Cataract Treatment in Shillington, PA

Looking for cataract treatment in Shillington, PA? Look no further than Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania. Shillington, PA, residents are fortunate to have great cataract specialists nearby in our Wyomissing office. The highly trained cataract surgeons at Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania are here to offer you the best eye care in our state.

Cataract treatment involves various aspects, from diagnosis to surgical intervention and post-operative care. Here are some essential things to know about cataract treatment.

What are cataracts?

As people age, many will be affected by cataracts, which are diagnosed during a routine eye exam with a special cataract exam included. Doctors don’t know precisely why cataracts occur, but they appear to be caused by a structural protein breakdown in the eye lens.

This breakdown is a slow process that occurs over many years. Over time, the proteins form on the lens and cloud vision. By age 60, many adults will start forming cataracts, and by age 75, the cataract may be significant enough to require surgery. Cataracts can affect one or both eyes and are a prevalent condition, particularly in people over age 75.

The lens becomes cloudy and cannot properly focus light on the back of the eye (the retina). Images appear distorted and blurry. Particular lifestyle and environmental factors can speed up cataract formation. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light is a factor, so always protecting your eyes from sunlight is essential. Smokers and people with diabetes tend to form cataracts at an earlier age, and certain medications like steroids and statins can also result in earlier cataract formation.

Cataracts develop gradually and are not painful. They don’t develop rapidly, so if you have rapid or painful vision changes, come see us immediately because that could be a sign of a serious eye disease like glaucoma.

Diagnosis

Cataracts are typically diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist. This may involve visual acuity tests, slit-lamp examination, and other specialized tests to assess the extent and impact of the cataract.

Treatment

In the early stages, cataracts may not significantly impair vision, and non-surgical management, such as new eyeglass prescriptions, magnifying lenses, or brighter lighting, may help improve vision temporarily. Eventually, surgery is necessary. Cataract surgery is the only effective treatment for advanced cataracts that significantly impair vision.

The surgery involves removing and replacing the cloudy lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). There are different techniques for cataract surgery, including phacoemulsification and extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE). Phacoemulsification is the most common and involves using ultrasound energy to break up the cloudy lens for removal.

The surgeon will implant an intraocular lens (IOL), an artificial lens that replaces the cataract-impaired natural lens. Various types of IOLs are available, including monofocal, multifocal, and toric lenses, each offering different benefits such as improved near and distance vision or correction of astigmatism.

Surgery and recovery

Before cataract surgery, patients may undergo preoperative evaluations to assess their overall health and suitability for surgery. This may involve eye measurements for IOL selection and discussing any medications or conditions that could affect the surgery.

Cataract surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. The procedure is generally quick, lasts 15-30 minutes per eye, and involves minimal discomfort.

Most patients experience improved vision within a few days to weeks after surgery. However, full recovery may take several weeks, during which patients may need to use prescribed eye drops and avoid strenuous activities.

While cataract surgery is considered safe and highly successful, there are potential complications, including infection, bleeding, inflammation, and retinal detachment. However, serious complications are rare.

Regular follow-up appointments with the ophthalmologist are essential after cataract surgery to monitor healing and address any concerns. Follow-up care may include additional eye examinations and medication or vision correction adjustments as needed.

Understanding these key aspects of cataract treatment can help patients make informed decisions and better prepare for their journey toward improved vision. There’s no better place for cataract treatment in Shillington, PA, than Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania in nearby Wyomissing. The highly trained cataract surgeons are here to offer you the best eye care in our state. Give us a call today to schedule your first appointment.