Question: I have a question about floaters and cataract surgery. I had cataract surgery on 12/13/11 for cataract removal and was told a membrane type material had formed and covered the lens making my vision poor. He referred me to another eye surgeon who performed a second procedure to deal with the problem. My vision after the second surgery has improved however I experienced considerable floaters. The floaters have decreased in volume for the most part to thin hair like floaters but can I expect the floaters to further decrease in size and volume?
Answer: From your description is not obvious whether you had a ruptured posterior capsule that required a vitrectomy by the second surgeon or simply an immediate posterior capsular opacification requiring a YAG Laser Capsulotomy to clear the vision. If you had a vitrectomy it is quite common to experience floaters after the procedure and sometimes for a few months before they fully settle down.
If you had a YAG Laser Capsulotomy this can also sometimes be accompanied by some post procedure floaters that also can persist for a short period of time. In any event, you should discuss the floaters with the second eye surgeon who will be able to give you some sense oh how long they might persist based on the type of procedure you had and the extent of the procedure.
Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery of Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.
News, Information & Facts about Cataracts, Cataract Surgery & Lens Implants (IOL) including costs, risks, complications, side effects, cataract surgery recovery & how to find a trusted Cataract Surgeon who is the Best Cataract Surgeon.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Cataract Surgery Monovision & Crossed Dominance
Question: I have a question about Monovision cataract surgery. I had cataracts in both eyes and, together with my cataract surgeon, decided to operate on the eye with the more advanced cataract first. So we scheduled surgery to put in a monofocal IOL. The night before the surgery, I spoke with my brother, who'd had cataract surgery for one eye a few years ago. He told me about Monovision and the possibility of not needing reading glasses. This was the first I'd heard of this option.
The next morning, before the surgery, I brought this up with my surgeon. He suggested that we go ahead and do the prepped eye and discuss Monovision after the surgery. So we did.
Afterwards, I learned that it's customary to put the distance lens in the dominant eye. Furthermore, from my medical records I learned that the eye with the monofocal IOL was NOT my dominant eye. So, if I decided on Monovision now, the arrangement would not be optimal.
To evaluate my options, over the past three months I have been wearing contact lenses in the eye that still has a cataract. (The cataract is much less advanced, so my vision in the eye is good.) One lens corrects for distance, and the other gives me Monovision. I have had no trouble with Monovision, other than mildly less sharp distance vision. And, I have decided I like Monovision better than the alternative of both eyes having distance implants and using reading glasses for close-up and computer work (which I do a great deal). So now I want to plan the surgery for the other eye.
In light of the fact that the distance lens is already in my non-dominant eye, what things should I take into consideration now? Is there anything I can do to adjust for the fact that the monofocal lenses will be "backwards" from the usual Monovision arrangement? Or, am I being overly concerned, with the difference between having the distance lens in the dominant eye vs in the non-dominant eye having inconsequential implications?
Answer: Monovision Cataract Surgery is becoming more and more popular as patients become aware that they can have the option of being "glasses free" for the vast majority, if not all activities, after a Cataract operation. Monovision vision correction has been used for almost 50 years in contact lens vision correction and then for almost 20 years with Laser Vision Correction. So the concept of modifying the optical correction so that one eye is fully corrected for distance and one eye is corrected for a mild near correction is not at all new-and it has in fact been researched and studied for may years regarding success factors and patient acceptance. The "gold standard" for predicting patient success with Monovision of any type of optical correction is estimating the patient's "tolerance to defocus".
You are correct that typically the dominant eye is corrected for distance vision and the non-dominant eye is corrected for near. This is based on the research that demonstrates that +/-50% of patients have a better tolerance to defocus when the dominant eye is corrected for distance, 20-30% have the same acceptable tolerance regardless of which eye is corrected for far or near and 20-30% cannot tolerate defocus whatsoever. The patient response is thought to be based on the "strength of dominance" which is a learned neurological pattern. Thus, for almost 1/3 of patients it makes no difference which eye is corrected for far or near-they do well.
