Cataract Treatment: Understanding Options and Surgical Procedures

A cataract is a reduction in the transparency of an otherwise clear ocular lens. The lens focuses the light rays entering the eye so that they fall onto the retina. A cataract prevents the light rays from falling onto the retina, thus leading to a decrease in visual acuity. Unfortunately, there are no options for restored sight with cataracts except for surgery.

Instructions

• 1

  Visit an ophthalmologist upon finding any impairment in vision.

• 2

  Schedule an appointment for surgery (if you are physically well enough to do so) if the doctor determines that it is a cataract.

• 3

  Undergo surgery under a topical anaesthetic. The clouded core of the lens is removed using a phacoemulsification technique. During phacoemulsification, the lens' core is disintegrated by ultrasound, and the parts of the core are sucked out of the eye under a controlled negative pressure.

• 4

  Prepare yourself for the possibility that the surgery was unsuccessful. This is a distinct possibility which may result in the worsening of vision.