Some aspects of cataract surgery

Developing cloudy lens, cataract patients mostly suffer blurry vision. Over time, a cataract becomes more opaque and clear vision is gradually compromised. In addition, visual acuity and contrast sensitivity will also suffer different degrees of loss. There are a wide variety of reasons for the development of cataract, e.g. long-term exposure to UV light, diseases like diabetes, hypertension, advanced age and trauma. These different causes suggest an approach to cataracts classification.

Four categories of cataracts according to etiology

Based on etiology, the most common type is named age-related cataract. Most cataract cases belong to this category. Within this group, there are still cortical senile cataract and senile nuclear cataract. This can be partially proven by the fact that approximately half of the 65-or-older population has cataracts. The second type is congenital cataracts, which are caused by pregnant-related problems such as German measles, chickenpox and other infections. In other words, cataract is sometimes hereditary. Thirdly, cataracts can be induced by drugs. And this is called secondary cataract. A reported drug of this kind is corticosteroid. The fourth category is traumatic cataract, possibly caused by blunt trauma or penetrating trauma.

When is a surgical removal necessary?

Cataract is irreversible and there is nothing can be done except for surgical treatment. Prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses are completely ineffective. In fact, not all forms of cataracts require surgical removal. Cataracts at early stages are very tiny and unnoticeable that they will not cause much vision inference in daily lives. Once they grow big enough and impact daily tasks such as driving, the doctor will recommend a surgical removal. But during the progression of cataracts, patients should get regular monitoring from an eye doctor.

Surgical details and remedy

Cataract surgery is quite commonly performed today that some surgeons even have experienced several thousand cataract procedures. Through a small incision, the removal of cloudy lens during a cataract surgery involves ultrasound, a laser or surgical solution. After that a replacement lens will be inserted. In rare cases, a secondary cataract is necessary due to improper lens removal during the surgery. When this occurs, YAG lasers can be used to create a clear opening in the membrane.

Different types of lenses for replacement

The replacement lens has several types. If the lens is non-prescription, the patient after a cataract surgery still needs reading glasses for near vision and sometimes contacts for distance vision. With the invention of multifocal and accommodation intraocular lenses, every thing can be simply resolved.

Regular expense of cataract surgery is covered by Medicare

The cost of cataract surgery varies from one doctor to another. Fortunately, Medicare and most health insurance plans cover cataract surgery and ordinary IOLs, while those advanced multifocal IOLs are excluded. Side effects including pain, infection, swelling and even retinal detachment occur rarely after cataract surgeries.