Cataracts and Cataract Surgery: FAQ

             

Cataracts can dramatically reduce vision quality over time and in turn diminish the overall quality of life. However, your Naples eye surgeon can provide revolutionary relief. The following is an overview of some of the top questions that Naples Eye Physicians the cataract surgeon Naples knows and trusts hears most often:

What is a cataract?

A cataract refers to the appearance of cloudiness in the eye's natural lens. The lens is the portion of the eye located between the back and front of the eye and behind the pupil.
 

Who is at risk of developing cataracts?

More than half of Americans over the age of 65 have a cataract, and nearly all persons age 75 or older have signs of cataracts in at least one eye. Most cataracts occur gradually over time and can begin to affect individuals over the age of 50. However, even infants can develop congenital cataracts in rare cases.

Do all cataracts require surgery?

If a cataract is mild, it may not affect vision very much. However, it should be monitored to determine if it gets worse over time. If/when a cataract reaches a stage when it starts to impact and impair daily activities, then surgery is highly advisable. 

What are the risks of cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgical procedure in the U.S. This means the methods have been refined and the risks have been minimized. That said, all surgical procedures, even the most routine, involve at least some degree of risk.

What happens during cataract surgery?

During cataract removal, a tiny incision will be made with a laser or scalpel. A circular section is removed from the front membrane of the eye (anterior capsule) so the affected lens can be removed. The lens is then replaced with a transparent implant called an intraocular lens. In the majority of cases, the eye heals quite quickly without stitches.

Will the cataract come back?

In some cases, a "secondary cataract" can develop (in about 25 percent of people who undergo cataract surgery.) This can usually be successfully treated with a less invasive follow up surgery called YAG laser capsulotomy.

What are possible side effects of cataract surgery?

All surgical procedures come with a risk of side effects. These can include swelling, pain, and infection. However, following the instructions of your eye surgeon after the procedure can help to minimize these risks.

Our Naples Eye Doctor Has a 50 Year Tradition of Success

Naples Eye Physicians, the cataract surgeon Naples knows and trusts, has been in operation since the 1960s. We are highly experienced in a range of eye care treatments and procedures, including cataract surgery. With a combination of the optical industry's most sophisticated technology and surgical expertise, your Naples eye doctor can deliver unparalleled care and results. Contact us today at 239-262-6288.