Cataracts may require that you see an eye specialist for treatment. Once they have been diagnosed by your ophthalmologist, we may recommend cataract surgery. Eye Specialists of Illinois in Park Ridge offers cataract services to improve your vision. Let’s look at some of the questions that we run into regarding cataracts.
What causes cataracts?
The main cause of cataracts is aging and changes in the lens. It starts after age 40 but may take many years to affect your vision. These cataracts often tend to develop slowly, but aging is not the only cause. If you suffer from certain diseases, diabetes in particular, you are more likely to get cataracts.
Who is most likely to get cataracts?
Research has shown that if you have a family history of cataracts, you are more likely to get cataracts than someone with no family history of the condition. If you have diabetes, cataracts may develop as well. Women are more likely than men to get cataracts and some evidence seems to point to a decrease in estrogen during menopause as a possible cause. If you smoke, have gotten an eye injury, spend a lot of time in the sun without sunglasses, drink a lot of alcohol, or are deficient in certain nutrients such as vitamin C or E, you increase your chance of developing cataracts.
What is the treatment for cataracts?
In the early stages, the treatment plan is to wait and see. It really depends on how much the cataract affects your vision. If the disruption is minimal, no treatment is necessary. It can take years for a cataract to get to the point where it needs to be removed.
What do I need to know about cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is done as an outpatient procedure. It is one of the safest surgeries in the world. After the surgery, 90% of patients report their vision has improved and they may have near-perfect vision. The cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a new lens. Like any surgery, you will need to avoid eating for a few hours before and avoid heavy exercise after it is done. The surgery is done under local anesthesia. Plan to have someone pick you up after your surgery.
Can everyone get cataract surgery?
Some medical conditions make cataract surgery a risk. You need to discuss these risks and benefits with your eye surgeon.
Contact Our Ophthalmologist in Park Ridge, IL
When you have cataracts, you will likely need to have cataract surgery. We provide quality eye care services at Eye Specialists of Illinois. If you have questions about cataracts or it has been a while since your last eye exam, call our team today at (847) 823-2127.