If you are suffering from problems that are relating to your vision, you may need to have cataract surgery. There are different types of cataract treatment options, and it is no exaggeration to say that this is the sort of treatment that can change your life if you are struggling to see effectively at the moment.
In this blog post, we are going to take a look at some of the different treatment options that are available to you, as well as helping you to determine whether or not you are a suitable candidate.
Firstly, let’s take a look at the two main treatment options that are available for anyone who is experiencing cataracts at the moment:
Cataract surgery
This is a procedure that is performed under local anaesthetic. This is a day case whereby the cataract, i.e. the cloudy lens, is removed quickly. It will then be replaced with a synthetic intraocular lens, commonly shortened to IOL. This lens will not need to be replaced in the future; it is designed to last forever. After the procedure, you will still need to wear reading glasses, yet the lens does provide excellent distance vision.
Cataract refractive surgery
You may be advised to undergo cataract refractive surgery instead of the former option. In this case, a monofocal lens will replace the eye’s natural lens, as opposed to a synthetic intraocular lens. Again, you could be reliant on reading glasses, but you will benefit from an excellent distance.
This is a proven surgery, which uses RLE (Refractive Lens Exchange). It has been performed thousands of times and is a permanent and proven lens replacement procedure, which can correct short or long-sightedness. This can remove your cataracts while also reducing, and even eliminating, your dependence on glasses.
Understanding more about cataract refractive surgery
One of the most popular options for individuals with vision problems is refractive cataract surgery, which involves removing the cataracts as well as lens replacement. It is effectively two procedures in one, and the results are proven to be exceptional.
With refractive cataract surgery, you will experience an entirely new world of enhanced vision. This treatment goes above and beyond what basic cataract surgery provides. You may find that you don’t even need to use eyeglasses after the surgery. Or, at the very minimum, your dependence on glasses will be greatly reduced.
Like basic cataract removal procedures, the surgery will begin with the ophthalmic surgeon removing the cataract, which is clouding your eye’s natural lens, and making it difficult to see. However, unlike the basic treatment, you will then benefit from lens replacement, whereby the surgeon inserts a multifocal lens, which is designed to last a lifetime. This results in high-definition, high-resolution vision. If you are worried that you will not be able to afford this treatment, there are companies like Plenti.com.au that can assist you so you can get the treatment you need.
Common symptoms of cataracts
There are a number of different symptoms that are associated with cataracts. You may not experience every one of these symptoms; everyone is different. But, here are some of the indicators you should be wary of:
- Seeing halos around lights
- Light sensitivity – It’s not uncommon for people with cataracts to experience sensitivity to glare and light.
- Poor vision at night
- Problems with bright lights – You may have difficulty driving at night due to the glare from oncoming headlights.
- Colours appear faded – You may experience yellowing of colours or colours may look faded.
- Seeing double – Multiple or double images from one eye.
- Regularly changing your prescription – Having to change contact lenses or glasses quite regularly due to your prescription frequently altering.
Many people do not initially recognize that they are suffering from cataracts. This is because it may only impact a small part of the eye’s natural lens. As a result of this, you may not be aware of any vision loss immediately. Nevertheless, this will get worse as the cataract gets bigger, as it will cloud more of your lens, which will distort any of the light that passes through it. As this occurs, the symptoms should become more obvious. As soon as you notice any, you need to book an appointment with an ophthalmic surgeon who can advise as to whether you need an operation to remove cataracts.
Is refractive cataract surgery right for you?
This type of treatment may be good for you if you have one of the following:
- An appropriate refractive error
- You understand that you may require contacts or glasses after the procedure for your best vision, but your dependence could be reduced
- You don’t have any eye disease
- You want to decrease your dependence on contact lenses or glasses
- You have any of the symptoms associated with cataracts
What are the advantages of refractive cataract surgery?
- You will greatly reduce your dependence on glasses or contact lens, and in some cases, you may eradicate the need for them altogether
- A personalised treatment plan that is tailored to your needs and lifestyle
- This is a proven and permanent procedure
- Your surgeon will choose the best-advanced laser for you
- The best clinics offer a fixed single price for the consultation, procedure, and aftercare, irrespective of your prescription
- Benefit from access to the latest technologies when you choose a clinic with care
Book a consultation
The best thing to do is to book a consultation with a leading ophthalmic surgeon. They will carry out a detailed assessment to determine the right treatment option for you. Make sure the surgeons you consider have a wealth of experience and are renowned in their field, plus they must use the latest, most innovative technology to ensure incredible results.
So there you have it: an insight into some of the different treatment options available for anyone who has vision issues. Consider the information presented above to make sure you get the care and assistance you require. Your ophthalmic surgeon is the best person to advise on the right course of action for you.