Cataracts

At Palm Beach Eye Clinic in West Palm Beach, FL, we offer different treatment options for patients with eye concerns and conditions, including cataract treatment. Our primary treatment method for this condition is cataract surgery. Patients with cataracts that have caused changes in vision, including noticeable vision loss that prevents them from completing everyday activities, can undergo this safe and effective surgical treatment to remove these visionary obstructions and achieve optimal vision.
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What Is Cataract Treatment?

A cataract is a condition in which the lens covering the outer surface of the eyes becomes cloudy. In a healthy eye, this lens is clear and allows for complete clarity of vision. The natural lenses in the eyes of individuals with cataracts appear cloudy, which will negatively affect vision.

Cataracts cause changes in the appearance of how the eyes see color and can cause objects and general vision to appear blurry. Cataract surgery is the primary treatment option for patients with this condition, and specific surgical techniques are used during the procedure to remove the cataract and restore optimal vision.

There are many benefits to undergoing cataract surgery if you have cataracts. Whether you’ve been living with this condition for years or months, once you undergo a surgical procedure to resolve it, you’ll notice a significant improvement in your vision and quality of life. Some of the other treatment benefits include:

  • Patients will have clearer vision
  • Patients can resume activities they previously had to stop due to blurry vision
  • Older patients have a reduced risk of falling due to clearer vision
  • Patients can be cleared for other eye-related treatments after cataracts are dealt with

The best candidates for surgical cataract treatment are patients with cataracts who have experienced vision loss that has prevented them from enjoying normal daily activities and participating in the things they enjoy. If your cataract has made your vision appear blurry or caused you to see an increased glare from light, it may be time to schedule a surgical procedure to address these issues.

A cataract can sometimes prevent patients from receiving the necessary treatment options for other eye-related conditions. Patients with other eye problems who have not necessarily experienced vision loss due to cataracts may also qualify for surgery to remove the cataract so that the other eye condition can be treated.

Preparing for Your Procedure

Patients who qualify for cataract surgery will first undergo a thorough pre-surgical evaluation process. Once we determine that this procedure is a good choice for you, we will give you more details about what to expect and then schedule your procedure. You’ll be asked to follow some pre-procedure directives to prepare for the surgery, and you will be fitted with an artificial lens known as an IOL or intraocular lens. IOLs require a special eye exam to ensure your new lens fits your eyes.

Practical Ways To Prepare

We will also provide you with a list of practical ways to prepare, including refraining from eating after a certain time at night before your scheduled procedure and temporarily stopping the use of certain medications before and after the procedure. You will need someone to drive you home from your procedure, so plan ahead. We will provide complete preparatory instructions to ensure you are completely ready on the day of your scheduled surgery.

What To Expect
From the Procedure

On average, cataract surgery takes approximately one hour. During the procedure, you’ll receive numbing drops, which will be administered directly into the eye to promote comfort throughout the procedure.

You will remain awake, and we can discuss different steps we can take to ensure you remain relaxed throughout the process. The procedure consists of removing the cataract from your eye and replacing it with an artificial IOL lens. After the procedure is over, you’ll go into recovery.

Planning for Your Recovery

After your procedure, you’ll be provided with eye drops and special glasses to promote healing in the days following your appointment. We will give you instructions on which activities to temporarily discontinue to promote optimal healing. These may include heavy lifting, strenuous activities, straining, or touching the eye area

Most patients return to normal within one to two days of the procedure. Full healing takes approximately two months, and regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to ensure that your eyes are healing well.

Most patients experience clearer vision after this procedure. Living with a cloudy lens can make you forget what full clarity of vision looks like, so once that obstruction is removed, colors appear brighter, and clarity improves. Your vision will continue to improve during your recovery as your eyes heal.

You’ll be moved to recovery immediately following your cataract surgery, where you’ll spend some time recovering. Once we clear you to leave, your designated driver can take you home. After your procedure, you should rest your eyes and avoid strenuous activity.

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Cataract Treatment

Whether your cataracts are getting in the way of you undergoing a treatment to address other eye concerns, or they have impaired your vision to the point that it’s reduced your quality of life, we can help. We will design a surgical treatment plan that’s right for you to remove cataracts from your eyes so that you can experience clear vision and optimal eye health and get back to everything you love.
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