Cataract is the leading cause of blindness in the world. Cataracts can prevent you from being able to do everyday tasks such as reading or driving, as well as the things you do for fun. The longer cataracts are left untreated, the more difficult it can be to successfully remove the cataract and restore vision.

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Past studies found that quality of life for those who had cataract surgery improved by 36 percent after surgery when comparing those patients to people who didn't have the surgery. Most patients not only have improved vision after cataract surgery, patients also experience these benefits listed below.

• Less Injuries –Vision loss is a contributing factor to slips, falls and fractures. If you can’t see where you’re going you increase your risk of slipping, tripping or falling. Patients that had severe cataracts decreased their odds of a hip fracture by 23 percent.
• More Social – Since cataracts prevent doing everyday tasks such as driving or reading, some feel less independent and become socially withdrawn.
• Eye Glasses  - Most people need glasses, at least some of the time, after cataract surgery. Your doctor will let you know when your eyes have healed enough for you to get a final prescription for eyeglasses. This is usually between one and three months after surgery. While seeing more clearly is the main goal of cataract surgery, new lasers and premium lenses have made it possible to also achieve better vision."I have the ability to improve a patient’s vision so they can see distance or up close, often without glasses," says Dr. Shofner.
• Longer Life – This is a huge benefit! A long-term study showed a 40 percent reduction in mortality risk for people who had cataract surgery, when comparing them with those who didn’t have it, which simply means you improve your odds of living longer if you have the surgery.

What is a cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. It can be compared to a window that is frosted or yellowed.  The amount and pattern of cloudiness within the lens can vary. If the cloudiness is not near the center of the lens, you may not be aware that a cataract is present. 

The most common type of cataract is related to aging of the eye. Other causes of cataract include: family history, medical problems, such as diabetes,injury to the eye, medication, especially steroids, radiation long-term,unprotected exposure to sunlight previous eye surgery and unknown factors. Learn more about common cataract symptoms on our website.

What is laser cataract surgery?

An eye surgeon uses the laser to make the corneal incision and the opening in the lens capsule. Energy from the laser may also be used to soften the cataract. Then the ultrasound probe used in traditional cataract surgery is used to break the lens into pieces and suction them out of the eye. The IOL is implanted. You may also be offered laser cataract surgery if you choose to have a premium lens implanted, such as an astigmatism-correcting toric IOL or a multifocal IOL. 

Dr. Stewart Shofner specializes in cataract vision correction surgery,eye disease diagnosis and treatment. If your vision has recently changed or if it’s been more than a year since your last eye exam, click or call (615) 340-4733 to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.

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