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Should I Consider a Premium IOL If I’m Having Cataract Surgery?

Alan M. Berg, MD on September 24, 2020

Older woman with eyeglasses considering Cataract Surgery

Cataracts form in the lens, making it become cloudy. The only way to treat them is to remove the entire lens during cataract surgery.

Before modern cataract surgery, this left patients without any lens in their eyes. They had to wear very thick glasses to see again.

But thanks to modern medicine, your lens can now be replaced with an artificial one called an IOL, or intraocular lens. IOLs also come in several varieties.

Some are more advanced than others. But do you need a more advanced, premium IOL? It depends.

Keep reading to find out if you should consider a premium IOL if you’re having cataract surgery!

Standard vs. Premium IOLs

Cataract surgery is often covered by medical insurance as it’s considered a necessity. But most insurances only cover one kind of IOL, which is the standard monofocal lens.

Monofocals are lenses that have a uniform surface set to only one refractive power. This is either for distance vision or close-up vision.

Doctors usually give patients who opt for monofocals one of each power in each eye. This creates monovision and allows patients to see decently at a mid-range distance. The disadvantage is that they may have trouble seeing up close without reading glasses.

But there are several other options available when it comes to IOLs. These are premium options, and they are not usually covered by insurance.

The cost of your surgery is, but the premium lenses are not. That means you’ll pay out of pocket for your intraocular lenses if you choose a premium option.

Many patients find the tradeoff for better vision to be worth the expense. You may, too, especially because there are so many options to choose from.

Types of Premium Lenses

There are many diff IOLs available. Not all practices that offer cataract surgery carry every kind of IOL. These are the most common ones that are widely available:

Multifocal IOLs

These IOLs have rings that extend from the center of the lens.
The rings are set to alternating refractive powers.

Wearing the IOL trains your eyes to look out the right part of the lens depending on what you’re looking at. This allows the patient to see more sharply up-close. Most patients no longer need glasses.

Accommodative IOLs

These IOLs are lenses that change their shape depending on what you look at. When you’re focusing on something up close, the lens thickens to magnify what you’re viewing.

When your eyes are relaxed, the lens thins out again to allow you to see at a distance.

Trifocal IOLs

The trifocal IOL is a lot like a multifocal IOL but it has three refractive powers instead of two. This is for up-close, far away, and in-between distance. This allows patients to see at any distance.

Toric IOLs

This is the only kind of IOL specifically designed for patients with astigmatism. Toric IOLs correct astigmatism as well as other refractive errors.

Assessing Your Needs

With these different options, how do you know what to get? It depends on you. If you’re okay with having to wear reading glasses after cataract surgery, you may be fine with monofocal lenses.

If you spend a lot of time on the computer or looking at screens, a trifocal lens may be best for seeing at a middle distance.

Be sure to discuss with your doctor what your needs are and what options are available to you.

Have questions about cataracts and what kind of IOL you should choose? Schedule a cataract screening at Berg Feinfield Vision Correction in Pasadena, CA!

Clear vision could be yours again when you say goodbye to cataracts!

Will Having Cataracts Hurt?

Alan M. Berg, MD on July 28, 2020

Older man with cataracts smiling

Cataracts are an eye condition that many people have to deal with as they get older. There are a variety of eye conditions that older individuals are at risk for.

Cataracts are probably the most common eye condition. The good news is that they present very few symptoms early on and don’t cause any physical discomfort.

But that also means that they can be hard to detect. As they get worse, you may find your eyesight becomes significantly impaired.

That’s one of several reasons why it’s important to have regular eye exams by the time you turn 40. But there are also things you can look out for to tell if you might have cataracts.

What are Cataracts?

Due to aging, the chemicals in our bodies change. It’s not known the exact process that leads to cataracts. But what is known is that chemical changes cause the cells in the eye’s natural lens to become more opaque.

This creates a sort of clouding or a cataract. Cataracts are extremely common. While they’re most frequently associated with aging, they can actually occur at any point in a person’s life.

