How does an ophthalmologist treat cataracts?
The symptoms of early cataracts can be reduced with an adjustment in glasses. In time, if the vision decreases to a point where one cannot do the things in life they want to (such as drive or read), then the ophthalmologist will often suggest cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed and safest surgery in all of medicine. During surgery, a microscopic cut is made and the clouded lens is removed using an ultrasonic machine called a phacoemulsifier. An artificial lens (called an intraocular lens or IOL) is placed inside the eye to replace the focusing power of the original lens. Pre-operative measurements of the eye are used to calculate the power of IOL that best suits the patient. A small amount of sedation is used and usually no needles or stitches are required. Sometimes, months or years after surgery, the original capsule behind the lens can become cloudy. This is called a secondary cataract. This is easily removed with a quick and painless laser treatment ca
