Understanding Conservative And Advanced Cataract Treatments

If you have been diagnosed with cataracts, then you should seek out care with a vision treatment specialist. The professional can provide you with options in the way of both conservative and more advanced types of treatments. Keep reading to learn about both of these kinds of treatments so you can understand some of your options.

Conservative Cataract Treatments

Cataracts are an issue involving the clouding of the eye lens. This cloudiness is caused by the accumulation of proteins on the lens surface. And, this creates a situation where light is blocked from entering the eye. As the cataracts are first developing, some light can still make its way through the lens. And, you may experience some mild symptoms that include blurred vision, light sensitivity, and difficulties with nighttime driving.

When cataract symptoms first present themselves, your eye doctor will work to ensure that you can see properly. This may mean prescribing new eyeglasses after a visual exam to help reduce blurring. And, lenses may be tinted or you may be advised to choose transition lenses so that light sensitivity issues are reduced. Advice on reducing your nighttime driving and using brighter lights in the home may be provided as well.

Some eye professionals may also recommend the use of prescription or over the counter eye drops. And, the professional may work with your general physician to identify prescription medications that may be contributing to the cataracts. Adjustments can sometimes be made to slow the progression of the cataracts.

Advanced Cataract Treatments

When cataracts advance to the point where they significantly affect the vision, your eye professional will likely suggest surgery. Surgical approaches to cataract treatment are meant to "cure" the problem by removing the diseased lens and replacing it with an artificial one. And, there are some newer sorts of procedures that are considered minimally invasive. They involve the use of lasers to break up the diseased lens and to create a small opening where the new lens can be slipped into the eye.

You will need to schedule two cataract surgical procedures in most cases. This will allow you to see through one eye while the other is being treated. Typically, the eye with the worse cataract is treated first. 

You will go through a healing process and will use eye drops to reduce inflammation and infection concerns. Afterward, your visual acuity is checked once again. Acuity is likely to improve and you will need a new set of corrective lenses.