Cataracts affect millions of adults, especially as we age. According to the CDC, about 17% of Americans ages 40 and older have cataracts in one or both eyes, and by age 80, most people have developed cataracts or have had cataract surgery. Because cataracts are so common, Cataract Awareness Month is a good reminder to recognize symptoms, understand risk factors, and talk to your eye doctor about changes in your vision.
What is cataracts and how does it affect vision?
Be sure to read the VisionAware article on Cataracts To learn more about cataracts and their symptoms. If you’re not sure which eye care provider you should see, VisionAware has helpful information about them Types of eye care professionals.
If you have another eye condition, such as cataract or glaucoma, talk with your eye doctor about the potential risks and benefits of cataract surgery. These resources may help you prepare for that conversation:
My experience with cataract surgery
Audrey Dimmitt shares her personal experience with cataract surgery and retinitis pigmentosa.
I hope Retinitis pigmentosa (lord). During a routine examination, the retina specialist noticed that I had developed cataracts in both eyes. The cataract was right in the middle of the only window of vision I had left. They were the type of cataract commonly found in people with RP. About 50% of patients with RP develop it.
Problems with close tasks
Soon the cataracts began to affect my visual function. I was having trouble with close tasks like reading. Everything looked dull and cloudy, as if there were blobs of Vaseline in my eyes. My biggest struggles have been reading the computer and my iPhone, which I rely on heavily, and spending time outside in the sun. I decided to talk to my doctor about cataract surgery.
Investigate the risks involved with surgery
Cataracts themselves are not usually a major concern, and cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful procedures performed today. But when cataracts appear along with retinitis or other eye diseases, the decision can be more complicated. People with advanced retinitis pigmentosa often rely on their remaining central vision, so there can be a lot to gain from cataract removal. However, no surgery is risk-free. As a nurse, I knew it was important to learn everything I could about cataract surgery and consider my options carefully.
I wanted to know my risk of losing the rest of my vision and whether I could expect improvement after surgery. I read about it Risks of cataract surgery I spoke with an ophthalmologist and a low vision specialist. We discussed my eye history, high myopia, and how that might increase my risk. He believed I had more to gain than to lose by having surgery, and referred me to a cataract surgeon he knew well and felt was a good fit for my case.
A good candidate for cataract surgery
By the time I met with the surgeon for a consultation, I was well aware of the risks. My goal was to maintain my ability to read my computer and iPhone using my low vision devices for as long as possible. The surgeon examined me, ran tests and took measurements. He told me I was a good candidate for surgery and would do well. My surgeries were scheduled two weeks apart. I was sent home with instructions and prescriptions for eye drops to start on the day before surgery.
Determine the type of intraocular lens
The morning of my first procedure, I was nervous. There has been a lot of debate about which intraocular lenses are best and what prescription correction is.
Previously, I wore contact lenses that corrected my vision to an intermediate focal point, which allowed my low vision devices to work well for me. Based on pre-op testing, the team selected IOLs to correct astigmatism with the same prescription as contact lenses. This gave me the best chance of getting a good vision result. I had to pay out of pocket for these type of lenses, called toric lenses, because they were not covered by my insurance.
Post-operative examination
The process went smoothly and quickly. I was given light anesthesia and felt no pain. That evening, my eyes were blurry, and my vision was very blurry. By morning, it was comfortable, and my vision was already clear. I visited my eye doctor the next day for my first post-op checkup. The lens was in good condition. There was some swelling, which was to be expected, and I experienced an increase in eye pressure which my doctor monitored closely.
The importance of following post-operative instructions
For the next two weeks, I vigilantly followed my post-op instructions. This included using several eye drops on a schedule, wearing eye shields to protect the eyes, and limiting physical activities as instructed. I made several more visits to the doctor to have my eye pressure checked. I was told that this can happen when swelling blocks the drainage system in the eye. It is usually temporary and should resolve with recovery and medication.
Problems with eye pressure but improved vision
The morning of my second eye surgery, my eye pressure was very high in both eyes. I was immediately given eye drops to bring it down. Within a few days, I was enjoying how clear my central vision was. I was pleased that the gauzy film was gone, the glare improved, and the colors became more vivid. After correcting both eyes and working together, I was once again able to read my computer and iPhone. A few weeks after surgery, I was reading two or three more lines on the charts, and it was very exciting.
Three months after surgery, my eye pressure was still high, and I was taking glaucoma eye drops. The doctors said I was what they called a “steroid responder,” which is why my blood pressure was up. They believed that the pressure problem would be solved over time.
Vision rehabilitation services after cataracts or vision loss
If you have cataract complications, are unable to have surgery, or are still experiencing vision loss, Visual rehabilitation services It can help with everyday tasks such as getting around, reading, cooking, using technology, and managing household chores. You can also explore updating VisionAware Getting started guide For practical suggestions and resources.
More information about cataracts
For more information about cataracts, read VisionAware’s article about Cataracts In the Department of Ophthalmology
Prevent blindness Offers patient resources about cataracts and cataract surgery, as well as downloads Fact sheets And shareable Social media graphics.
the National Eye Institute It also provides information about cataracts, including current research and patient education.