NOW-the important thing to know is that the best predictor of "tolerance to defocus" is a trial with contact lenses-exactly as you have done. If you are comfortable with your vision over a 3 month period of Monovision correction with a "crossed dominance", then there is every reason to predict that you will do well with you Monovision Cataract Surgery as long as the amount of attempted correction difference between the two eyes approximates what you have been wearing. The only additional consideration that you might wish to discuss with your Cataract Surgeon is if in fact you have had a basic spherical monofocal lens implant, the possibility of using a monofocal aspheric lens implant for the near vision corrected eye. IF-BIG IF-the Cataract Surgeon measures the aberrations in your eye and finds them to be of a particular type and magnitude, it is sometimes possible to select an aspheric lens implant that actually enhances the optical depth of focus and adds a little additional "range" to the Monovision correction. Your cataract Surgeon may already be doing this as a matter of course or in fact they may find that it would be counter productive to use this type of Lens Implant based on the measurements and calculations. It might be worth inquiring.
Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery of Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.
The next morning, before the surgery, I brought this up with my surgeon. He suggested that we go ahead and do the prepped eye and discuss Monovision after the surgery. So we did.
Afterwards, I learned that it's customary to put the distance lens in the dominant eye. Furthermore, from my medical records I learned that the eye with the monofocal IOL was NOT my dominant eye. So, if I decided on Monovision now, the arrangement would not be optimal.
To evaluate my options, over the past three months I have been wearing contact lenses in the eye that still has a cataract. (The cataract is much less advanced, so my vision in the eye is good.) One lens corrects for distance, and the other gives me Monovision. I have had no trouble with Monovision, other than mildly less sharp distance vision. And, I have decided I like Monovision better than the alternative of both eyes having distance implants and using reading glasses for close-up and computer work (which I do a great deal). So now I want to plan the surgery for the other eye.
In light of the fact that the distance lens is already in my non-dominant eye, what things should I take into consideration now? Is there anything I can do to adjust for the fact that the monofocal lenses will be "backwards" from the usual Monovision arrangement? Or, am I being overly concerned, with the difference between having the distance lens in the dominant eye vs in the non-dominant eye having inconsequential implications?
Answer: Monovision Cataract Surgery is becoming more and more popular as patients become aware that they can have the option of being "glasses free" for the vast majority, if not all activities, after a Cataract operation. Monovision vision correction has been used for almost 50 years in contact lens vision correction and then for almost 20 years with Laser Vision Correction. So the concept of modifying the optical correction so that one eye is fully corrected for distance and one eye is corrected for a mild near correction is not at all new-and it has in fact been researched and studied for may years regarding success factors and patient acceptance. The "gold standard" for predicting patient success with Monovision of any type of optical correction is estimating the patient's "tolerance to defocus".
You are correct that typically the dominant eye is corrected for distance vision and the non-dominant eye is corrected for near. This is based on the research that demonstrates that +/-50% of patients have a better tolerance to defocus when the dominant eye is corrected for distance, 20-30% have the same acceptable tolerance regardless of which eye is corrected for far or near and 20-30% cannot tolerate defocus whatsoever. The patient response is thought to be based on the "strength of dominance" which is a learned neurological pattern. Thus, for almost 1/3 of patients it makes no difference which eye is corrected for far or near-they do well.
NOW-the important thing to know is that the best predictor of "tolerance to defocus" is a trial with contact lenses-exactly as you have done. If you are comfortable with your vision over a 3 month period of Monovision correction with a "crossed dominance", then there is every reason to predict that you will do well with you Monovision Cataract Surgery as long as the amount of attempted correction difference between the two eyes approximates what you have been wearing. The only additional consideration that you might wish to discuss with your Cataract Surgeon is if in fact you have had a basic spherical monofocal lens implant, the possibility of using a monofocal aspheric lens implant for the near vision corrected eye. IF-BIG IF-the Cataract Surgeon measures the aberrations in your eye and finds them to be of a particular type and magnitude, it is sometimes possible to select an aspheric lens implant that actually enhances the optical depth of focus and adds a little additional "range" to the Monovision correction. Your cataract Surgeon may already be doing this as a matter of course or in fact they may find that it would be counter productive to use this type of Lens Implant based on the measurements and calculations. It might be worth inquiring.
Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery of Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Cataract Surgery & Astigmatism Correction
Question: I had the cataract removed from my right eye and have 20/20 vision in the right eye. My left eye does not have a cataract but has astigmatism requiring -4 prescription. Does it make sense to consider removing the lens in my left eye to achieve 20/20 vision in both eyes.
Answer: While you state that you do not have a Cataract in your left eye, depending on your age you may develop one in the foreseeable future as the presence of Cataracts is quite common as we age. As your right eye Cataract Surgery and lens implant was so successful as to provide you with 20/20 vision, it is unfortunate that unless you do something to the astigmatism in the left eye you will need to wear eyeglasses to see clearly with that eye. It would certainly be convenient and hassle free not to be dependent on glasses for seeing at distance. There are really two options that you might wish to consider to be independent of glasses for seeing at a distance.
