Explanation of Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is a common and effective procedure used to treat cataracts, which are the clouding of the eye's natural lens. Cataracts can cause blurry vision, difficulty seeing in low light, and increased sensitivity to glare. The surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). Our optometry team at the Eye Clinic of Sandpoint explains the purpose of cataract surgery and how it can benefit your life in Sandpoint, ID.

What Is Cataract Surgery?

Cataracts are a common condition in older adults. As they tend to develop gradually, most people aren’t aware of them until they are already causing problems. These problems include double vision, blurry vision, fading colors, and light sensitivity.

Cataract surgery aims to remove the lens impacted by a cataract and replace it with an artificial one. This surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure and involves a very small incision. Some candidates can choose a bladeless method that uses a laser to make the incision instead.

Benefits of Cataract Surgery

The primary benefit of cataract surgery is improved vision. Once the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an IOL, patients often experience clearer and sharper vision.

Depending on the type of IOL chosen and the patient's visual needs, cataract surgery can reduce a person's dependence on glasses for distance or reading vision. Some premium IOLs can correct astigmatism or provide multifocal vision, allowing greater independence from glasses.

Studies have also shown that removing cataracts can reduce your chance of developing dementia. If that seems far-fetched, think about your body. When you don’t use a certain muscle group, it weakens. The brain works similarly. Vision stimulates certain parts of the brain. If these muscles are inactive, there is a higher likelihood of dementia.

Schedule a Consultation with Our Optometrist

If you have questions about cataract surgery or want to learn if you’re a good candidate in Sandpoint, ID, our optometry team is here to help. Call us at (208) 263-8501 to schedule an appointment at the Eye Clinic of Sandpoint today.