Cataracts – A Common Condition
More than half of Americans over the age of 80 have cataracts of the eye, a normal aging phenomena. Even animals, if they live long enough, will develop cataracts. Twenty-six million Americans over the age of 40 have cataracts, and that number is expected to double by the year 2050. Therefore, cataract eye surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures in medicine!
What Are Cataracts?
Put simply, cataracts are a breakdown of light sensitive proteins inside the naturally clear lens of your eye. These proteins clump over time, from age or other factors, and cause a cloudy effect making vision blurry. The cataract cannot be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or even LASIK, and so the clouded lens must be surgically removed to restore vision.
Time to Scrub In with Dr. Suzi
Let’s help our patient today by removing their cataract to restore vision. Are you ready? Scrub in!
More Information About Cataracts
Cataracts are the number one cause of blindness in the whole world! Consequently, cataract eye surgery is also one of the most common surgeries practiced today.
What Is The Treatment For Cataracts?
The cataract eye surgery procedure removes a clouded lens and replaces it with a clear, soft plastic intraocular lens (IOL), and is the only treatment currently used to restore vision.
How Long Does Cataract Eye Surgery Take?
The procedure takes about an hour, and can be done on an outpatient basis. Cataract eye surgery has evolved into a common, efficient, and successful surgical procedure. Removal of cataracts in one, or both eyes, greatly improves a patient’s vision and independence following surgery. The cost of surgery is going down every year, even as technological advances improve! In 2012, cataract surgery was 34.4% less expensive than in 2000 and 85% less expensive than in 1985.
Be sure to also check out our great infographic on Cataracts!