. Cataract surgery is performed to remove cataracts. It is an outpatient procedure and is not painful.
If you experience increased difficulty with driving, especially at night, reading or watching television, or if bright lights bother you more than they used to, you may have cataracts. The highly-trained doctors at Family Eye Physicians can determine if this is the case. Visit one of our locations , call today at 708-636-9393, or schedule an appointment.
What are Cataracts?
Cataracts are caused by changes in the tissue in the lens of the eye. They can develop as a result of aging. Smoking, excessive alcohol use, obesity, and high blood pressure also increase the risk of cataracts. These factors should be controlled to limit the risk of, not just cataracts, but a host of other health issues.
A cataract clouds the lens of the eye making vision difficult. It’s a bit like looking through a fogged-up window. This can make everyday activities, such as reading and driving, much more difficult.
Cataracts develop slowly, so this incremental change makes it hard to detect until vision is impacted. Better lighting helps and a stronger eyeglass prescription may improve vision in the short term. Cataract surgery is another safe and proven way to correct vision.
In the cataract surgery procedure, an eye surgeon uses an ultrasound device to break the clouded lens into small sections which are then removed with suction. An artificial lens is inserted to replace the clouded lens.
Does Cataract Surgery Hurt?
People get squeamish at the thought of eye surgery. They worry that the procedure is painful. Cataract surgery is not painful. While patients are awake during surgery, there is little or no discomfort involved. A mild sedative may be administered before the surgery, which calms the nerves, and eye drops are used to numb the eye. There may be minor discomfort after surgery, but this doesn’t last long and over-the-counter pain medication should be enough to deal with it. The eye doctor typically asks patients to stay in the office for an hour after surgery so eye pressure can be monitored. Vision will start to improve a few days after surgery. The majority of cataract surgeries are successful in restoring vision.
Schedule Your Cataract Consultation Today
Contact Family Eye Physicians Laser Centers today for a complete eye exam to test for cataracts. Our team of expert doctors and eye care professionals also provide laser cataract surgery, premium cataract implants, diabetic laser treatment, laser vision correction, and more. We serve patients in Buffalo Grove, Orland Park, Oak Lawn, and the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago. Schedule an appointment online or call us today at 708-636-9393.
