How Does Astigmatism Affect Your Vision?
You likely don’t give much thought to your vision until you have a symptom that interferes with daily life. If you have astigmatism, ophthalmology offers different options to help you see more clearly.
5 Encouraging Facts About Cataracts
Cataracts are common as you reach old age. About half of people over 80 either have cataracts or have had surgery to remove them.
Dr. Stephen Khachikian sees cataracts in many older patients. This eye condition often begins to develop when you’re 40-50 years old, and while you understandably don’t like the thought of getting cataracts, the news isn’t all bad. Here are five reassuring facts about cataracts.
1. You can lower your risk of developing cataracts
You have a role to play in reducing your risk for cataracts or slowing down cataract development if you have them. Did you know that the sun’s rays are carcinogenic? Direct exposure to sunlight over a number of years increases your risk for cataracts and eye cancers.
Do you still smoke? You may not realize that smoking increases your risk of developing cataracts. Cigarettes have thousands of toxic chemicals that cause cell breakdown, even in your eyes.
2. Cataracts grow very slowly
Dr. Khachikian can spot early cataract development long before you notice a change to your vision. They develop very slowly, so the good news is that you don’t have to take action for quite a few years.
You now have the knowledge that at some point in the future, you’ll likely have cataract surgery. You can prepare yourself mentally for that time when it comes.
3. You can make adjustments to delay surgery
If you start to notice changes in your vision from cataracts but it’s not convenient to have surgery at the time, you can adjust your environment to accommodate the change. Use task lighting for reading and working and a magnifying glass for reading small print on medicine bottles. Dr. Khachikian can provide a new prescription for your eyeglasses or contact lenses to help you see more clearly.
4. Cataract surgery restores your vision quickly
Cataract surgery to replace the lens in your eye is an outpatient procedure that normally takes only 15-30 minutes; then you rest afterward in a recovery room for a while before having someone drive you home.
Once you have cataract surgery, your vision is restored. You’ll be able to see clearly if you receive premium multifocal intraocular lenses. If you choose monofocal lens surgery, you might still need glasses for reading or for distance, but your vision will have improved significantly.
5. Recovery from cataract surgery is fast
You can resume your daily routine the day after cataract surgery with some modifications. For example, you should protect your eyes in the shower for a few days.
You should avoid strenuous exercise for at least one week. If you’re a runner or weightlifter, you need to wait several weeks before you resume those activities. Dr. Khachikian gives you written post-op instructions and our staff reviews them with you before you leave.
Call Stephen Khachikian, MD, or book an appointment through our online portal today to learn more about cataracts and the latest advanced techniques and equipment to correct cloudy vision.
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