Your Eye Doctor’s Involvement In Cataract Management
Tracking Cataract Progression
During an eye exam, your eye doctor will be able to identify if you are beginning to develop cataracts. Once this is established, you will need to ensure that you schedule regular eye exams each year or even more frequent eye exams depending on your eye doctor’s recommendations. Your eye doctor will track the progress of your cataract and monitor your vision loss. This will determine your symptom management plan and help guide your decision to have cataract surgery.
Symptom Management
When a person is at risk of developing cataracts due to family history or other personal health factors, your eye doctor may recommend pre-emptive measures to reduce your risk for cataracts. If you have already been diagnosed with cataracts, your eye doctor will suggest management options to slow the progression of cataracts. To help prevent and to slow cataract development you should:
- Wear UV-blocking sunglasses. UV rays are very harmful to the eyes and can contribute to the breakdown of proteins, which cause cataracts.
- Quit smoking. Tobacco use has been correlated with the development of many eye conditions, including cataracts.
- Eat healthy. Including a variety of minerals and nutrients in your diet is vital for maintaining eye health.
- Managing other health issues. Remember that all aspects of health are interconnected, and other health conditions and the medications used to treat them can impact your eye health.
If your cataracts are developing to the point where your vision is blurring, your eye doctor may prescribe corrective lenses. Some people only ever need eyeglasses and do not need to undergo cataract surgery.
Referral
If your cataracts do progress to the point where eyeglasses are not enough to restore vision, you will need cataract surgery. This is a very common and safe surgery that can be performed in one day. Cataract surgery is performed by an ophthalmologist instead of your regular optometrist, but your optometrist will need to give you a referral before you can be scheduled for cataract surgery.
Do you want to continue learning more about cataracts? Read 4 Surprising Facts About Cataracts and Cataract Awareness Month: 6 Things You Should Know About Cataracts.
Cataract Management With A Calgary Eye Doctor
When properly managed, cataracts don’t have to impact your daily life. Detecting cataracts early can mean preventing this condition from developing to the point of needing surgery and working with an eye doctor makes it simple to receive treatment and surgery if needed. At Sunridge Eye Clinic, we offer personalized cataract management plans that help to reduce the progression rate of your cataracts and manage cataract symptoms. Whether you want to check your general eye health or you require an eye doctor who can help with your cataracts, schedule an eye exam with Sunridge Eye Clinic by calling 1-403-280-7518 or filling out the online contact form.
FAQ
Q: Can you go blind from cataracts?
A: Yes, if left untreated cataracts can cause blindness. However, this can be reversed with cataract surgery.
Q: How long is the recovery from cataract surgery?
A: The recovery time for cataract surgery is relatively short. Soreness and discomfort will subside after a couple of days. Depending on the nature and size of your cataracts, a full recovery to restored vision can take 4-6 weeks.
Q: Can cataracts recur?
A: No, once you have a cataract removed from one eye it will not redevelop. You can get cataracts in the other eye, but only once.
