Cataract Doctor In Buffalo | Eye Care & Vision Associates

Cataracts can have a dramatic impact on your vision, causing cloudiness that harms visual acuity and alters the visual field. Typically, cataracts are a normal part of the aging process. Additionally, they’re reasonably easy to treat should the need arise.

However, those with cataracts may want to do their part to slow the progression of the condition. While there isn’t a natural cure for cataracts, certain lifestyle practices may make a difference. Here are some approaches that are worth trying.

Watch Blood Sugar

Cataracts are more common in individuals with diabetes. Mainly, it’s because high blood pressure can lead to certain eye changes, such as swelling of the lens. By keeping blood sugar under control, those eye changes don’t occur, potentially lowering your risk of developing cataracts.

In most cases, you should follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding blood sugar management. Along with dietary changes, certain prescription medications may be necessary to maintain blood sugar levels. By adhering to the treatment plan, you’ll have a far easier time keeping everything under control.

Quit Smoking

Smoking is associated with a range of health conditions, including a higher occurrence of cataracts. By quitting, you could reduce your risk of developing cataracts early or may be able to slow the overall progression.

Those who want to quit have a variety of options available. You can speak with your physician about smoking-cessation medications, join smoking-cessation programs, or use over-the-counter products to make the transition easier to manage.

Avoid Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption is tied to a range of health conditions. Generally speaking, consuming more than two alcoholic beverages daily increases a person’s risk of cataracts. Since that’s the case, limiting your consumption can potentially make a difference.

It’s critical to point out that serving sizes of alcohol are far smaller than most people expect. “Standard” drinks are based on alcohol levels, not beverage volumes. Based on average alcohol percentages, a serving includes 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits. However, drinks with higher-than-average alcohol contents may actually count for two or more servings, so keep that in mind.

Eat Nutritious Foods

A diet rich in nutrients like vitamins C and E helps support good eye health. By ensuring your diet is balanced and chocked full of critical vitamins and minerals, you may reduce your odds of developing cataracts.

Wear UV-Blocking Sunglasses

UV rays can damage the eyes, even if the sun isn’t shining brightly. By wearing UV-blocking sunglasses, you prevent those harmful rays from reaching your eyes, ensuring they don’t cause damage or accelerate the development of certain eye conditions. Just make sure they’re rated for UV-A and UV-B rays, as broad-spectrum protection is a far better approach.

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patient’s eyes are our priority. If you are experiencing symptoms of cataracts or progressing cataracts, or simply haven’t seen your eye care provider in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.

How Long It Takes to Recover from Cataract Surgery

In most cases, it takes around eight weeks to fully recover from cataract surgery, though the exact amount of time can vary. Additionally, the process occurs over time. As a result, you’ll notice changes as you progress toward full recovery.

Usually, patients experience some blurriness after the procedure. As the eye starts to heal, vision begins clearing. Often, you can see initial improvements within the first few days after the surgery. As the days pass, you’ll continue to experience positive changes until your eyes are entirely healed.

What to Expect as You Recover from Cataract Surgery

Initially, after cataract surgery, blurry vision is common. Additionally, some itching or mild discomfort is normal for a few days after the procedure.

If you want to make sure that your recovery goes smoothly, follow all of your eye care provider’s instructions. That way, you are increasing your odds of healing quickly and correctly.

When to Contact Your Eye Care Provider After Cataract Surgery

As you recover from cataract surgery, you’ll usually see your eye care provider at specific intervals. Your first follow-up appointment is typically a day or two after the procedure. Then, there’s another appointment the next week and a third about a month after the surgery.

Those appointments allow your eye care provider to track the healing process. That way, they can make sure everything is on track as well as provide guidance as necessary, such as updates to your post-procedure care plan.

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t contact your eye care provider between those appointments. If you’re experiencing pain, swelling, redness, light flashes, or an increase in floaters, reach out to your eye doctor right away. Additionally, if you are experiencing any vision loss, see your eye care provider immediately. Those could all be signs of an issue that may need addressing, so it’s best to get help as quickly as possible.

Work with Buffalo’s Top Ophthalmologists for Cataract Surgery

At ECVA, the safety and health of your eyes are our priority. If you are looking for ophthalmologists in Buffalo, NY with experience performing cataract surgery, ECVA is here to help. Consult the eye care specialists at any of our four locations to learn more about recovering from cataract surgery in Western New York: Orchard Park, Niagara Falls, Buffalo, and Williamsville. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.