Rarely, some people are even born with congenital cataracts. Certain factors may also put you at risk for developing cataracts earlier in life.

This includes factors like having diabetes, using tobacco products, and poor diet. While you can’t prevent yourself from developing cataracts, the best way to lower your risk is to lead a healthy lifestyle. But even if you’re healthy, you may develop cataracts, especially if you’re over the age of 40.

Symptoms

While cataracts don’t cause any real physical discomfort, they do have visual symptoms. These symptoms are subtle when your cataracts are first starting to develop.

They become more intense the more advanced they become. These symptoms include:

  • Blurry vision
  • Intense glare
  • Halos around light sources
  • Decreased ability to see the contrast
  • Light sensitivity
  • Difficulty seeing in low light

Often, these symptoms are mistaken for presbyopia or age-related farsightedness. But cataracts don’t actually decrease your ability to see up close.

You may develop a cataract at the same time as having presbyopia. For this reason, reading glasses may appear to reduce symptoms.

But with cataracts, if you have trouble reading, it’s often due to an inability to see fine details without direct lighting. It can be quite difficult to tell if your visual symptoms are a sign of cataracts or presbyopia.

The only way to diagnose them or any eye condition is to have an eye exam with an eye care professional.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Because you’re at increased risk for cataracts once you turn 40, you should have regular eye exams once you’re 40. For most people, this means an eye exam every two years or so.

Your eye doctor may want you to have more regular eye exams if you’re at a higher risk. If you have cataracts, your eye doctor may not recommend treatment right away.

Cataracts develop quite slowly over time. This may mean that treatment may never be necessary, depending on your age and symptoms. Once your cataracts begin affecting your quality of life, most doctors recommend treatment.

The only way to treat cataracts is to have them removed through cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is a very common, low-risk procedure.

In fact, it’s the most commonly performed medical procedure in the US. During surgery, your natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens called an IOL, or intraocular lens.

IOLs can be used to correct other vision problems like presbyopia or astigmatism as well. There are many advantages to having the procedure.

If cataracts are making it difficult to perform daily tasks, talk to your doctor about having cataract surgery.

Tired of living with the daily effects of cataracts? Schedule a cataract screening at Berg Feinfield Vision Correction in Burbank, CA today!

Can Having Dry Eyes Stand In The Way of Cataract Surgery?

Alan M. Berg, MD on May 29, 2020

Older man suffering from dry eyes

Cataracts are a common eye condition in adults over the age of 40. Cataracts can also severely affect your vision.

They develop slowly but they can eventually make it almost impossible to see. When fully developed, they even cause total blindness.

The good news about cataracts is that their visual constraints don’t have to be permanent. Thanks to cataract surgery, you can regain your vision and have your cataracts removed.

Cataract surgery is also the only effective treatment option for cataracts. Like any surgical procedure, there are risks that come with having cataract surgery.

While cataract surgery is a safe procedure, having pre-existing conditions can make it a little more difficult. This includes if you have conditions like dry eye syndrome.

Keep reading to learn if having dry eyes can stand in your way of having cataract surgery!

Dry Eye and Eye Surgery

Dry eye can be a temporary condition triggered by changes in a person’s environment. But it can also be a chronic condition.

Dry eye syndrome often occurs in those that are older, especially women going through menopause. For those that have dry eye syndrome, any kind of eye surgery carries more risk.

Having enough moisture in the eyes is what helps them heal. Dry eye can make the recovery process after surgery longer and more uncomfortable.

Having dry eyes won’t prevent you from having eye surgery, including cataract surgery. To be as safe as possible, you may have to take some extra precautions.

Pre-Surgery Evaluation

Before you have cataract surgery, your doctor will screen you to make sure surgery will be safe. This evaluation includes testing your tear production.

Your doctor will assess both the quality of your tears, the amount produced, and how well they disperse over the surface of your eye. For most cases of dry eye syndrome, the actual amount of tears produced is normal.

