Cataracts A Sight For Sore Eyes

By Mark Whitten, MD

Imagine crisp, clear vision, better than you ever had. What if you could eliminate the need for reading glasses? You can, with the latest advances in cataract surgery.

The technology of cataract surgery is truly amazing, and is one of the safest and most effective medical procedures today. In fact, it is the most frequently performed non-elective procedure in the United States. Your Medicare and insurance carrier cover basic cataract treatment.

As the leading cause of vision loss among adults age 60 or older, cataracts impair vision, making everyday activities increasingly difficult.

A cataract develops slowly and painlessly so that your vision can be affected without you realizing it. Age-related cataracts are the most common type. You may experience the following symptoms

Blurry or Clouded Vision

Faded or Dull Color Vision, Especially Losing the Color Blue

Sensitivity to Light or Glare

Difficulty with Night Driving

Cataract surgery can be “patient friendly” surgery. Technological advances have enabled skilled cataract surgeons to perform cataract surgery and provide implants through tiny incisions requiring only eye drops for healing, commonly referred to as “no-stich” cataract surgery. Your cataract procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, taking less than an hour.

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. With a high success rate and excellent benefits, it is not surprising that patients are extremely satisfied after their cataract surgery. And these results are permanent, so once removed the cataract will not reoccur.

Today, patients also have the choice of the newer Advanced Lens Implants, which help patients reduce their astigmatism and even eliminate their need for eyeglasses, reading glasses or bifocals. As a matter of fact, many patients report vision that is even better than before they developed cataracts.

Your choice of surgeon and the facility where the surgery is performed are both important. Results may vary so choose an experienced surgeon who provides you with a detailed informed consent during your consultation. Your surgeon should deliver personalized care, thoroughly answer your questions and help you weigh all of the risks and benefits of cataract surgery. Both your surgeon and your local optometric physician should work closely as a team to provide the best care throughout the process. Medicare-approved facilities provide surgeons and patients with the latest technology and standards of care to support the best visual results.