Cataract Services in Colorado Springs, CO
Cataracts is a slowly developing, common eye condition that causes the lens to become cloudy. Most people associate their cataract symptoms with looking through a dirty or cloudy window. Cataracts are caused by protein clumping together in the lens of your eye. Our eye doctors at Vision Institute in Colorado Springs, CO can help you if you are dealing with cataracts or other eye-related issues.
Fortunately, cataracts are usually easy to diagnose and treat. A Vision Institute physician will examine your eye to determine the type, size and location of the cataract. During the outpatient cataract procedure, your eye doctor removes the clouded lens and implants an artificial replacement lens—either a standard monofocal lens, or an advanced technology lifestyle lens—in its place.
The incision heals naturally, and stitches are not necessary. The procedure is often performed in as little as fifteen minutes.
Signs You May Have Cataracts
Cataracts can sneak up on you, which is one of the reasons why regular eye examinations are important, especially for older eyes. You may be developing cataracts if you notice:
- Your vision becoming cloudy or blurry
- You have increasing difficulty seeing at night
- You notice increased sensitivity to light and glare
- You need brighter light when you read
- You are seeing a halo around a light source
- You see faded or yellowed colors
- Your vision is double in one eye
Risk Factors for Cataracts
You are at increased risk of developing cataracts if you:
- Smoke
- Have diabetes
- Spend extended periods in bright sunlight
Prevention of Cataracts
You can help prevent cataract formation if you:
- Don’t smoke
- Eat a diet rich in antioxidants from fruits and leafy green vegetables
- Always wear sunglasses when you are out in bright sunlight
How Your Eye Doctor Can Treat Cataracts
Surgery is the treatment option for cataracts. Typically, surgery is performed on one eye at a time. During surgery, the cloudy lens of your eye is removed and replaced with an artificial lens, which is known as an intraocular lens.
What to Expect After Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis and requires no hospital stay. Complete healing typically takes about 8 weeks. During the healing period, it’s important to:
- Avoid driving until your doctor clears you to drive
- Avoid strenuous activity until you are fully healed
- Avoid wearing eye makeup for at least 4 weeks
- Stay away from fumes, smoke, and other eye irritants
- Wear sunglasses to shield your eyes from bright light
- Be careful to protect your eyes when taking a shower
Contact Our Office Today for Cataract Treatment
To find out more about the causes, signs, symptoms, and treatment of cataracts, call the eye doctors at Vision Institute, with two locations in Colorado Springs, CO. You can reach the University Village location by calling (719) 559-2020, or in the Central Fontanero location by calling (719) 471-4000. Call today.