If you’ve been told by your doctor that you have cataracts, you may have a lot of questions. What are they? What will happen if I don’t treat them? How are they treated? At West Texas Eye Associates in Lubbock and Midland, we want to help educate our patients about cataracts and answer any questions they may have. Our eye doctors will provide answers to some of the most common questions about cataracts. We hope this information is helpful for you as you make your decision about treatment.
What Are Cataracts?
The normal lens of your eye is clouded by a cataract. The lens aids in the focusing of light onto the retina, which is located in the rear of the eye. When the lens becomes cloudy, it affects your vision.
What Causes Cataracts?
Cataracts are most often a result of aging. They can also be caused by other factors such as diabetes, trauma to the eye, or certain medications. As cataracts grow, your vision will become increasingly blurry. It's best to get treatment before your vision is significantly affected.
What Are the Symptoms of Cataracts?
Blurred vision is the most prevalent sign of cataracts. Other signs and symptoms include night vision problems, double vision, and seeing halos surrounding lights. These symptoms can make daily tasks such as driving, reading, and cooking more difficult.
What Are the Treatment Options for Cataracts?
The clouded lens gets removed and replaced with an artificial lens during surgery. Most people notice an improvement in their eyesight after surgery since it is usually quick and painless. After cataract surgery, nearly all patients report improved eyesight and a higher quality of life.
Is Cataract Surgery Safe?
Cataract surgery is a normal procedure and is usually thought to be quite safe. Complications are rare, but they can include infection, bleeding, and retinal detachment. Your ophthalmologist will discuss the risks and benefits of surgery with you to help you make the best decision for your situation.
What If I Have Cataracts In Both Eyes?
If you have cataracts in both eyes, you will likely need surgery on both eyes. The surgeries are usually scheduled a few weeks apart to allow the first eye to heal properly before surgery on the second eye.
Make an Appointment with Our Team at West Texas Eye Associates
Cataract surgery is a popular and safe operation that may significantly improve your eyesight and quality of life. West Texas Eye Associates has offices in Lubbock and Midland to meet our patients' needs. If you have any questions regarding cataract surgery or other treatment options, don't hesitate to give us a call. Call our team today at (806) 792-5900 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.