What is the most common age for cataract surgery?

In most people, cataracts start developing around age 60, and the average age for cataract surgery in the United States is 73. However, changes in the lenses of our eyes start to affect us in our 40's.

Is it better to have cataract surgery early?

Although it's never too late to have a cataract removed, it is better to have cataracts removed while they are immature, as this reduces the length of surgery and the recovery time. Earlier removal also means that you avoid the significant visual impairment associated with very mature (hypermature) cataracts.

What stage should cataracts be removed?

A cataract does not have to become “ripe” before it can be removed. In the past, the lens could not be extracted safely from the eye unless it was at a relatively advanced stage of development. With modern advances in cataract surgery, the lens can now be removed from the eye at any stage of development.

Who should not get cataract surgery?

For example, if you have advanced macular degeneration or a detached retina as well as cataracts, it's possible that removing the cataract and replacing it with a clear intraocular lens (IOL) might not improve your eyesight. In such cases, cataract surgery may not be recommended.

What are the negatives of cataract surgery?

What is the Average Age for Cataract Surgery

What is the recovery time after cataract surgery?

You'll need to avoid some activities for several weeks until you get the OK from your doctor, including lifting heavy things or bending over. Most people are completely recovered and healed within 8 weeks after surgery.

What does vision look like with cataracts?

Cataract Symptom: Blurry Vision

Blurry vision at any distance is the most common symptom of cataracts. Your view may look foggy, filmy, or cloudy. Over time, as the cataracts get worse, less light reaches the retina. People with cataracts may have an especially hard time seeing and driving at night.

How long does cataract surgery take?

Cataract surgery is a straightforward procedure that usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. It's often carried out as day surgery under local anaesthetic and you should be able to go home on the same day.

How long does cataract lens last?

A cataract lens will last a lifetime, and the vast majority of patients do not experience any complications with their lenses after cataract surgery. In fact, the most common post-cataract surgery issue has nothing to do with your lens in particular.

Can you drive the day after cataract surgery?

Most patients are able to resume driving 24 hours after cataract surgery. However, this completely depends on the individual patient. The day after your surgery, you will return to your surgeon's office for a follow-up appointment.

Can I watch TV after cataract surgery?

You can read or watch TV right away, but things may look blurry. Most people are able to return to work or their normal routine in 1 to 3 days. After your eye heals, you may still need to wear glasses, especially for reading.

Are floaters related to cataracts?

Cataracts and eye floaters affect your vision in different ways, but many believe that a correlation exists between the two eye conditions. Large or widespread cataracts can impair your vision, making it blurry or discolored, whereas eye floaters can disrupt your otherwise clear eyesight with random spots or dots.

What is the main cause of cataract?

Most cataracts develop when aging or injury changes the tissue that makes up the eye's lens. Proteins and fibers in the lens begin to break down, causing vision to become hazy or cloudy. Some inherited genetic disorders that cause other health problems can increase your risk of cataracts.

Does cataract surgery give you 20 20 vision?

While there is no guarantee that cataract surgery will give you 20/20 vision, with new advances in technology your chances are quite high. Schedule an appointment with your eye doctor to discuss the benefits of cataract surgery, and determine which type of IOL is right for you.

Do and don'ts before cataract surgery?

Unless otherwise instructed by Dr. Silk, do not eat or drink past midnight on the day before your appointment. It's also important to abstain from consuming any alcoholic beverages (like wine, beer, or liquor) for at least 24 hours prior to cataract surgery.

Can I drink coffee after cataract surgery?

Sugar in your coffee and tea is okay, but no milk products. You Must Take usual morning medications, except for Insulin and other diabetic medication, prior to arrival at the surgery center. (Heart, High Blood Pressure, Chronic Pain, Seizure, or Tremors) Take with a sip of water only.

What is the most common complication of cataract surgery?

PCO is the most common complication of cataract surgery. PCO can begin to form at any point following cataract surgery. Modern cataract surgery creates a capsular bag that contains part of the anterior, the entire posterior capsule, and the implanted, intraocular lens.

What do early stage cataracts look like?

Cloudy Vision – One of the most obvious signs of early-stage cataracts is the appearance of noticeable fuzzy spots in your field of vision. These spots typically start out as fairly small aberrations, but over time they will worsen, making daily activities harder than they were before.

Can glasses improve vision with cataracts?

Eyeglasses can help achieve visual clarity for those who do not have a severe case of cataracts. Eyeglasses will not permanently fix cataracts, and your condition can continue to worsen.

How fast do cataracts progress?

Most age-related cataracts typically develop over a span of years, so it's a relatively slow process. How quickly a cataract develops does vary based on the individual. In fact, the speed of cataract development can even vary between the two eyes in the same person.

Why am I seeing flashes of light in the corner of my eye?

Vitreous humor is a gel-like substance that fills the majority of your eyeball. This gel allows light to enter the eye via the lens, and it is connected to the retina. If vitreous gel bumps or pulls on the retina, you may see flashes of light in the corner of your eye.

Why do eyes sparkle after cataract surgery?

As the new lens settles into position many people will notice shimmering or flickering of vision, which is normal. Some people will also notice a crescent shape of light in the edge of their vision which is reflection from the edge of the lens and usually resolves over a few months.

How long do you wear black glasses after cataract surgery?

After cataract surgery, your doctor will tell you to wear UV-protecting sunglasses for at least one year, even though your intraocular lens has a special UV coating too.

How soon can you shower after cataract surgery?

You can take a shower or bath 24 hours after your surgery. Do not get water or soap in your eye. Keep your eye closed while you shower.

How do you wash your hair after cataract surgery?

It's usually considered safe to wash your hair 24 hours after you have cataract surgery. However, you should keep your eyes closed and avoid getting any water or shampoo in your eye, and, it's advised that you use a mild or baby shampoo. You should also avoid rubbing your eye.