When it comes to addressing the vision changes imposed by cataracts, there’s no consistent or “right” time to pursue cataract surgery. Normally, a slowly progressing condition, cataracts will tell you when it’s time for surgery.
At Advanced Lasik in Midtown East, New York City, and Duarte and Long Beach, California, experienced ophthalmologist Randa Garrana, MD, can help you decide when it’s time to proceed with cataract care. She can also provide refractive vision correction at the same time.
The natural lens of your eyes start out crystal clear, but over time, the proteins that make up most of the lens structure start to break down, forming increasingly opaque areas that disrupt the light that’s focused on your retina.
The problem gets more severe over time, interfering with your vision like eyeglasses that become more and more smudged. Eventually, clouded vision becomes a barrier to daily living.
You won’t notice cataracts in their early stages. Typically, age-related cataracts begin in your forties, but it may be another 20 years before the changes are pronounced enough to notice.
Signs and symptoms of cataracts include:
Cataracts don’t usually cause pain, but you may suffer from eyestrain — or eyestrain-related headaches — more often.
You may develop cataracts earlier in your life or for non-age related reasons. Genetics can play a role. Otherwise, most risk factors are environmental or medical.
Environmental risk factors for cataracts include:
Medical risks take these forms:
While age-related cataracts are the most common type, they can form for other reasons too. The underlying cause usually doesn’t affect the way cataract surgery is done, however.
Simply, cataract surgery involves removing the affected natural lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens. It’s a straightforward process, and it’s one of the most common surgeries performed in the United States.
However, there are many variations, most designed to help improve your vision by correcting refractive errors as well as clearing the cloudiness. Dr. Garrana specializes in refractive cataract surgical procedures.
The best way to know when to schedule cataract surgery is in consultation with Dr. Garrana and our team at Advanced Lasik. Contact your nearest office location to schedule an appointment today — we have one East Coast office in Midtown East, New York City, and two West Coast offices in Duarte and Long Beach, California.
