Did you know that cataract surgery is one of the most common (if not the most common) elective procedures performed worldwide?
What is a cataract? Simply put, a cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside your eye. It will usually come with age and happens to everyone if they live long enough. It can also occur from other factors such as steroid use, diabetes, trauma, and inflammation, as well as other causes.
Cataracts generally cause a decrease in vision which accompanies difficulty with night driving (glare). It most typically occurs slowly over many years, so it may be hard to tell when you have a cataract. Most patients will notice that their vision “isn’t quite what it used to be”.
When is the right time for surgery? Well, while cataract surgery is a very low-risk operation, it is still a surgery. Your doctor will help you decide when it’s the right time. Most will have surgery before it is unsafe to operate a motor vehicle. It’s important to listen to your doctor’s recommendation because waiting too long may cause the surgery to become more difficult.
If you have any questions about cataracts or are in need of an exam, please contact our office to schedule an appointment.
Millerwoods Health Care Campus
