The things you see and the way you see them changes over time.If you’re aren’t seeing things clearly, there could be an issue within the eye. In some cases, seeing things becomes difficult or impossible, which is the case in those with glaucoma or cataracts. Whether it be from age or genetics, these conditions, and others like astigmatism and hyperopia are treatable with different surgical procedures.
Surgery for Glaucoma: Avoid Loss of Vision
Glaucoma is a condition where a buildup of pressure in the eye causes damage to the optic nerve which is the vital link of the eye to the brain which processes visual information, according this eye center. According to the World Health Organization, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world. Glaucoma accounts for 9% to 12% of all cases of blindness in the United States. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, it is estimated that over 3 million Americans have the condition but only half of those people actually know they have it.
Surgery for glaucoma involves either laser treatment or making a cut in the eye, according to the Glaucoma Research Foundation. The type of surgery will depend on the severity of your glaucoma and the general health of your eyes.
Improving Vision With Cataract Surgery
Cataracts appear slowly and painlessly. A cataract causes the normally clear lens to become cloudy, which eventually affects your vision. A cataract can occur in one or both eyes, but it cannot spread from one eye to the other.
Cataract surgery is a procedure that removes the lens of your eye and replaces it with an artificial lens. Cataract surgery is performed by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) on an outpatient basis, according to Mayo Clinic, which means you don’t have to remain in the hospital after the surgery. It can be done using ultrasound energy or laser-assisted technology, and is very common and generally safe procedure. The success rate of cataract surgery is 98%. By age 80, more than 50% of all Americans either have a cataract or have undergone cataract surgery.
Using Lasik to Improve Vision
LASIK is a procedure for those with nearsightedness, farsightedness, and/or astigmatism.The cost of laser eye surgery can range from as low as $299 per eye to up to $4,000 or more per eye, according to LASIK. In 2015, approximately 596,000 LASIK surgeries were performed in the United States and 21 million performed worldwide. It is projected that in the year 2020, 718,000 LASIK surgeries will be performed in the United States.
If you struggle with cataracts or general vision issues, surgery can improve vision or reverse symptoms. In glaucoma, however, the loss of vision can be irreversible. Discuss symptoms with a medical professional who can determine the best treatment and surgery for you.