At Advanced Eye Surgeons, our utmost goal is to ensure the long-term health and sharpness of your vision. A crucial part of living up to this goal is educating our patients about common eye conditions and the treatment options we have available. Led by board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Archana Gupta and optometrist Dr. Dayana Pereira, Advanced Eye Surgeons is your trusted provider for comprehensive eye care and highly skilled surgical solutions when it comes to cataracts.
What are Cataracts?
A cataract is a condition that clouds the lens of the eye, bringing about blurred or hazy vision that cannot be corrected with glasses or contacts. Though it can affect people of all ages, it is commonly associated with aging. With Boca Raton’s sizable aging population, it’s more important than ever to understand and prevent this eye condition.
Causes and Symptoms of Cataracts
Cataracts develop slowly over time, often due to the natural aging process. Other risk factors include smoking, diabetes, prolonged exposure to sunlight, and certain medications. Symptoms may vary but often involve blurred or hazy vision, difficulty with night vision, sensitivity to light, and seeing “halos” around lights.
Preventing Cataracts
While there’s no sure-fire method to completely prevent cataracts, there are practices you can adopt to reduce your risk. Dr. Gupta recommends the following:
- Smoking cessation
- Wearing sunglasses outdoors to protect from UV exposure
- Proper management of health conditions like diabetes
- Regular check-ups with your ophthalmologist
Cataract Treatment Options in Boca Raton
Initially, milder symptoms of cataracts may be managed with prescription glasses or contact lenses. However, if your quality of life becomes significantly compromised due to severe cataracts, surgery may be your best option. Dr. Archana Gupta specializes in cataract surgery and treatment, making your journey back to clear, restored vision a safe and effective one.
Cataract Surgery Process
Cataract surgery is a relatively quick and routine procedure performed to remove the cloudy lens from the eye and replace it with a clear artificial lens. The process begins with the administration of local anesthesia to numb the eye, ensuring patient comfort. Dr. Gupta will then expertly make a small incision in the cornea, and an ultrasound probe will be used to break up the cloudy lens into tiny fragments, which are then gently suctioned out. The artificial lens, known as an intraocular lens (IOL), is then inserted through the same incision and positioned securely in place. The incision is typically self-sealing and may not require stitches. The entire procedure usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes, and patients can often return home the same day with a noticeable improvement in vision shortly after.
Cataract Surgery Recovery and Results
Recovery from cataract surgery is often very mild, with most patients experiencing significant improvements in vision within a few days. Immediately after the procedure, it’s common to have mild discomfort and blurred vision as the eye heals and adjusts to the new lens. Patients are usually prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation, and they may be advised to wear an eye shield to protect the eye, especially during sleep. Strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for a few weeks. Follow-up appointments at Advanced Eye Surgeons are crucial to monitor healing and ensure optimal results. Most people achieve clearer, sharper vision, often noticing enhanced brightness and more vibrant colors.
Schedule a Consultation
At Advanced Eye Surgeons, we can help you see life more clearly and colorfully. Let us guide you to a clearer future by scheduling a consultation at our Boca Raton office. Head to our website to fill out an online contact form today.