The problem lies in your tears not having enough moisture. Because of this, the tears are more oil and mucus than water.

If your doctor finds you have dry eye syndrome, they will recommend treatments before surgery. These treatments will ease your symptoms and make you more comfortable.

Dry Eye Treatments

Dry eyes can be treated non-invasively. Before recommending anything else, most doctors will probably suggest over-the-counter artificial tears.

They may also suggest a change in diet. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help your tear production. You can also take fish oil or flaxseed oil supplements.

If you take supplements, know that the body absorbs nutrients better from actual food. You may need to try adding omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods in your diet, like salmon, tuna, chia seeds, and walnuts to get the full benefits.

If these changes don’t ease symptoms, there are minimally-invasive surgical options as well. One common surgery for dry eye is inserting punctal plugs.

These plugs block the eye’s drainage channel. Blocking the drainage channel forces your tears to stay on the surface of the eye longer. This helps keep your eyes more lubricated and makes up for tears that aren’t the highest quality.

Once your dry eye is under control, you can have cataract surgery, knowing your eyes are in better shape. If you still struggle with dry eye after treatment, your doctor may still consider surgery.

This depends on the severity of your cataracts, although there will be an increased risk. For the most part, dry eye is manageable, but every case is different.

Discuss your options about dry eye and cataract surgery with your doctor. This will allow you to make an informed decision.

Think you may need cataract surgery? Schedule a cataract screening at Berg Feinfield Vision Correction in Burbank, CA!

Do I Really Need Cataract Surgery?

Alan M. Berg, MD on September 11, 2019

Elderly Woman Driving

Cataracts affect a large percentage of adults over the age of 40. Many of these people may have cataracts and don’t even notice it at first.

But if you find it difficult to see, your doctor may recommend cataract surgery. It is an elective procedure, so you may be wondering if it’s completely necessary.

The truth is, it’s the most effective treatment for cataracts. It’s also the only way to restore your vision. Keep reading to learn more about treating cataracts and when to have surgery!

Is There an Alternative Treatment?

There is no way to fully treat cataracts besides having cataract surgery. Cataract surgery only becomes necessary if cataracts impact your vision.

Even if you have cataracts, you may not need treatment. Some people with cataracts never experience symptoms severe enough to warrant surgery.

Since cataracts develop over time, there are people who never develop cataract symptoms. If you have cataracts that aren’t harming your vision, there’s no need to get them treated.

But when your doctor recommends surgery, that means your cataracts affect your vision.

Severity of Symptoms

For many people, they may not notice having cataracts at first. Common symptoms include blurry vision, light sensitivity, and poor night vision.

These symptoms may even be present without the patient noticing. Often, blurry vision may be mistaken for presbyopia. This is also associated with getting older.

The difference is, stronger glasses won’t improve your vision if it’s because of cataracts.

When cataract symptoms become obvious and severe, it’s a good time to consider surgery.

Quality of Life

Doctors recommend cataract surgery when cataracts affect the patient’s quality of life. This means that if you can’t see well enough to perform everyday tasks as normal, you should get surgery.

Cataracts may develop slowly enough to never be a problem. This is why cataract surgery isn’t always recommended at diagnosis.

But left untreated, they can get much worse. You can even go blind if your cataracts get more and more opaque.

The good news is, blindness by cataracts is reversible when you get cataract surgery. But you don’t want to wait until you’ve gone blind to get treated!

It’s much easier to get surgery at the point that your cataracts start to cause you trouble when completing tasks. It’s also helpful to get frequent eye exams so you can be diagnosed with cataracts as early as possible.

That way, your doctor can watch their progression and recommend treatment. If you do need cataract surgery, know that there’s nothing to be afraid of!

It’s one of the most common procedures performed around the world. If you have questions or concerns, talk to your doctor. They can answer any of your questions and set your mind at ease.

