The Pros and Cons of Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is a common procedure that can help restore vision and improve quality of life. However, it is important to understand the potential risks and benefits of the procedure before making a decision. In this article, we will discuss the potential

negatives of cataract surgery

, as well as alternative treatments and ways to prepare for the procedure. It is very common to experience blurry or unclear vision in the days and weeks after the cataract is removed. Glare, halos, and other unwanted images may also be present.

To reduce the risk of infection, most eye doctors will prescribe antibiotic eye drops to be used a few days before surgery. Patients taking medications that may cause changes in vision should be aware that they may need to stop taking them before surgery. For example, antidepressants can cause chronic dry eyes, which can lead to blurred vision and an increased risk of infection. After surgery, your eyes need time to heal and you will need to wear an eye patch for several days.

Itching, discomfort, or pain are all common side effects during this process. Swelling and bleeding are also possible. Opacification of the posterior capsule (PCO) is another potential side effect. Statistics suggest that the lifetime risk of a detached retina as a complication of cataract surgery in the United States is about 1%. People may prefer to choose alternative treatment options to cataract surgery, which don't involve surgery. A study of more than 221,000 cataract surgery patients showed that 99.5% of patients had no serious complications after the procedure.

However, it is important to discuss all potential risks with your eye doctor before making a decision. If your condition cannot be treated with glasses or contact lenses, your eye doctor may suggest cataract surgery as an option. Traditional medicine also offers an alternative treatment option for early cataract formation: a combination of Chinese botanical ingredients called “Hachimi-jio-gan” can help cure it. When complications from cataract surgery occur, most are minor and can be successfully treated by medical means or with additional procedures. People whose vision doesn't improve after cataract surgery often have underlying eye disorders, such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and other eye conditions. Only one laser treatment is required to permanently eliminate vision loss caused by opacification of the back capsule after cataract surgery. When considering the pros and cons of treating cataracts, it is important to remember that there are alternatives to surgery.