Cataracts are a debilitating condition of the eye in which the lens becomes cloudy, hindering visual acuity and making it increasingly difficult to see clearly. Many people feel as though they're looking at the world through a foggy window. This effect gets worse over time, and often, cataract surgery is the only viable treatment option. The good news, though, according to the Greensboro and High Point, NC-based optometrists and ophthalmologists at Digby Eye Associates, is that this procedure has a very high success rate and is a permanent and lasting solution to the problem.

Here, these experts will explain how cataract surgery works and what you need to know about it:

• Testing: Tests need to be run to ensure that surgery is the best option, and measurements of the affected lens need to be taken. The eye doctor also needs to know whether you've tried other treatments, as this will influence the approach and viability of the procedure.
• The Surgery: Cataract surgery, or “phacoemulsificatin,” involves making a careful incision in the eye’s cornea and employing a special device that uses high-frequency ultrasound to remove the cloudy lens. A new, artificial lens called an intraocular lens will then be carefully implanted behind the iris and becomes incorporated with the local structure.

  

• The Latest Advances: At Digby Eye Associates, as with all of the best eye clinics, the staff employs the latest technology to ensure the best results. They use a special apparatus, the LenSx Laser, to first map out the eye and then make the most accurate incisions possible. With this machine, the procedure is done in less time and with better results.
• Recovery: Cataract surgery doesn’t require an overnight stay in a health care facility, but you'll need to take special eye drops and wear an eye shield while you're sleeping. In addition, extra-dark shades need to be worn to protect the eye from bright lights, and for the first few days, your vision may be blurry.

If you or a loved one is suffering from cataracts, the team at Digby Eye Associates is ready to help. To learn more about the surgery or all of the other services provided by this eye clinic, visit them online or simply call the Greensboro location at (336) 230-1010 or High Point at (336) 454-2020.