Think it’s time for you or a loved one to get cataract surgery? Contact Berg Feinfield in Sherman Oaks, CA to schedule a cataract screening! Don’t let your diminished vision from cataracts stand in your way of clear vision any longer! Isn’t it time to see the world with the clarity you’ve been waiting for?

4 Reasons Why Cataract Surgery Isn’t Scary

Alan M. Berg, MD on July 24, 2019

Older Couple Having Fun

Cataracts can be a real pain. They’re a very common condition, especially in patients over the age of 40.

Some people are lucky enough to have cataracts that don’t impede their vision. But for some cataracts cause major visual problems or even blindness.

If you have cataracts and you find yourself unable to perform daily tasks because of them, it’s time to get them out. There’s only one treatment option for cataracts, and it’s cataract surgery.

Being told you need any kind of surgery can be a little scary, but cataract surgery is nothing to fear. Here are a few reasons why:

It’s A Safe, Low-Risk Surgery

Any surgery carries some risk, and cataract surgery is no different. As far as surgeries go, cataract surgery is very low-risk. A small percentage of patients will experience complications.

An even smaller percentage experience serious complications. Almost all risks from cataract surgery are avoidable!

This is by caring for your eyes during recovery. You also need to take all prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops.

It’s A Common Procedure

Cataract surgery is one of the most common medical procedures in the country. This actually isn’t that surprising considering how common cataracts are.

Lots of people get cataracts so lots of people need them treated at some point. But because cataract surgery is so common, the procedure is routine for most surgeons.

Your surgeon will know exactly what they’re doing. This means this is a surgery they’ve performed hundreds or thousands of times.

It’s Quick and Painless

Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure, meaning you’ll be able to go home the same day. Not only that, but the surgery itself will only take about 30 minutes.

You will be awake for the surgery, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be any anesthetic. All that’s needed for the surgery are eye drops that numb the surface of the eye.

The surgeon applies the drops, and once the patient blinks, the drops are spread over the eye. This is what numbs the eye during the procedure.

To help the patient relax, most surgeons also will give a mild sedative. This means you won’t feel any pain and you’ll be very relaxed!

It Will Let You See Again

Not only is cataract surgery safe, fast, and painless, but it’s well worth it. Cataract surgery works.

It’s the most effective treatment for cataracts. Cataract surgery works because the entire lens gets removed from the eye. The lens is then replaced by an artificial lens or IOL.

It’s this IOL that allows the patient to see again. If you’ve gotten to the point where cataracts have impeded your vision, it’s time for surgery.

You can even see better than before if you get a premium IOL! There are many IOL options to choose from, so discuss these with your doctor before cataract surgery!

Concerned that you need cataract surgery? Contact Berg Feinfield in South Pasadena, CA to schedule a cataract screening with us! Haven’t you waited long enough to see well again? It’s time to see clearly!

What Is The Perfect IOL?

Alan M. Berg, MD on May 6, 2019

Older man struggling to read phone screen

If you have cataracts, your doctor may have recommended cataract surgery. This surgery removes your cataracts.

But with this choice to have cataract surgery comes another choice– what kind of IOL should you get? An IOL, or intraocular lens, is an artificial lens that replaces your natural lens.

There are many kinds of IOLs, which leads many patients to ask “which one is the best?” The answer isn’t straightforward, as no IOL is perfect for every single patient.

It depends on what your vision is like, what your needs are, and how much you’re willing to spend. Keep reading to learn some tips on choosing the right IOL for you!

Cataract Surgery

So why do you need an IOL at all? Well, to remove your cataracts, your natural lens has to be removed as well.

Cataracts form when the crystalline lens becomes clouded. This is usually a natural side effect of aging.

During cataract surgery, the surgeon makes a small incision in the eye. They then use ultrasonic waves to break up the lens and remove it.

This leaves the patient without a natural lens. You need a lens to see, so it’s replaced with an artificial lens.

The IOL is first inserted through the same small incision made to remove the lens. Once inserted, the IOL unfolds and takes over as the lens.

