Two facts about cataracts every adult should know: Cataracts are the leading cause of preventable blindness in the world today. And second, if you live long enough, you will most likely develop cataracts. For these reasons, it is important to educate yourself about the signs and symptoms of cataracts, especially as you age, so you will know when it is time to have your eyes screened for cataracts.
June is Cataract Awareness Month, making it the ideal time to dive a little deeper into the subject of cataracts. At Ighani Eye Care, one of our foundational commitments is making sure our valued patients know everything they need to know about their eye condition to make a fully informed decision about their treatment. Let’s go!
What Is a Cataract?
A cataract is best described as a cloudy film that covers your eye’s natural lens, developing slowly as you age. As this cloudiness worsens, it blocks and deflects light from passing through, making your vision cloudy, dull and often blurry.
What Are the Symptoms of Cataracts?
As with any health condition, symptoms can vary from person to person, but there are a few more common cataract symptoms that most people experience, at least to a degree. These include:
- Poor night vision, especially while driving
- Halos around lights
- Cloudy or blurry vision
- Colors appear dull
- Frequent prescription changes in your glasses
- Difficulty reading in low light
Not all of these symptoms apply exclusively to cataracts, but if you are over 50 and experience any of these symptoms, it is a good idea to schedule a cataract evaluation with one of our experienced eye care providers.
How Are Cataracts Treated?
Cataracts must be surgically removed as they will not resolve on their own and cannot be treated with medication or corrective eyewear. But there is good news! Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful surgeries performed in the world today. Well over two million Americans have cataract surgery every year!
Cataract surgery has come a long way and today’s advanced procedures can be done in an outpatient setting, do not require stitches and have very little downtime. One of our surgeons will make a tiny incision to gently remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear artificial lens that is designed to last the rest of your life. The procedure is done one eye at a time (typically, two weeks apart) and is virtually painless! The entire procedure takes just a few minutes.
- Dr. Ighani performs Cataract surgery in Ighani Eye Care’s Bedford Texas Brand New Cataract Surgery Suite
Why Choose Ighani Eye Care for Cataract Surgery?
There are so many reasons to choose Ighani Eye Care for your cataract surgery. Beyond our surgeons’ experience and expertise, it is our commitment to excellent patient care that impresses our patients the most. From your first visit to your post-op care, we treat you with the compassion and care that we would treat our own families with. Because to us, you are family!
Reason number two: Our on-site surgery suite equipped with the latest LenSx® Laser System. This isn’t just convenient—it has ushered in a new day for cataract patients. Unlike traditional cataract surgery, which may require IV sedation and fasting beforehand, our laser cataract surgery is swift, taking only 6-10 minutes. Patients receive oral sedation, eliminating the need for needles and fasting, making the process more comfortable and convenient.
Additionally, our state-of-the-art surgery suite is conveniently located within our Ighani Eye Care office, so patients can rest assured they’ll be greeted by the same friendly staff and familiar faces they’ve come to know and trust.
If you or someone you love is experiencing any of the signs and symptoms of cataracts, please reach out. We would be honored to be a part of helping you to have and enjoy the vision you deserve for the life you want to live.
