Blurry or hazy vision and nighttime glare may be a sign that you have a cataract. A cataract occurs when the normally clear lens inside the eye becomes cloudy or opaque. Age is the most common culprit, but medication use, diseases (like diabetes), and trauma can also cause the lens to cloud. A cataract can also be present at birth. When a cataract affects your vision, your best option is the surgical removal of the cataract and placement of an intraocular lens (IOL) that permanently corrects your vision.
This outpatient procedure takes less than 15 minutes to perform and requires only light sedation. Your surgeon makes a tiny incision with a small tool or a laser then uses ultrasound energy to remove the cataract. An artificial lens -- called intraocular lens or IOL -- is then implanted in the eye to replace your clouded lens. It is made of a foldable plastic material that lasts a lifetime.
Recovery After Cataract Surgery
You will be sent home with a clear eye shield and can return to most activities within a few days. Most people experience no pain and have a rapid recovery with improved vision. It may take up to one month to achieve final results.