Available Options

There are several different kinds of IOLs. These include:

The Monofocal IOL, a standard lens that has only one focusing distance. You will still need glasses with this IOL.

The Multifocal IOL, a premium lens that has rings set to different focusing distances. This allows the eye to look through different rings to see up close and far away,

The Accommodative IOL, a premium lens that thickens and flattens accordingly. This happens when the eye is focusing on nearby objects and flattens when looking far away.

This allows you to see far away and up close. Compared to the multifocal lens, you have less up close focusing power.

The Toric IOL, a premium lens designed to correct astigmatism. Toric IOLs also allow users to both up close and far away.

If you decide to get a premium lens, know that they aren’t usually covered by insurance. You should expect to pay out of pocket if you buy a premium lens. For many people, a premium IOL is worth the extra cost to not wear glasses.

Choosing the Right IOL for You

With so many different IOLs to choose from, it can be hard to decide what to get. There is no kind of IOL that’s “the best,” but there is the best option for you.

If you don’t want to spend the money on a premium IOL, monofocal lenses may work fine. If you have cataracts in both eyes, you can have a monofocal lens put in each eye.

Each monofocal lens is then set to an opposite focusing distance. This is monovision, and it allows you to see well at most distances. It’s not as powerful as a premium IOL, so you may still need reading glasses.

If you don’t want to worry about wearing reading glasses, a multifocal IOL may be best for you. If you want better vision without the strength of a multifocal, try an accommodative lens.

Wondering which IOL may be right for you? Contact Berg Feinfield in Burbank, CA to schedule a cataract appointment today!

5 Questions About Cataract Surgery Answered

Alan M. Berg, MD on March 8, 2019

Middle-Aged Couple Happy after Cataract Surgery

If you or someone you know has cataracts, you’ve heard of cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is an elective procedure and the only way to treat cataracts.

Any surgery can feel daunting, cataract surgery included. You may have lots of questions and no answers about the procedure. Keep reading for 5 common questions asked about cataract surgery!

Do I Need Cataract Surgery If I Have Cataracts?

Not always. The answer to this question depends on if your cataract is affecting your life. It is possible to have a cataract and not experience any vision loss at all.

Cataract surgery only becomes necessary if your vision deteriorates because of a cataract. A cataract that isn’t bothering you now could over time worsen as well.

How Serious is Cataract Surgery?

Any surgery, including cataract surgery, should be something you take seriously. Although cataract surgery is effective and reliable, it still comes with its own set of risks.

As a whole, cataract surgery is a low-risk procedure. In fact, it’s actually the procedure performed most in the country.

Surgeons who perform cataract surgery perform it on a regular basis. This makes it one of the safest procedures to undergo!

How Is Cataract Surgery Performed?

Cataract surgery involves removing the cataract and the natural lens. Once these have been removed, they are then replaced with an IOL.

To remove the cataract and lens, the surgeon makes a small incision into your eye. Then, the lens and cataract get broken up using an ultrasonic device.

The broken pieces of the lens and cataract get sucked out of the eye using a small vacuum. The final step is inserting the IOL.

Patients remain awake during cataract surgery but under mild sedation. The eyes are also completely numbed, so there’s no pain felt during the procedure!

After Surgery, Will I Still Need Glasses?

In the past, cataract surgery involved only removing the lens. There was no artificial intraocular lens inserted to replace the lens. As a result, after cataract surgery patients had to wear thick glasses to see.

Nowadays, patients receive an artificial implant called an intraocular lens (IOL). IOLs allow patients to see, although they may still need reading glasses.

When picking an IOL, it’s important to make the choice based on your lifestyle. Depending on the IOL you choose, you may be able to live without wearing any glasses!

Make sure to talk to your cataract surgeon about what kinds of IOLs there are. You should also discuss if a premium IOL would be right for you.

How Much Does Cataract Surgery Cost?

While cataract surgery is elective, it’s almost always covered by insurance. This is because it’s usually performed to prevent or reverse blindness.

