Cataracts are a very common eye condition in older people. It occurs when your eye's natural lens becomes cloudy, which can seriously affect your vision. In most cases, cataract surgery is the only way to treat this condition, and our doctors at Sylvester Eye Care can help.
Who Is at Risk for Cataracts?
Although anyone can get cataracts, certain factors can increase your risk of developing the condition. These factors include:
- Age
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Previous eye injury
- Previous eye surgery
- Smoking
- Excessive drinking
- Excessive sun exposure
- Taking corticosteroid medications for an extended period
What Are the Symptoms of Cataracts?
In the early stages, cataracts show little or no symptoms. As the condition progresses, you may begin to experience the following symptoms:
- Cloudy vision as if you were looking like a dirty window
- Seeing halos around lights
- Sensitivity to light and glare
- Yellowing or fading of colors
- Trouble seeing at night, particularly when driving
- Needing brighter lights for reading or other close-up activities
- Double vision in one eye
- Frequently needing a stronger eyeglass prescription
Cataract Surgery
In the early stages of cataracts, you may be given a stronger eyeglass prescription. As the condition progresses, cataract surgery may become necessary.
Cataract surgery is a painless outpatient procedure that is performed in a hospital or a surgical center. You will be given mild sedation to help you relax. We will use a topical anesthetic to numb your eye so that you don't feel anything. During the procedure, Dr. Sylvester will remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial lens implant.
Intraocular Lenses (IOLS)
The artificial lens that our ophthalmologist will use during the surgery is called an intraocular lens. There are various intraocular lenses for our doctor to choose from based on your visual needs and lifestyle.
Medication
Before cataract surgery, our eye surgeon will prescribe three medications that you will take before the surgery and continue taking after. They include:
- Antibiotics to prevent infection during and after the surgery.
- Corticosteroids control inflammation after the surgery.
- NSAIDs will also control inflammation while treating your pain at the same time.
Eye Surgeon in Oklahoma City
If you are experiencing the symptoms of cataracts, schedule an appointment with Sylvester Eye Care in Oklahoma City. Our eye doctors can perform a comprehensive eye exam to diagnose cataracts. When your condition is diagnosed, we will create a treatment plan based on how far the condition has progressed.
For more information on cataracts or to schedule an appointment, call us at (405) 778-8993.
