If you have cataracts in one or both eyes, your optometrist may suggest you undergo cataract surgery soon. Cataract surgery can enhance your vision and improve your outcome in life. Learn more about cataract surgery and how an eye doctor can prepare you for it below. 

Why Do You  Need Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery, or lens replacement surgery, is one of the oldest and most useful eye procedures known today. The procedure allows an eye doctor to remove cataracts from your eyes. The surgery can greatly enhance your vision and outlook on life.

When the lenses in your eyes become damaged, they develop a thick film over them. The film can spread throughout the lenses until you no longer see clearly out of your eyes. Cataracts can become worse with time. Some people may even develop blindness in one or both eyes. Surgery may be the most effective way to treat the eye condition. 

The surgery isn't as difficult as you may think. An eye doctor will numb the tissues in and around your eyes before they begin. The medication should prevent you from experiencing any discomfort during the procedure.

After a doctor numbs the treatment site, they'll place small slits into the surfaces of your lenses. The slits will allow a doctor to remove the damaged lenses and replace them with artificial lenses. The new lenses will enhance your vision over time.

If an optometrist recommends you undergo cataract surgery soon, don't ignore their advice. Schedule your cataract surgery today.

How Do You Prepare For Cataract Surgery?

You'll need to have your optometrist contact an ophthalmologist and schedule your cataract surgery for you. Although an optometrist can assist with cataract surgery, they can't perform the procedure themselves. Only an ophthalmologist can perform cataract surgery properly.

After an eye doctor confirms your appointment, they'll prepare you for it. An eye doctor will ask you to get plenty of rest the night or evening before your surgery. Your body as well as your lenses need time to heal after surgery. 

You may also need to avoid taking some of your medications before your surgery. Some medications may affect your vision and eyes during the day. The medications may also cause issues with your lenses during and after surgery. If you take anything that may affect your surgery or eyes, contact an eye doctor immediately.

Learn more about cataract surgery and how to prepare for it by contacting an eye doctor today.