Choosing Better Medical Care
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Choosing Better Medical Care

Do you remember the last time you received truly excellent medical care? Although it isn't always a common thing to find, you can have better luck by doing what you can to research different doctors and medical clinics. I wanted to share this website with the world, since this is what I have been doing for years. It has been a really excellent journey to find different ways to keep great care of myself, and I know that it is all due to the help of my great doctor. Read more about self care on this blog, so that you don't have to settle for anything less than the best.

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Choosing Better Medical Care

Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Treatment for Cataracts

Chris Burke

If you have cataracts, or an opacity of the natural lens of your eye, then you may have blurred or dim central vision and diminished peripheral or side vision. Cataracts may also make colors look dull and less vibrant. There are a number of different treatment options to consider to help improve your vision if you have cataracts.

The type of vision treatment your eye doctor recommends will be based on the extent of your cataracts, your personal preference, and if your cataract is in one eye or both of your eyes. Here are some comparisons between surgical and non-surgical treatments for cataracts:

Surgical Treatment

The standard surgical treatment for cataracts is removing the cataract, or clouded lens of your eye, and replacing it with an intraocular lens implant. The lens implant is made from a type of clear plastic, and resembles a small contact lens.

Cataract removal with implant insertion is typically an outpatient procedure, which usually takes only about an hour or less. You will be given a local anesthetic, as general anesthesia is usually not used for this type of surgery.

Cataract surgery is minimally invasive, and immediately following the surgery the ophthalmologist will cover your eye with a sterile eye pad, followed by a metal shield. The shield protects the eye from trauma or debris. Your eye doctor will want to see you in the office the day after your surgery, when the shield and the eye pad will be removed.

The doctor will examine the surgical site in your eye with the slit lamp, and will ask that you read the eye chart. You may be pleasantly surprised at how much your vision has improved so soon after your surgery. The results of cataract surgery are often dramatic. 

Prescription Adjustment

The most common non-surgical intervention in the management of cataracts is to change the prescription of your glasses. Your eye doctor can increase the strength of your lenses; however, because the prescription will be so strong, your glasses may be unusually thick.

Cataract eyeglasses are often referred to as "bottle" lenses, because they resemble the thick bottoms of soft drink bottles. If your cataracts do not progress, and if you prefer to avoid surgical intervention, then changing your eyeglasses prescription may be the right choice for you. If, however, your cataract progresses to where the lens of your eye becomes completely opaque or cloudy, surgery may be your only option to restore your vision.

To learn more about cataract treatment options, make an appointment with your eye doctor. He or she will explain your treatment options and help you determine which one is right for your individual situation. You can also contact clinics like Macomb Eye Care Specialists for more information.


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