Cataract surgery is one of the most common eye surgeries that is offered today. Cataract surgery has made many advances over the past few decades and has helped many individuals get their eyesight back. If you live long enough, you will probably know multiple people who have cataract surgery, as cataracts are more common as you age.
Cataract Surgery is Affordable
First, cataract surgery is a relatively affordable surgery when you compare the cost to many other surgical procedures. Most private health insurances and Medicare will cover the cost of getting a standard cataract surgery.
If you need a lens that in addition to taking care of your cataracts will also correct an astigmatism or farsightednessÂ, which can be done during the same procedure, those "extras" may not be covered by your insurance and may need to be covered out of pocket.
If you don't have health insurance, expect to save up a few thousand dollars for this surgery.
Cataract Surgery Has Experienced Major Advancements
Second, over the past fifty years, there have been some major advances in the cataract surgery process. Fifty years ago, you would have to stay in the hospital in order to undergo cataract surgery, and you would have to deal with sutures and possibly even wearing glasses after the surgery.
Today, cataract surgery no longer requires a hospital stay. It is an outpatient surgery that takes about half an hour to complete. The incisions are very tiny and no sutures are required. Many people don't need to wear contacts or glasses at all after the surgery (unless they have other vision issues). It is a very short and fast surgery today with great results.
Cataract Surgery is Pretty Straightforward
The surgery itself is really straightforward. Cataract surgery is generally performed at an outpatient center. You are given anesthetic drops to numb your eyes. Most patients stay awake during the procedure, although you can ask to be put to sleep for the procedure as well.
An ultrasound is used to break up the cataracts in your eyes, and then the broken-up lens is sucked up and out of your eye. The surgeon will then insert a new lens into your eye. A laser may be used to assist with the procedure.
If you have cataracts, talk to your eye doctor about getting cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is an affordable and safe way to get your eyesight back.
When you look in the mirror and focus on your eyes, what do you see? Hopefully you see a strong and vibrant person — someone who enjoys and embraces life. Hopefully you also see a set of healthy eyes, although that can be tough to determine just with a glance in the mirror. Eyes can look healthy on the surface when really something sinister is going on inside of them. That's one reason why visiting the eye doctor is so important.
If you would like to learn more about eye health, optometrists, and even contact lenses, you've come to the right place. We curated the articles on this website very carefully to provide you with the best information on these topics.