A diagnosis of cataracts does not mean your quality of life will be forever affected. Having cataracts removed via cataract surgery may be one option you and your experienced ophthalmologist can discuss. Cataract surgery can restore your eye sight and improve the quality of life you had prior to suffering from cataracts.
You may want to be tested for cataracts if you suffer from:
- Difficulties with seeing clearly, such as reading the newspaper or street signs
- Vision looks foggy or everything seems to have a film over it
- Colors seem washed out or faded
- Night vision problems
- Halos around headlights or headlights seem very bright
- You find you need frequent changes in your eye glass or contact lends prescription
If you have any of these symptoms, it is important that you visit your ophthalmologist as soon as possible for thorough testing of cataracts. While the ophthalmologist will be able to spot early development of cataracts, you are the best judge of how bad your vision has become. Cataracts generally develop in people who are 40-years-old or older, and it is uncommon for younger people to have them.
Candidates for cataract surgery will have these symptoms, and will have been told by their ophthalmologist that they are developing cataracts. Cataract surgery has become a fairly routine surgery in this country, and it can be done with minimal sedation and takes less than an hour.
Cataract Surgery Risks
The risks and the likelihood for complications from cataract surgery are extremely small, but can happen. The most common complication is an infection of the inner eye called endophthalmitis. This can lead to permanent vision loss or even blindness if not treated promptly. Some patients may run the risk of developing glaucoma.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of cataracts, or are interested about finding out if you are a candidate for cataract surgery in the Monmouth or Ocean County, New Jersey area, please contact Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates, P.A. for an initial consultation.