Life Changing Options For Cataract Patients

By Maria Scott, MD

Chesapeake Eye Care & Laser Center

. https://www.chesapeakeeyecare.com/

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Life Changing Options For Cataract Patients

Imagine not being able to drive at night or limiting your daytime driving because you can't read the street signs. What if you lost your edge in golf because you could not see the ball mid flight? These are a few examples of how cataracts adversely affect someone's life. The good news is that this is a great time to get a cataract, because we can improve your vision and offer you options to reduce if not eliminate the need for glasses after cataract surgery.

Just a few years ago, patients did not have a choice when it came to vision correction during cataract surgery. There was only one lens option, called the monofocal lens that gives patients clearer vision, but they still need to wear glasses after surgery. Today, breakthrough technology offers cataract patients options to see near, far and everything in between. These lenses, called either multifocal or accommodative lenses, reduce if not eliminate the need for glasses after cataract surgery. Unlike bifocals or progressive glasses, with these new lenses, patients do not need to move their heads to adjust their vision. They can see at any distance and look in any direction. Patients are thrilled to be free of glasses. They no longer need to search for reading glasses to read recipes, prescription bottles or dial cell phones. Not everyone is a candidate for these advanced lenses, as other eye health conditions may preclude them from this option.

For those with an astigmatism, there is a lens option called the Toric lens which corrects the astigmatism during cataract surgery giving patients good, clear distance vision with the need only for reading glasses. The monofocal lens does not correct astigmatisms, which means a cataract patient would need bifocal prescription glasses for distance and reading after surgery.

Even if you are not a candidate for these advanced lenses, having cataract surgery is life changing for many people. Patients are often surprised at what they were missing when they had cataracts and how much better life is now that they can see clearly. It is easy to take our vision for granted, but once it begins to change, your quality of life can be significantly affected.

If you have a cataract or notice changes in your vision, don't wait. Select an experienced surgeon you trust and get answers to all your questions before you proceed. Most importantly, find a surgeon who is as demanding about safety and results as you are.