But insurance only tends to cover the cost of surgery and a standard IOL. If you want a premium IOL, you’ll have to pay out of pocket.

Premium IOLs can get a little price and often cost a few thousand dollars per eye. The IOL is permanent and never needs replacing, making the cost reasonable. But many people are happy sticking with standard IOLs.

Considering cataract surgery for yourself or a loved one? Schedule a cataract screening at Berg-Feinfield in Beverly Hills today!

How Do You Know If You Have Cataracts?

Alan M. Berg, MD on January 9, 2019

Cataracts are an extremely common condition. Almost half of the population will have had at least one cataract by the age of seventy.

But cataracts can affect your vision at any age. Age-related cataracts are an issue for many people in their forties. They form when the crystalline lens in your eye becomes clouded.

This clouding can happen over many years, or it can develop faster over a period of only a few months. But aside from assessment by your eye doctor, how do you know you have them? There are a few key signs you should watch out for.

Older Couple Golfing

Blurry Vision

When you have cataracts, it’s like everything you see is through a foggy window. Since your lens is clouded, seeing through it can be difficult. It may seem like everything you’re seeing is blurry, out of focus, or obscured.

Blurry vision may also be a sign that you need a stronger prescription. If you find you need stronger and stronger prescriptions, it’s likely you have cataracts.

Trouble Reading or Working Up Close

People with cataracts often have trouble reading or completing activities that need focus. This may be simple presbyopia, which also occurs in patients over the age of forty.

Presbyopia causes issues with near focus. But with cataracts, the trouble is usually due to a lack of light. Cataracts make it difficult to see contrast in low light. If you need a lot of light to read or do other up close tasks, you may have cataracts.

Sensitivity to Light

Cataracts often intensify glare, making it difficult to look at anything bright. They can also cause you to see halos around light sources.

If you see halos and your eyes are more sensitive to light, it could very well be because of cataracts. The excessive glare can also make it difficult to drive at night. This is because glare is worse in low light situations.

Poor Vision at Night

Having trouble seeing contrast in low light can make it very difficult to see at night. Again, this can make it difficult to drive, especially compounded with excessive glare.

If you find your night vision is worse than it used to be, it could mean you have cataracts. If you struggle to drive at night due to glare sensitivity, you may need cataract surgery.

Cataract Surgery

The only way to treat cataracts is to have them removed. This can only happen by getting cataract surgery. During cataract surgery, your cataract is broken up into smaller pieces. It is then removed, along with your natural lens.

Your lens is then replaced with an artificial one. Cataract surgery is one of the most performed of all medical procedures. It is safe and effective! If cataracts are affecting your quality of life, talk to your doctor. It may be time for cataract surgery!

If you’re looking for a cataract evaluation, try Berg Feinfield Vision Correction. You can contact us today to request an appointment at one of our locations like Burbank or Sherman Oaks.

How To Recover From Cataract Surgery

Alan M. Berg, MD on October 11, 2018

Senior woman in hat and sunglasses in car

Cataract surgery is a very common and safe procedure. But it still means that you’ll need to spend time allowing your eyes to recover. It’s important to care for yourself properly after cataract surgery so your eyes heal.

During surgery, a small incision is made in the eye. This incision is then left to heal on its own without sutures. The eye is self-healing, making this the most effective method. While your eye is healing, you have to make sure nothing gets in your eye.

After cataract surgery, your eyes will be more likely to get infected. Worried about cataract surgery? Keep reading to learn some things to keep in mind while you’re recovering!

Don’t Drive

On the day of your surgery and the day after, do not drive yourself. This is to let the effects of anesthesia completely wear off and also give your eyes some rest.

The first couple days after surgery, your eyes may be sensitive to light, so driving can be difficult. It’s best to wait to drive until your eye doctor has cleared you.

Above all, don’t drive if you don’t feel comfortable! It may take several days before you feel confident behind the wheel.

