Cataract Surgery in Oshkosh & Menasha, WI
What Are Cataracts and What Causes Them?
Cataracts are cloudy areas of the lens of your eye, which can affect your vision. They are caused by proteins in the lens of your eye clumping together. You can learn more about causes and treatments for cataracts from the ophthalmologists at Wisconsin Eye Consultants in Menasha, WI.
How Common Are Cataracts and Cataract Surgery?
Cataracts are a common problem as you age and should be treated by an ophthalmologist. In fact, over half of Americans will develop cataracts or have cataract surgery by age 80, according to the National Eye Institute.
Risk Factors for Developing Cataracts
You may be at greater risk of developing cataracts if you smoke, have diabetes, or have frequent and prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Prevention of Cataracts
It is important to protect your eyes from sunlight by wearing a hat and sunglasses outside to help prevent cataracts. You should also avoid smoking and eat a diet high in antioxidants from green leafy vegetables and fruits.
Diagnosis of Cataracts
Cataracts are typically diagnosed during routine eye examinations when an ophthalmologist examines the lens of your eye. Cataracts may not require treatment when they are small. Treatment should be initiated when cataracts have become large enough to interfere with vision.
Eliminating Cataracts With Cataract Surgery
Surgery is the treatment for cataracts.
Your ophthalmologist may recommend phacoemulsification, which involves inserting a tiny probe into an incision in your cornea. The probe emits ultrasonic waves to break up the lens so it can be removed.
Extracapsular surgery is a surgical cataract procedure that involves removing the entire lens as one piece.
Both lens removal options are followed by placement of an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). The IOL becomes part of your eye and provides excellent vision.
Do You Want to Know More About Cataract Surgery?
Talk with the experts to find out more about the causes, signs, symptoms, and treatment of cataracts, including cataract surgery. Call the ophthalmologists at Wisconsin Eye Consultants in Menasha & Oshkosh, WI, at (920) 806-3005.