Successful cataract surgery can dramatically, and almost instantly, improve vision for people suffering from cataracts. It’s one of the most effective surgical procedures in the world, and once the surgery is complete, cataracts can never come back.

Here’s some valuable information you should know about cataracts and cataract surgery...

Cataract Symptoms

Cloudy or blurred vision is the most common cataract symptom. People with cataracts may also experience poor night vision, glare, light sensitivity, halos, double vision and/or “ghosting” around objects. Cataract-related lens discoloration can also make colors dull, as if looking through a brown or yellow film.

The Right Time for Surgery

In early stages, cataract symptoms may be light enough not to impact your quality of life. But cataracts always get worse over time, eventually leading to blindness. As cataract symptoms progress, they will begin to impact your quality of life. You’ll find it increasingly difficult to read, drive, watch TV, recognize faces and more. Ultimately, determining the right time for your cataract surgery should be based on evaluation of your symptoms and discussions with your eye doctor.

Cataract Surgery Procedure

Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures in the world and is recognized as safe and effective. Whether you and your ophthalmologist elect to go with traditional surgery or laser-assisted cataract surgery, the procedure is fundamentally similar.

The surgeon makes a small incision in the cornea (the eye's outermost lens). A probe is inserted through the incision and applies ultrasonic energy to break up the cataract-damaged lens into tiny pieces. Those pieces are then removed using suction. A second probe is then used to insert and position the new artificial lens implant.

Cataract Surgery Outcomes

Cataract surgeries performed in the U.S. have an overall success rate of 98% or higher, according to research by the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS). Recovery time and impacts vary some between traditional and laser-assisted cataract surgical procedures, with laser-assisted being preferred for most patients. Many laser-assisted cataract surgery patients report improved vision before even leaving the recovery room. By replacing the damaged natural lens with an artificial lens, both versions of the procedure provide a permanent fix for cataracts. 

If you or someone you love is experiencing cataract symptoms, contact North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care today at 352-373-4300. Drs. Gregory Snodgrass and Matthew Gray have performed thousands of successful cataract surgeries. The doctors and our entire staff would be honored to help you see clearly again, too.