How Are Cataracts Removed?

Blurred vision, fading colors, and glare when driving at night can be signs of cataracts. This condition develops when the lenses of your eyes become cloudy, making it difficult for light to get through. They are removed with a procedure called cataract surgery. This common procedure can restore and even correct your vision. 

What are Cataracts?

Your lenses are clear, disc-shaped structures made of proteins. As you age, these proteins undergo changes, making the lens less transparent. While aging is the most common cause of cataracts, they can occur earlier due to UV exposure, diabetes and other medical conditions, eye trauma, and genetics. These changes are irreversible, so the best way to treat cataracts is to remove them with surgery. 

How are Cataracts Removed?

Cataract surgery is a quick, painless procedure that removes your damaged lenses. They are replaced with artificial lenses called intraocular lens implants (IOL). Your eyes will be numbed, and you will receive relaxing medication to keep you comfortable. Your eye surgeon makes a tiny incision and extracts the cloudy lens from its capsule. They will place the new lens inside the capsule. The incision generally does not require sutures, and you cannot see or feel the lens. 

You may also have a procedure called refractive cataract surgery. It uses data from additional scans to measure the eye before and after lens removal and choose a new lens that will give you sharper, clearer vision. Your surgeon may also use a laser during cataract surgery for vision correction. We will use your consultation as an opportunity to understand your goals. 

What is Recovery Like After Cataract Surgery?

Many people see dramatic vision improvements within 24 hours after cataract surgery. Full recovery takes about two weeks. During this time, avoid strenuous activities, especially lifting. You should also avoid swimming and rubbing your eyes. Use your eye drops exactly as directed to ensure proper healing. Your vision may be hazy for a few days and may fluctuate slightly for a few weeks before stabilizing. 

What Results Will I See After Cataract Surgery?

Your IOL replacement lenses are intended to stay in place for a lifetime. Your cataracts will never come back. People who have refractive surgery may not need the glasses they wore before surgery.  Your new lenses cause no discomfort, and the only difference you will notice is the improvements in blurriness, color washout, and glare.

Am I a Good Candidate for Cataract Surgery?

If you have cataracts, you are most likely a good candidate for cataract surgery. This procedure is safe and effective, even for people with many types of eye conditions. Your eye surgeon will review your medical history and examine your eyes to determine whether cataract surgery is recommended for you. 

Take the Next Step

If you’d like to learn more about cataract removal, schedule a consultation with our Heart of Texas Eye Care team, serving Dripping Springs, Austin, Kyle, Bee Cave, Marble Falls, and other surrounding areas. Contact us at (512) 213-2220 today!

*Individual results may vary