Have you recently been diagnosed with cataracts? If you have, you probably have many questions, especially about what cataracts are and how you can have yours treated. Being diagnosed with any medical condition can be overwhelming, and it isn’t uncommon for patients to feel a bit worried when they’re diagnosed with cataracts. At Iowa City ASC, though, we want to help patients feel relaxed, and that starts with a better understanding of whatever health conditions they are dealing with.

While cataracts aren’t a life-threatening health condition, any eye-related conditions can seem a bit scary for patients. Understanding cataracts, though, might help to put your mind to peace.

Cataracts are a condition that clouds the lens of the eye, causing blurry vision. Cataracts usually develop and manifest themselves over time.

There are 3 common types of cataracts:

1. Nuclear Cataracts

• It takes a number of years for this type of cataract to develop, making it the most common type of cataract in elderly people.
• This form of cataracts forms over the central nucleus of the eye.

2. Cortical Cataracts

• This type of cataract starts to develop at the outer rim of the lens and grows inward toward the central core.
• Glare is the most common issue for patients with cortical cataracts.

3. Subcapsular Cataracts

• This type of cataract progresses the quickest of all forms.
• Subcapsular cataracts are most commonly found in patients with
• Diabetes
• Extreme nearsightedness
• Different steroid medication prescriptions

Who is at risk?

Most cataracts are related to aging. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, over 50% of Americans will have dealt with cataracts by the age of 80. Furthermore, cataracts appear in over 22 million Americans over the age of 40. Other risks are attributed to the environment in which you live. Your lifestyle and the medications you take can also contribute to the development of cataracts.

Cataract Surgery at Iowa City Ambulatory Surgical Center

Cataract surgery is one of the most common eye-related surgeries performed at Iowa City ASC. Cataract surgery has made great strides with the development of technology. According to Dr. Christopher Watts, an Ophthalmologist at Iowa City Ambulatory Surgical Center, “The technology which allows us to remove the cataract continues to improve. Our incisions have decreased in size and are now just 2 millimeters. Patients have much quicker recovery, more comfortable surgeries, and better visual outcomes than previous generations of cataract surgery patients. We are getting modified interfaces which allow us to optimize patient vision with less dependence on glasses after surgery as well, leading to many happy patients after surgery.”

Testimonial:

“The care I experienced at Iowa City Ambulatory Surgical Center was excellent. Everyone was friendly, nice and made my experience convenient…I would suggest to others that they consider Iowa City Ambulatory Surgical Center for their operation. It’s all-around a better experience whether it’s cataract surgery or any other procedure you can have.”

-Dr. Don Merryman, Cataract Surgery Patient

Watch more Iowa City ASC testimonials.

To learn more, or to schedule an appointment with our facility, please contact our team!