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Did you know that no eye drops or medication can help prevent the formation of cataracts? You can get your prescription medication changed or wear new prescription eyeglasses to improve blurred vision or nearsightedness; however, the only treatment for cataracts is laser eye surgery. This surgical treatment involves removing the lens of your eye and replacing it with an artificial lens. Read on to learn why the laser eye treatment is done, and when you should visit your eye clinic for a consultation.

Why is Cataract Surgery Done?

The natural lens of your eye is clear, and a cataract causes it to become cloudy, which causes your vision to become blurry. It increases the glare from lights and may make it difficult for you to carry out your regular activities. Your doctor may recommend laser eye surgery in such situations. Also, if the cataract hinders the treatment of another eye problem, they may advise you to get it surgically removed.

It helps to ask yourself the following questions when considering surgical treatment for cataracts:

• Am I able to drive my vehicle safely?
• Do I have problems watching television or reading books?
• Is it difficult for me to clean, cook, take medicines, shop, or do other regular tasks?
• Do bright lights make it difficult for me to see?
• Are my vision problems affecting my independence?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, you may need to visit a laser eye clinic for a consult with the professionals.

When Should You Remove a Cataract?

One of the common misconceptions about cataracts is that you should get rid of it as soon as it occurs. It helps to remember that it should not be removed just because it is present. If your vision is normal, you do not have any other eye-related problems, and it does not interfere with your regular activities, you may not need the laser eye surgery.

However, if you have blurred vision and face difficulties when reading, playing card games, knitting, or performing similar activities, it helps to consider cataract surgery. Also, if you have cataracts in both eyes, your doctor will schedule your laser eye surgeries a few weeks apart.

Do Cataracts Need to Be Ripe for Undergoing Surgery?

A cataract does not have to become ripe before choosing to remove it surgically. With the help of modern advances in laser eye surgery, a surgeon can remove the lens from your eye at any stage of development. However, it helps to keep the following in mind:

• The longer a cataract progresses, the harder it becomes.
• Cataracts can cause inflammation if allowed to develop for a long time.
• In most cases, it is safer to remove a cataract through laser eye surgery sooner rather than later.

Our Cataract Surgeons Can Help Improve Your Vision

UELC is well-known for laser eye surgeries in Toronto. We care about our patients and ensure that they get adequate guidance. We educate our patients and help them to make an informed decision about laser eye surgery for cataract treatment. We use high-tech equipment and safe techniques to improve your eyesight. We have an accomplished team of doctors, including Dr. Eric Tam and Dr. Sohel Somani to guide you.

To learn more about the types of treatment we offer to remove cataracts, please call us at 416-653-8352. You could also fill out our online contact form to schedule a complimentary consultation.