Cataracts are the leading cause of preventable vision loss in the world today. About 20% of people 65+ have cataracts, rising to 50% by age 75-80. That means, if you are fortunate enough to live long enough, you will likely develop cataracts. These facts make it 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 checked for cataracts.
June is Cataract Awareness Month, making it a great time to explore this age-related vision condition. At Ighani Eye Care, one of our foundational commitments is ensuring our patients know what they need to know about their eye condition so they can make a fully informed decision about their treatment. Awareness is important, but awareness with appropriate action is what will save your sight!
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. Think of it as a dirty windshield that’s hard to see through. As this cloudiness worsens over time, it blocks and deflects light from passing through, making your vision cloudy, dull, and often blurry.
What Are the Symptoms of Cataracts?
As with most health conditions, symptoms can vary from one individual to another, but there are a few common cataract symptoms that most people experience. 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 settings
- Double vision
Some of these symptoms apply to other vision conditions as well as cataracts, but if you are over 50 and experience any of them, please schedule a cataract evaluation with one of our experienced eye care providers in Bedford and Southlake.
What is the Best Treatment for Cataracts?
There is only one effective treatment for cataracts. They must be surgically removed. Cataracts will not resolve on their own and they cannot be treated with medication or corrective eyewear.
“Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful surgeries performed in the world today,” said Dr. Farshid Ighani, board-certified ophthalmologist and founder of Ighani Eye Care. “Well over two million Americans have cataract surgery every year, and modern cataract surgery enjoys a very impressive success rate.”
Cataract surgery has come a long way, and today’s advanced procedures can be safely performed in an outpatient setting, do not require stitches and have very little downtime. Your surgeon 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 completed one eye at a time (typically, two weeks apart) and is virtually painless. The entire procedure takes just a few minutes.
Why Choose Ighani Eye Care for Cataract Surgery?
There are so many reasons to choose Ighani Eye Care for your eye care needs, and specifically, for cataract surgery. Dr. Ighani is one of the most experienced and trusted experts in the field. He has performed thousands of cataract surgeries on people just like you, with amazing results.
But 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 we would extend to our own families. Because to us, you are family! But don’t just take our word for it. Happy patient stories are our favorite.
Another major reason to choose Ighani Eye Care for your cataract surgery is 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.
For active seniors who would like to enjoy reduced dependency on their glasses and readers in addition to having their cataracts removed, we see you! And we have many premium lens options that can have you seeing better than when you were in your youth!
Additionally, our state-of-the-art surgery suite is conveniently located within our Ighani Eye Care office at our Bedford location, 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 diminished vision and you suspect it could be 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. Schedule a cataract evaluation today.
