Myths persist about cataract surgery, even though it’s one of the most common and safest medical procedures in the United States. It makes sense, though; anytime we think about surgery, it’s frightening, but to consider an eye operation is even more daunting. Yet 99.5% of cataract surgery patients in Buffalo, NY, and across the country experience no surgical complications. Each year, more than four million of these procedures are successfully completed. Cataract eye doctors in Buffalo, like Eye Care & Vision Associates (ECVA), are well-versed in the most current best practices to restore vision to their patients.
What are the myths about cataract surgery? What are the facts? This article will help you differentiate between the two for a more informed decision about the health of your eyes.
Debunk 5 Myths with Cataract Surgeons in Buffalo, NY
Cataract surgeons in Buffalo often debunk five common misconceptions about the procedure:
- Any surgery on your eyes is very uncomfortable.
- Only older adults need cataract surgery.
- Eye surgery is incredibly risky and dangerous.
- Why have surgery? My cataracts will grow back.
- I’m having LASIK—why would I need cataract surgery, too?
Myth #1: Cataract Surgery is Painful
Cataract surgery is typically not painful due to the use of local anesthesia. Cataract surgery in Buffalo, NY is performed by a skilled ophthalmologist who ensures patient comfort throughout the process. Before the surgery, your doctor will administer eye drops to numb the eye, and a sedative may be given to help you relax. Once the anesthesia takes effect, the surgeon removes the clouded eye lens and replaces it with an artificial intraocular lens. While patients may experience slight pressure or mild discomfort, any pain is generally minimal. Postoperative recovery is usually smooth, with prescribed eye drops and follow-up appointments to ensure healing progresses quickly.
Myth #2: Only the Elderly Need Cataract Surgery
No, cataract surgery is not exclusive to the elderly. While cataracts are most commonly associated with aging, they can develop at any time due to various factors such as genetics, trauma, certain medications, or medical conditions like diabetes.
The decision to undergo cataract surgery depends on the severity of vision impairment and the impact it has on a person’s daily life, regardless of age. Surgery may be recommended if cataracts significantly affect vision and limit daily activities.
Eye care professionals evaluate each case to determine the appropriate treatment, regardless of the patient’s age. With that said, more than half of Americans that live to age 80 will have cataract surgery in their lifetime.
Myth #3: Cataract Surgery is Risky, and Complications are Common
Cataract surgery is generally considered safe, with only a 2 to 4% complication rate. However, like any surgical procedure, cataract surgery carries some risks. Potential complications, although uncommon, can include infection, bleeding, inflammation, or swelling. There is also a small risk of complications such as posterior capsule opacification or intraocular lens dislocation.
Eye care professionals carefully assess each patient’s overall health and eye condition before recommending surgery, considering any potential risks. By choosing experienced cataract eye doctors in Buffalo like ECVA and following postoperative instructions, 99.5% of all patients achieve excellent outcomes with minimal complications, leading to improved vision and an enhanced quality of life.
Myth #4: Cataracts Can Come Back Again After Having Surgery
In most cases, cataracts do not come back after cataract surgery. During the surgery, the clouded natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL), which does not develop cataracts.
However, in rare instances, a condition called posterior capsule opacification (PCO) can occur. PCO causes a cloudy membrane to develop behind the IOL, leading to symptoms like cataracts. Fortunately, this condition can be easily treated with a quick, painless laser procedure called a YAG capsulotomy. Like cataract surgery, the YAG laser capsulotomy is simple and painless, and patients can go home shortly after the procedure. It is performed in a few minutes after dilating the pupil using anesthetic eye drops.
Regular follow-up appointments with an ophthalmologist are important to monitor eye health and address any potential issues that may arise after cataract surgery.
Myth #5: Cataracts Can Be Treated Using LASIK
Cataracts cannot be treated using LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) surgery. LASIK is a refractive surgical procedure primarily used to correct common vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea. Cataracts, on the other hand, occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurry vision and other visual impairments.
The treatment for cataracts is cataract surgery, where the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). An ophthalmologist performs this surgical procedure and can effectively restore clear vision. Cataract surgery is considered safe and has a high success rate.
LASIK surgery is not appropriate for treating cataracts as it does not address the underlying issue of cloudiness in the lens. It is important to consult with an eye care professional who can accurately diagnose and recommend the appropriate treatment for cataracts, which is cataract surgery rather than LASIK.
Schedule a Consultation for Cataract Surgery in Buffalo, NY to Learn More
If you are experiencing cataract symptoms and reside in Buffalo, NY, it is advisable to schedule a consultation with the trusted professionals at ECVA. Cataract symptoms include:
- Blurred or cloudy vision
- Reduced color perception
- Light sensitivity
- Poor night vision
- Frequent changes in contact lens or eyeglass prescriptions
- Double vision in one eye (monocular diplopia)
ECVA is a leading healthcare provider specializing in Cataract Surgery in Buffalo, NY. Consulting with an experienced ophthalmologist from our team will provide you with a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health and an opportunity to discuss the cataract surgery procedure in detail.
During the consultation, the surgeon will assess the severity of your cataracts and determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you. They will also address any concerns or questions you may have regarding the surgery, recovery process, and expected outcomes. By scheduling a consultation, you gain valuable insights into cataract surgery and make an informed decision about your vision care.
