Cataracts are opaque formations on the eye lens that obstruct or cloud your vision. Most cataract patients are elderly, as cataracts typically form with age. When they do form, your eye doctor may suggest cataract surgery for removal. Neglecting cataracts can lead to complete vision loss because they continue to grow when left untreated. Here's a look at some of the things that you should understand about cataract surgery.

What Is Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery is the surgical process of removing cataracts from an affected eye. The surgery involves placing a small incision on the side of your cornea. The clouded eye lens is removed through that incision and then an artificial lens is put into its place. This surgery can be done as an entirely manual process, as it traditionally was, or your doctor may do laser-assisted cataract surgery instead. Ask your doctor about how they do their procedures so that you know what to expect.

Can You Have Cataract Surgery On Both Eyes?

Your doctor can remove cataracts from both of your eyes if both are affected, but they will typically only do one eye at a time. Then, you'll need several weeks for the treated eye to heal before your doctor will proceed with surgery on the other eye. This ensures that you have stable vision in the treated eye before your next procedure. When it comes to cataract surgery in both eyes, your doctor will usually treat the most severely affected eye first.

Is Cataract Surgery Covered By Insurance?

Cataract surgery may be covered by your insurance carrier. You'll have to check the terms of your specific policy, though. Sometimes, traditional cataract surgery is covered, but laser-assisted procedures are not. Make sure that you understand your insurance coverage before you schedule your surgery.

How Long Does Cataract Surgery Take?

The actual procedure is fairly quick, but you can expect your surgery appointment to last for a couple of hours. The pre-surgery preparations and other details take time, and you'll have some recovery time afterward before you can leave the center. The good news is that it's typically an outpatient procedure, so you'll be able to go home the same day. Just make sure you have someone to drive you home.

These are some of the most important things to consider when you're planning on cataract surgery. Talk with your doctor about any other questions you might have so that you can go into the procedure feeling informed and prepared.

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