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Posted by: Georgia Eye Associates in Cataracts

Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world and that is not expected to change anytime soon. The number of people with cataracts rose 20 percent from 2000 to 2010 and that figure is expected to double by the year 2050.

Cataracts cause the lens of your eye to become cloudy, making it difficult to see. Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens which is known as an intraocular lens.

Many people are hesitant to undergo surgery but cataract surgery is a safe, routine procedure. So you can have a better idea what to expect, here are five things you need to know about cataract surgery:

1. Surgery is the only treatment for cataractsRight now, cataract surgery is the only viable long-term treatment for cataracts. There is no evidence to prove that lifestyles changes or anything else will reverse the effects of cataracts.
2. Cataract surgery is becoming more commonAs the cases of cataracts continue to rise, the number of cataract surgeries continue to increase as well. This Mayo Clinic study showed that the rate of cataract surgeries increased five times between 1980 and 2010. Those figures will only continue to rise over time.
3. Cataract surgery is a simple, straightforward procedureCataract surgery is an outpatient procedure and usually takes no more than ten minutes to perform. Prior to the surgery, you will receive numbing eye drops and will most likely stay awake during the procedure. Your surgeon will break up the lens, suction it out, and then insert a new lens.
4. The recovery time is very shortImmediately after surgery, your vision will likely be very blurry and you will need to have a friend or family member drive you home. The results do vary per person but many patients report that their vision begins to improve within a couple days of the surgery. You should be completely healed a month after your surgery.
5. Cataract surgery continues to be more affordableIn 2015, the average cost of surgery was $3500 per eye without insurance but this cost is expected to decrease. And most private insurance plans will cover the cost of cataract surgery.

Cataract surgery can dramatically improve both your vision and quality of life. However, it is not a decision that should be made lightly. Contact our office today for an evaluation to find out if you could be a good candidate for cataract surgery.