Improve Your Vision With Cataract Surgery And Lens Implants

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Are you extremely nearsighted to the point that, if your glasses were to break or your contacts fall out of your eyes, you wouldn't be able to distinguish between a person and a chair in a room? Have you been developing cataracts as well? If so, then you could be a candidate for fixing 2 eye problems with a combined procedure.

Surgery and Implants

With today's technology, you can get your cataracts removed and improve your eyesight to the point that you won't rely on glasses or contacts for vision correction. New lenses make it possible for you to see at both near and far distances. The surgery goes something like this:

• Cataract Removed: First, the cataract is removed. This is done by making small openings in your cornea and removing the cataracts. Either ultrasound or laser technology is used to ensure that the incisions are miniscule and the cataracts are completely eliminated. Then your natural lens is removed from your eye so cataracts won't grow back.
• Artificial Lens Placed: Once your lens is removed, an artificial one is inserted through the cornea. Typically, a monofocal lens is attached where your lens had been. These lenses are known to maintain or improve distance vision, but most people rely on reading glasses for short distances following cataract surgery. However, for individuals with severe nearsightedness, another options is available. Multifocal lenses (also called implantable contacts) offer both near and far distance correction. There are a variety to choose from, but all are designed to improve overall vision.

Benefits and Risks

The benefits of cataract surgery are clear – without it, you will eventually lose all your eyesight. You may experience discomfort as cataracts grow and harden on the surface of your eye, as well. The main risk of cataract surgery is retinal detachment if your surgeon scratches the retina during the procedure. The benefits of contact lens implants include decreased reliance on glasses or disposable contacts, minimal recovery time, and that it is a procedure that you are a candidate for even if you don't qualify for other vision correction options (such as laser surgery). The main risk with multifocal lenses is that the lens lies close to your cornea and could potentially damage it.

Developing cataracts on top of extreme nearsightedness might seem like an unfair setback. If you approach it right, however, it could actually result in improved vision. You could get your cataracts removed and replace your natural lens with a multifocal implant that helps correct nearsightedness. Contact a company like California Eye Specialists Medical Group Inc. for more information.

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12 August 2015