Cataracts
If you develop age-related cataracts, or the clouding of the eye lens, and have impaired vision, you will need surgery to replace the lens of the eye with an artificial one. The procedure is safe, and you won’t have to experience much downtime either. However, you should only get the surgery. Avoid the pre-surgery examinations and tests, like x-rays, electrocardiograms, and blood counts, because those are often used solely to drive up the price of the procedure.
You should also be cautious of premium lenses that your optometrist or ophthalmologist might recommend. There are two kinds of lenses that are often used—toric lenses and multifocal lenses. The drawback to toric lenses is that they cost about $1,000 or more depending on your insurance, and these lenses are usually not covered by insurance at all. However, toric lenses are comfortable and don’t produce halos or other issues. The other option is the multifocal lens, which cost upwards of $4,000 and aren’t covered by insurance. Also, in 2012, it was found that while multifocal lenses corrected vision problems, patients complained of glare and halos. Other research found that people who get multifocal lenses often need to have another surgery down the road.
The only time multifocal lenses are recommended is if you have astigmatism—an irregularly shaped cornea.
If you have a family history of cataracts, be cautious of chronic exposure to ultraviolent (UV) light. It has been found that UVA/UVB radiation can cause eye disorders, including cataracts. Be sure to protect your eyes with sunglasses while outside in the sun.
