Dr. Lisa McDevitt is your optometrist in Reading, PA. We prioritize detail-oriented eye care for our patients from basic exams to managing care before and after eye surgery. Cataracts affect the lenses of the eyes and account for more blindness than any other cause worldwide. They typically show up after the age of 60 and appear in at least half of all Americans aged 80 or older. Cataracts are quite common, and Dr. McDevitt wants to make sure you are prepared with all of the facts regarding cataracts treatment and the eye care regimen that goes along with it.
How Do Cataracts Form?
As people age, the proteins in the lens begin to lose their supple flexibility and become brittle. They leave behind opaque cloudy deposits which create spots in a person’s vision as if they are looking through a blurry film. Other signs that cataracts are developing include an aversion to bright light, colors appearing dull and faded, a halo forming around lights, double vision, and difficulty reading.
Exam and Diagnostics
Dr. McDevitt uses an OCT scanner to assess cataracts and determine if surgery is the best treatment option. Optical coherence tomography uses light waves to examine the layers and parts of the eye so that our eye doctor can assess their condition. This modality also allows for cross-section vantage points.
Typically, patients do not need to have cataract surgery until the condition reaches the point of inhibiting their lifestyle and daily routines. Before that, our optometrist can recommend medication and other therapy options. During your eye exam, our eye doctor can help you decide when the time is right for cataract surgery.
Before Surgery
Be sure to keep all of your exam appointments with our eye doctor leading up to the surgery so your status can be monitored. Use antibiotic eye drops to minimize your chances of bacteria infecting the incision. Check with our eye doctor about which medications are alright to use beforehand.
After Surgery
Dr. McDevitt believes in guiding our patients through each step of their eye care prior to surgery and following the procedure to ensure the best results in vision and eye health. After the surgery, resist the urge to touch your eye with your fingertips or anything else to keep the surface as bacteria-free as possible.
Keep any splashes of water and soap out of your eyes. Continue to use the antibiotic eye drops. Wear protective glasses to protect your eyes from dirt and bright light, and avoid brightly lit areas and sunshine. Keep out of locations where you will be exposed to any type of smoke or windy conditions that can stir up sand or grit and blow them into your eyes.
Get Quality Eye Care in Reading, PA
If you are considering treatment for your cataracts or need to be tested to check for cataracts, call Dr. McDevitt today at (610) 796-1300 to schedule an appointment.