Limit Physical Activity

The first few weeks after surgery, you should avoid any kind of strenuous activity. If you perform activities that are too physical, you run the risk of bumping into something.

If you injure your eye while it is still healing, you could suffer from serious complications. Use your recovery time to take it easy and give your body time to heal, inside and out. If there are activities that need to completed, ask a family member or friend for help.

Avoid Eye Irritants

Make sure you keep your eyes away from anything that can get in them, including water. When showering, avoid getting water near your eyes. Did you know that water can carry bacteria? If you accidentally get water in your eyes, you could get an infection.

When outside, be sure to wear sunglasses, and when you sleep your doctor may want you to wear an eye shield. The most crucial thing to remember is do not rub your eyes!

By rubbing your eyes, you could introduce bacteria into them and get an infection. The key while recovering from cataract surgery is to be extra careful. After all, you’re better off safe than sorry!

Use Eye Drops

Take eye drops on a regular basis to prevent infection. Your doctor will give you anti-inflammatory or antibiotic drops to use after surgery. Make sure you use them as prescribed. Missing a dosage or two can leave your eyes at greater risk for infection, so stick to a consistent schedule.

Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions

Whatever your doctor tells you to do after surgery, you should follow their advice. They will be able to tell you when you can get back to regular activity and when you can stop taking eye drops.

Each patient is different, so make sure to follow up regularly with your doctor after surgery. This will help your doctor see if your eyes are healing properly.  If there are complications, having regular appointments with your eye doctor will help.

Want to learn more about cataracts or cataract surgery? Contact Berg Feinfield Vision Correction today to schedule an appointment.

Why You Shouldn’t Fear Cataract Surgery

Alan M. Berg, MD on August 7, 2018

Older Woman With Clear Blue Eyes

If your cataracts have progressed to a point where they interfere with your daily life, it may be time to get them removed. The most effective and permanent way to treat cataracts is through removal via cataract surgery. The procedure is relatively simple and involves breaking up the cataract, removing it, and replacing your lens with an artificial one. Even though the procedure is simple, you may be a little worried— after all, any surgery, even elective surgeries can be a little scary. Cataract surgery is nothing to be afraid of, and here’s why:

It’s Extremely Common

Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the United States, if not the most commonly performed surgery. This makes sense when you consider that virtually everyone who lives past seventy-five will develop cataracts at some point in their life. A large number of people get cataracts, so it makes sense that a lot of people need to be treated. Since cataract surgery is the most effective treatment, cataract surgery is an extremely popular procedure. Because it’s so common, most doctors who perform the procedure have performed it hundreds of times. This makes cataract surgery a routine operation and your doctor will know exactly what to do and will be able to perform the procedure safely and effectively.

It’s An Outpatient Procedure

Many elective surgeries involve a hospital stay. This is not the case for cataract surgery— the procedure is performed in one day, and you will go home that same day. The surgery itself doesn’t even last too long, and you won’t be put under anesthesia for it. During cataract surgery, you will be awake, although your doctor may give you a sedative to help you relax. The procedure is quick and painless, and recovery is short. This means that you’ll be able to recover from the comfort of your own home.

It Carries Few Risks

Because of how common cataract surgery is, there aren’t many risks, and most risks are fairly minimal. Chances are, if you’re in good health besides your cataracts and your doctor has evaluated you and recommended surgery, you won’t have any complications.

It Can Significantly Improve Your Quality Of Life

The main reason you should consider cataract surgery is if your cataracts affect your ability to live your daily life. Not being able to see correctly can be debilitating. Cataract surgery gives you back your vision. Any other worries or concerns you have about surgery pale in comparison with the benefits of being able to see again. If you can’t see well and are hampered by cloudy vision and excessive glare, having your cataracts removed is the best option available. There’s no reason to be afraid— get your vision back with cataract surgery!

Want to learn more about cataracts? Think you might have them? Want to learn more about cataract surgery? Contact Berg-Feinfield Vision Correction today to schedule an appointment today and start your vision journey with us!