Cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures worldwide, with over 4 million surgeries performed in the U.S. each year. The surgery involves removing the clouded lens of the eye and replacing it with a new, clear lens. According to ophthalmologists, the vast majority of patients have successful outcomes with minimal complications.
By the age of 80, more than half of all Americans develop cataracts. However, over 90% of patients achieve 20/20 vision with glasses after the surgery. It is important to note that individuals with other eye conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or macular degeneration may not experience the same level of improvement.
The risk of post-surgery infection from endophthalmitis is extremely low, at less than 0.1%. Despite the high success rate of cataract surgery, many patients hold misconceptions about cataracts and the surgical process. For instance, some individuals mistakenly believe that a cataract is a growth on the eye’s surface.
To provide a clearer understanding, ophthalmologists often liken a cataract to frosted glass on a bathroom window, where light can penetrate but details cannot be discerned. They explain that the eye’s once transparent lens becomes cloudy, akin to how clear water in the ocean turns murky during a turbulent storm. Additionally, after the surgery, patients are advised to refrain from bending, lifting heavy objects, engaging in high-impact activities, or using eye makeup for one to two weeks.
