Cataract Surgery Pros and Cons

Cataract is a condition that affects the eyes of people who are somewhere in the age groups of 50 years and above. It is an abnormal clouding up of the lens of the eye, which can lead to problems in the vision of the person. This clouding is very similar to the frosted appearance that a car windshield may have in case of heavy fog.

This cloudiness of the eye can lead to many problems for the person in conducting day-to-day activities like reading, driving, etc. Hence, going in for cataract surgery is recommended before the condition gets worse. A cataract surgery is one of the simplest and hassle-free surgeries that is performed.

However, like any other surgery, it could have some side effects as well. So, if you want to weigh out its pros and cons, then this HealthHearty article can help you out with it.

*The purpose of this story is merely to enumerate the pros and cons of the cataract surgery. They in no way intend to influence the decision of the reader to accept or reject the surgery. Seek medical advice for confirming your decision regarding the surgery.

The most important advantage of having a cataract surgery is undoubtedly the improvement in the quality of vision post surgery. The surgery is very simple and involves the removal of the cataract film from the lens, and the placement of another clear lens, which will help you have a better and clearer vision.

The percentage of risk involved in a cataract surgery is less than 10%. This is because of the simplicity of the surgery itself. Plus, being performed by experts, this surgery has little to no chances of having any complications.

Given the short period of time required to perform the surgery, you must be aware of the time taken for you to be cleared for discharge after the surgery is done.

Unlike any other major surgeries, the recovery time for a cataract surgery is also very short. You are ready to get back to work in a period of just 2 or 3 weeks, provided you take your medication and follow the doctor's advice about the things you should and should not do post surgery.

After you have undergone a cataract surgery, because your vision is back to normal, you are able to perform daily activities like reading and driving without difficulty. It brings a sense of normalcy back to your life.

A cataract surgery, like any other surgery has its possible complications too. However, these have an occurrence rate of about 1 per 10 people who undergo surgery.

The possible complications of a cataract surgery could involve stickiness or itchiness of the eyes, a possible reaction with the anesthetic administered, the lens getting torn during surgery or cataract fragments being left inside, thus requiring a second operation.

Post cataract surgery, you may be required to refrain from some activities like facing bright lights, and you maybe asked to wear dark glasses for a while. However, these are very slight inconveniences compared to the benefits that the surgery offers.

Additional vision correction here does not stand for another surgery. Sometimes, it may happen that the person's vision may become unclouded, but not clear. This can be corrected by prescription glasses which will be given to you by your optometrist.

As you can see, it is the pros that take predominance over the cons of a cataract surgery. It is a simple surgery that can change your life. So, why not get it done before your eyes get too damaged, right?