Cataracts are a common problem associated with aging. If you are developing cataracts, you may be wondering if cataract surgery is right for you, especially if you have other health conditions. Dr. Dennis Reiter at Visione 360 and Vision Associates offers comprehensive eye care services, including cataract surgery. They have two convenient office locations in El Paso, TX.

What You Need To Know About Cataracts and Cataract Surgery 

It is estimated that half of Americans will develop cataracts or have cataract surgery by age 80, according to the National Eye Institute. Cataracts are caused by proteins clumped together in the lens of your eye. They are typically removed through surgery.

Cataract surgery is an effective treatment to remove cataracts and restore vision, however, cataract surgery is NOT recommended for people who:

• Are in poor health or have a serious medical condition
• Have advanced macular degeneration or a detached retina
• Have an eye infection or other medical condition affecting the eyes
• Have advanced diabetes that has affected their retina
• Have corneal diseases such as glaucoma

An eye surgeon may postpone cataract surgery if you have a medical condition that is not under control. High blood pressure is an example. Your eye surgeon probably won’t perform cataract surgery if your diastolic blood pressure is above 100 or your systolic blood pressure is above 160 to 180.

Cataract surgery can be performed in two ways:

Phacoemulsification involves inserting a tiny probe into an incision in your cornea. The probe emits ultrasound waves to break up the lens so it can be removed.

Extracapsular surgery involves removing the entire lens as one piece.

After removal, the lens is replaced by an artificial lens, known as an intraocular lens or IOL. The IOL functions as the lens of your eye, restoring your vision.

Want To Know More About Cataract Surgery for People with Other Health Conditions? 

To find out more about cataract surgery, call Dr. Dennis Reiter at Visione 360 and Vision Associates. You can reach them at either of their two locations in West El Paso and East El Paso, TX, by calling (915) 532-3937, so call today.