Question:
I have been told that a cataract is forming in my right eye and
possibly the left due to my use of oral steroids for asthma.
I am in my 20's and really did not expect to have to deal with
failing vision and cataracts at this age. However, I must admit
that I am scared.
Could somebody please tell me what I can expect as these
cataracts develop further ?
Answer:
Don't be too concerned, as modern small incision cataract surgery has
evolved to be a safe, predictable, and low-risk procedure. Sure, there are
complications with any surgery, but you have a great advantage over many
cataract patients; your age. Younger people generally do very well and heal
faster. The downside to the surgery is that you'll require glasses to read
at the very minimum, but even that's usually an easy adjustment. Most
cataract surgeons are performing small incision, no stitch surgery very
successfully, and some are even doing clear corneal incisions with only
topical (eye drops) anethesia. Personally, I'm not totally sold on the
latter, but there are several surgeons that swear by it.
Bottom line; don't be scared. If you do have to deal with cataracts at this
time try to be somewhat encouraged in the advances that have taken place in
this type of surgery over the last 10-12 years, and by statistics showing
cataract surgery as having one of the lowest rates of serious complications
of any surgery performed today.
