What Would You Say After Cataract Surgery?

By Mark Whitten, MD

Whitten Laser Eye Associates

. http://www.whittenlasereye.com/

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What Would You Say After Cataract Surgery?

What would your life be like after cataract surgery? What if you could see as well as you did as a child? Maybe even better? Today's technology can actually help you become less dependent or even eliminate the need to wear eyeglasses, bifocals or reading glasses following your cataract surgery.

Cataract surgery is the most frequently performed non-elective surgical procedure and is considered one of the safest and most effective medical procedures today. Cataract surgery is a relatively “patient friendly” type of surgery, and the technology of cataract surgery is truly amazing. But don't just take my word for it. The following are the top five things cataract patients say after their surgery.

1. “My vision is better than it has ever beenbetter than when I was a teenager.” That's what the majority of my patients say following their cataract surgery. For most people, these are life-changing experiences. In many cases, people can see more clearly than ever before, without the aid of contacts or glasses. Most talk about enjoying their lives and hobbies as they once did. Images and colors are sharper and clearer. It is not surprising that patients are extremely satisfied after their cataract surgery.

2. “My reading vision is back! I can read the fine print without glasses now.” The latest in cataract surgery lens implant options, the Premium IOL (Intraocular Lens), draws upon decades of expertise and technology to help cataract patients see it all-near, far, and everything in between. Consider a surgeon who offers the very latest AcrySof IQ ReSTOR IOLs. This family of lenses is the most frequently used intraocular lenses (IOLs) in the world, largely because physicians appreciate the long-term clinical results and unmatched stability. With this lens, patients with both cataracts and reading vision problems can have both conditions corrected at the same time, often eliminating the need for eyeglasses after surgery. In addition, this lens can also effectively eliminate astigmatism. It is referred to as “the emerging standard” and a triumphant moment in cataract surgery.”

3. “My cataract surgery was so easy.” Years ago, cataract surgery was a cumbersome procedure for many patients. In fact, for most people with cataracts, it required overnight stays in the hospital and a lengthy recovery process to fully restore their vision. Today, advanced surgical techniques offer “no stitch, no patch, no needle” cataract surgery. Most patients experience little or no pain and return to their normal activities the day after surgery. You can expect to see images more clearly and see colors more vividly. And these results are permanent, so once removed the cataract will not reoccur.

4. “I can watch TV.”

“OMG, I did not realize my house was so dirty.”

“My wife is so pretty!”

“Colors look so much brighter.”

“Night driving is better.”

“I can do needlepoint again.”

Contrary to popular belief, a cataract is not a film over the eye. Rather it is a gradual thickening and hardening of the lens. This causes it to become so clouded that light is either distorted or cannot reach the back of the eye for transmission to the brain. As a result, you end up with vision that's blurry or dim, as colors appear faded (with a yellowish or brownish tint). Reading or driving in low light may become difficult with cataracts as night vision fails, and halos can sometimes appear around headlights. It may even become painful to walk outside into bright sunlight and see the exaggerated glare off of reflective surfaces like windshields. Sensitivity to any bright light is one of the symptoms of a cataract. Correct the cataract, and a whole new world opens up to you!

5. “Choosing an experienced surgeon made all the difference for me.” To optimize your cataract surgery results, first select a surgeon with years of experience and a good reputation in the community. Discuss with your eye care professional all the options that are available to you and your individual eye care needs. Remember to ask about all the latest IOL options and any additional costs to correct your cataract, distance vision, reading vision or astigmatism. Your doctor will thoroughly review the procedure, lens choices and all the risks/benefits of surgery. Making an initial appointment is easy, and the first step in exploring with your doctor the stage of your cataract and when surgery is the right option for you.

So if you have cataracts, you are in good company. Cataracts are quite common, affecting about 20 million people worldwide. Cataracts are actually considered an inevitable part of aging and are widespread among people ages 55 years and older. Half of all Americans have them-or have had cataract surgery-by age 80. If you live long enough, you will likely develop cataracts. And surgery is the only effective treatment. If left untreated, cataracts can lead to blindness. Cataracts are already the leading cause of vision loss in adults over age 55 and the most common cause of blindness worldwide.

A cataract needs to be removed when it interferes with your everyday activities, such as driving, reading, or watching TV. It is important that you and your eye care professional make that decision together. In most cases, waiting until you are ready to have cataract surgery will not harm your eye. If you have cataracts in both eyes, they are removed one at a time in order to achieve the best possible results and minimize any potential complications.

Your doctor will thoroughly review the procedure, lens choices and all the risks/benefits of surgery. Making an initial appointment is easy, and the first step in exploring with your doctor the stage of your cataract and when surgery is the right option for you. See what you will say.