Cataracts

About Cataracts

Over 50% of people over the age of 60, and quite a few younger than that, suffer from cataracts. In fact, cataracts are so common that it is said that everyone will develop a cataract if they live long enough. A cataract is a progressive clouding of the eye's natural lens that interferes with light passing through the retina. Sufferers usually describe the condition as being similar to looking through a waterfall, or piece of wax paper, with a gradual blurring or dimming of vision. Reading may become more difficult and driving a car can actually become dangerous. Cataract sufferers may also be troubled by a bothersome glare, halos around lights, or even double vision. As the cataract becomes worse, frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions may become necessary.
Currently there are no medical treatments to reverse or prevent the development of cataracts. Once they form, there is only one way to achieve clear vision again, and that is to physically remove the cataract from the eye with surgery.

Cataract surgery is for those who:

• Believe that their quality of life has been impaired by poor vision

• Have been diagnosed with cataracts

• Have no health issues affecting their eyes

Cataract Surgery

In your parents' or grandparents' day, cataract surgery was considered risky. It required a lengthy hospital stay and was usually postponed for as long as possible. Today, cataract surgery is performed on an out-patient basis and takes only 20 minutes. Patients can then go home and rest in comfort and avoid the inconvenience and expense of staying in a hospital.

Advanced Techniques

Your cataract will be removed with an advanced technique called phacoemulsificiation, or small-incision cataract surgery. After applying a local anesthetic, a 'stair-stepped" incision of about 1/8" is made in the front part of the eye. The cataract is then broken into microscopic particles using high energy sound waves and gently suctioned from the eye. Then, to compensate for the removal of the eye's natural lens, an intra-ocular lens(IOL) is implanted into the eye. After using this incision, you may receive one, several, or even no stiches. This type of incision is self-sealing, stronger, heals faster, and remains tightly sealed by the natural outward pressure within your eye.

Successful Cataract Surgery

Everyone heals somewhat differently, but many cataract patients report improvement in their vision almost immediately after the procedure. Most patients return to their normal work and lifestyle routines within a day or two. According to a survey conducted by the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, more than 98% of cataract patients have their vision successfully improved after surgery. Many patients experience vision that is actually better than before they developed cataracts. Once removed, cataracts will not grow back. The results of surgery are usually permanent, giving patients a lifetime of better vision.

Insurance Questions

Once you have been diagnosed with a cataract in one or both eyes and before you have surgery, your insurance would like to know if you believe your vision is interfering with your daily activities.

Please ask yourself the following questions.

• Do you avoid driving at night, or do you have problems with night driving because of your vision?

• Are you bothered by glare on bright days or with oncoming headlights at night?

• Are you having difficulty reading small print such as newspapers, books, or medicine bottles, even when you are wearing your glasses?

• Do you have trouble with close work, such as threading a needle?

• Do you have trouble recognizing peoples’ faces from across the street?

• Have you experienced trouble watching television because of decreased vision?

• Are you having any other particular problems with your daily living activities as a result of poor vision?

If you answered “Yes” to any of the questions above, then you may benefit from cataract surgery. If not, then you may not need the surgery at this time. Because the surgery is almost always elective, postponing it usually does not present a risk to the health of your eyes. We urge you to discuss these issues with your physician.

The Choice Is Yours

It can take months or years for a cataract to develop. How do you know when it is time to have a cataract removed? The answer is quite simple. The time to have your cataract removed is when you believe your quality of life would be better if you could see better.

Crystalens™