Before you jump to schedule an appointment for cataract surgery, here are some things you should know:
How Cataracts Develop in the Eyes
The human eye has several layers and parts; and problems in any part can affect your vision, especially in the cornea of the eye. The developmental condition where the lens of the eye becomes opaque or cloudy is called cataracts. Cataract development over time leads to gradual decreases in vision, as well as in your ability to perform normal daily or nightly activities.
Aging is the most common cause of cataract development. Cataracts generally affect people over the age of 40, but can also affect those under 40 due to various and rare factors. These factors and causes include diabetes, excessive UV light exposure, smoking, previous eye surgery, family history, high myopia, excessive alcohol consumption, hormone replacement therapy, eye inflammation, eye injury, inhaled steroids, and certain prescribed medications.
The next piece of information you’ll need to know before having cataract surgery is symptom awareness.
Know the Possible Symptoms
Cataracts develop slowly and can take years to fully mature; therefore, most people don’t commonly notice real symptoms until around the age of 60 or older. This makes it difficult to treat cataracts early. There is no sudden deterioration of vision; and in most cases, cataracts are usually mistaken for other common eye problems in its initial stages.
Below are some symptoms to be aware of:
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty seeing at night, driving at night.
- Halos around the source of light
- Clouded vision
- Increased frequency in changing vision prescriptions
- Double vision in an eye
- Light sensitivity
- Increased nearsightedness
- Dull color vision
- “Second sight” phenomenon where reading vision improves temporarily
When you start experiencing these types of symptoms, it’s time to make an appointment.
Consult with Your Eye Doctor
If not treated in time, cataracts can cause severe impairment of vision or complete blindness. Though it’s a painless condition, its effects are certainly felt as less visibility makes it difficult to see clearly, even with glasses. Cataract surgery is usually recommended by the ophthalmologist to treat this condition.
Cataract surgery is a common outpatient procedure that removes them successfully; each year, hundreds of thousands of patients undergo cataract removal globally.
Dr. John Goosey of Houston Eye Associates has performed thousands of cataract surgeries and various laser eye surgeries over the span of his professional career. As a cornea specialist, his vast experience and specialization is in revolutionary cataract surgery techniques such as, highly advanced intraocular lenses, that are now utilized to treat the condition and provide patients with better vision without the need for glasses and contacts.
During the consultation, your eyes will be thoroughly examined using innovative diagnostic equipment. After the exam, Dr. Goosey will confirm whether cataracts are present, and recommend the appropriate treatment option.
If you suspect you may need cataract surgery, call Dr. Goosey for an appointment at 713-234-6134. Your eyes are precious, so let only the most experienced hands handle them.
