You’ve just learned that you have cataracts. If you have a family history of cataracts, you’re probably not surprised to hear this diagnosis. The truth is that many people over the age of 50 hear this news. Cataracts happen because the lens of your eye becomes clouded. The result is vision loss. Thankfully, this type of vision loss can be corrected with cataract surgery.
It’s natural to feel nervous when you first learn that you have cataracts. The first thing that may pop into your mind is the question of whether you’re going to lose your vision. However, modern cataract surgery is very successful at restoring lost vision. This quick and simple procedure has helped many patients not only see more clearly, but also avoid having to use eyeglasses.
Cataracts and getting older go hand-in-hand. In the United States, it is estimated that almost 68 percent of the population over 80 has cataracts. It is thought that over the next few years, as the biggest bulk of the Americans population becomes older, this number will grow even more. Thankfully, Dr. Patel has years of experience performing cataract surgery, as it is one of the most common and the safest procedures available today.
The basics of cataract surgery are relatively simple to understand. The process involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens. The surgery is so simple that you won’t even have to stay anywhere overnight. In most cases, there is not a whole lot of postoperative care that you need to worry about.
Once that cloudy lens is removed from your eye, the clear intraocular lens is positioned. This lens is put in the exact same place where your natural lens was. Dr. Patel will likely provide you with an eye shield and special eye drops to apply to help promote and accelerate healing once the procedure is complete.
Cataract surgery typically takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. Since you’ve had a procedure performed on your eyes, you will need someone to drive you home. Dr. Patel will provide you with specific post-operative instructions to follow to ensure the quickest and most comfortable recovery possible.
Once you have healed, you will get to enjoy clear vision again. For many people, this alone is reason enough to make them decide that cataract surgery is right for them. If you feel that you may benefit from cataract surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Patel at Wichita Vision Institute to learn more. Contact our office in Wichita today to schedule your consultation and find out if this procedure is right for you!
