Do I Need Cataract Surgery?
Finding out that you have cataracts is understandably concerning; you may be wondering if your vision will get worse and if it will impact the way that you live. Surgery is often recommended to patients with cataracts that are affecting their vision and ability to perform normal daily tasks.
What are cataracts?
The eyes have several different structures that serve different purposes. The lens, a flexible, curved section of tissue, is one of the most important. The lens helps to focus light that enters your eye, so that the images you see are clear. If a cataract forms, it's because too much of a natural protein contained within the lens has collected in one area. The overall effect of cataracts can make it appear as though you're looking through fog or a dusty window. Cataracts can also cause double vision, dull colors, or produce a halo effect around lights. Noticeable cataracts primarily are seen in people over the age of 60. Although, people in their 40's and 50's may have development of small cataracts and not realize or be affected by it.
How can cataract surgery help?
Christopher T. Coad, MD, FACS is a board-certified ophthalmologist and founder of Chelsea Eye Ophthalmology. As a leader in laser and cataract procedures, Dr. Coad is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (F.A.C.S.). He has performed thousands of cataract and premium IOL procedures with a high success rate. Dr. Coad has been featured on TV, radio and in the press for his outstanding work and has been recognized by his peers as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor and a New York Super Doctor.
Your New York Ophthalmologist will typically only recommend cataract surgery to patients whose daily activities, such as reading and driving, are affected by cataracts. If it is determined that you need cataract surgery, your natural lens will be removed during a brief outpatient surgical procedure and replaced with an artificial lens that will restore your vision. Cataract surgery is very safe and extremely common, with over three million procedures performed in the United States each year. Within a few weeks, your eye will be completely healed and you'll be seeing the world clearly again!
If you have further questions, or if you've noticed vision changes that haven't improved in a few days' time, contact Chelsea Eye Ophthalmology in New York City, NY at (212) 220-0066 to schedule an examination. Don’t let cataracts dull your day; see the world vibrantly.