First, if there is ABSOLUTELY no evidence of a Cataract even beginning to form, and your eye and tear film are otherwise healthy, you could consider LASIK to correct the astigmatism in the left eye. Second, more and more people are indeed opting to have vision correction with lens implants-in your case using an astigmatism correcting toric lens implant-with a lens removal would also give you another option for vision correction AND would thus eliminate the need to ever be concerned with or have the need for a Cataract Surgery in the left eye as there would be no natural lens to cloud. This is something you should review with your Cataract Surgeon as it might make good sense.
Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery of Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.
Answer: While you state that you do not have a Cataract in your left eye, depending on your age you may develop one in the foreseeable future as the presence of Cataracts is quite common as we age. As your right eye Cataract Surgery and lens implant was so successful as to provide you with 20/20 vision, it is unfortunate that unless you do something to the astigmatism in the left eye you will need to wear eyeglasses to see clearly with that eye. It would certainly be convenient and hassle free not to be dependent on glasses for seeing at distance. There are really two options that you might wish to consider to be independent of glasses for seeing at a distance.
First, if there is ABSOLUTELY no evidence of a Cataract even beginning to form, and your eye and tear film are otherwise healthy, you could consider LASIK to correct the astigmatism in the left eye. Second, more and more people are indeed opting to have vision correction with lens implants-in your case using an astigmatism correcting toric lens implant-with a lens removal would also give you another option for vision correction AND would thus eliminate the need to ever be concerned with or have the need for a Cataract Surgery in the left eye as there would be no natural lens to cloud. This is something you should review with your Cataract Surgeon as it might make good sense.
Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery of Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Cataract Lens Implants & Vision
“We have been studying optical aberrations in cataract patients for some time,” stated Marc Michelson, M.D. of Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham. “We too use aspheric lens implants as a matter of course for our cataract patients. They just give our patients a higher quality of vision after their cataract surgery. Cataract surgery techniques are quite advanced-now with the more sophisticated lens implant designs we have available we can continue to help patients get better and better vision after their cataracts are removed.”
Lens Implant for One Cataract
Question: Can I have an IOL lens implant in one eye, since I have a cataract just in one eye?
Answer: While it is possible to have a Cataract removed and a Lens Implant in one eye with good results, in some cases it may not be the simplest optical alternative. If you wear eyeglasses to see at distance and thus require optical correction for both eyes, it will be necessary for the Cataract Surgeon to calculate a Lens Implant power that creates a refractive error that leaves you with the same approximate prescription requirement as the non operated eye so that you can continue to comfortably wear eyeglasses for distance. Too much of a difference between the eyes makes wearing eyeglasses after Cataract Surgery difficult and could require a contact lens for the unoperated eye. That said, it is perfectly fine to have an IOL in one eye as long as you discuss the optical correction needs with your Cataract Surgeon.
Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery of Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.
Answer: While it is possible to have a Cataract removed and a Lens Implant in one eye with good results, in some cases it may not be the simplest optical alternative. If you wear eyeglasses to see at distance and thus require optical correction for both eyes, it will be necessary for the Cataract Surgeon to calculate a Lens Implant power that creates a refractive error that leaves you with the same approximate prescription requirement as the non operated eye so that you can continue to comfortably wear eyeglasses for distance. Too much of a difference between the eyes makes wearing eyeglasses after Cataract Surgery difficult and could require a contact lens for the unoperated eye. That said, it is perfectly fine to have an IOL in one eye as long as you discuss the optical correction needs with your Cataract Surgeon.
Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery of Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Haloes after Cataract Surgery & Lens Implants
Question: Will the halos after cataract surgery and lens implants go away?
Answer: You do not state the length of time the length it has been since your Cataract Surgery and Lens Implants nor do you identify the type of Lens Implant that was used to correct your vision thus it is difficult to share too many specific thoughts. In general, some patients do experience halos after Cataract Surgery during the initial few weeks or months as they adapt to the new vision and optics of the Lens Implant. Some types of Lens Implants such as Multifocal Lens Implants for correcting far, near and arm's length vision are reported to cause more halo effect than others due to their design. Even with these lenses, over time the disturbance becomes minimal for most patients. There are instances when the posterior capsule of the crystalline lens becomes opacified, that patients may also complain of glare and haloes. Thus in these cases the halo may actually become worse over time. So, depending on how long it has been since your Cataract operation and what type of Lens Implant has been used, the answer could vary. The best thing to do is to bring the presence of haloes to the attention of your Cataract Surgeon so they can identify the cause and give you a specific answer.
Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery of Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.
Answer: You do not state the length of time the length it has been since your Cataract Surgery and Lens Implants nor do you identify the type of Lens Implant that was used to correct your vision thus it is difficult to share too many specific thoughts. In general, some patients do experience halos after Cataract Surgery during the initial few weeks or months as they adapt to the new vision and optics of the Lens Implant. Some types of Lens Implants such as Multifocal Lens Implants for correcting far, near and arm's length vision are reported to cause more halo effect than others due to their design. Even with these lenses, over time the disturbance becomes minimal for most patients. There are instances when the posterior capsule of the crystalline lens becomes opacified, that patients may also complain of glare and haloes. Thus in these cases the halo may actually become worse over time. So, depending on how long it has been since your Cataract operation and what type of Lens Implant has been used, the answer could vary. The best thing to do is to bring the presence of haloes to the attention of your Cataract Surgeon so they can identify the cause and give you a specific answer.
Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery of Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.
Cataract Surgeons & Lens Implants-Role as Ophthalmic Consultants
“Refractive Cataract Surgeons serve as ophthalmic consultants for many patients seeking to not simply have their cataracts removed, but to do so with a result that essentially leaves them “glasses free”, commented Corneal Specialist, Refractive & Cataract Surgeon Leslie Doctor, M.D. who serves as an ophthalmic consultant in Connecticut for Fairfield County patients.
“Toric lens implants for cataract surgery help us get patients to their goal of seeing at a distance without glasses after a cataract is removed,” added New Jersey Corneal Specialist, Refractive & Cataract Surgeon Joel Confino, M.D. of The Eye Care & Surgery Center. “And since astigmatism occurs in about one in three people and may occur in combination with nearsightedness or farsightedness, being ophthalmic consultants is as much a part of what we do as being cataract surgeons. Toric lens implants are a frequent topic of discussion with our patients.”
“Modern cataract surgery is quite sophisticated and technically demanding,” stated Ravi Shah, M.D., Corneal Specialist, Refractive & Cataract Surgeon at Eyecare Medical Group in Portland, Maine. “Now that we are using many more advanced technology implants such as toric lens implants for astigmatism, we have all found the need to expand our role as ophthalmic consultants to help patients get a better understanding of what these implants can and cannot do-setting and shaping expectations as we do for LASIK patients is as much a factor in patient satisfaction as surgical excellence.” If you wish to learn more or would like to schedule a consultation about cataracts, cataract surgery and vision correction with toric lens implants, you may contact Leslie Doctor, M.D. at the Doctor & Associates offices in Westport, Norwalk or Wilton, Connecticut by calling 203-227-4113. Joel Confino, M.D. can be reached at The Eye Care & Surgery Center offices in Westfield, Warren or Iselin, New Jersey by calling 908-789-8999 and you may reach Ravi Shah, M.D. at Eyecare Medical Group in Portland, Maine at 888-374-2020.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Toric Lens Implant Price
Question: I had cataract surgery and paid an extra $1200 per eye for toric lens implants to be put in. Was that a good price?
Answer: Patients having Cataract Surgery with advanced technology Lens Implants such as Toric Lens Implants to correct astigmatism need to understand and need to realize that what they are paying for in the incremental charges for these types of Lens Implants is NOT simply the cost of the Lens, but the significant amount of time and testing necessary to test, measure and calculate the best possible Lens Implant prescription and type to get the best possible results. This may require additional or supplemental biometry or eye length measurement, corneal curvature measure with one or more instrumental methods including corneal topography, in many cases aberrometry and further a careful and thorough analysis of tear film quality and quantity as this can have a meaningful impact on the visual outcome.
This testing requires staff, time and instruments-this costs money-above and beyond the cost of the Lens Implant itself and is often not a covered service by Medicare or insurance companies. To determine whether you got a "good price" ask yourself the question-"Can I see with good clarity at distance so I no longer am dependent on glasses?" If the answer is yes then you probably got a "good price" as you received the outcome you desired and thus "good value for money paid".
You are not alone in this question as many patients believe it is within their purview to "shop" for Lens Implants and seek the best price rather than targeting their efforts on getting the best results. This is a huge error in judgement. If you needed a heart valve replaced and the Cardiac Surgeon indicated that he or she could use the valve the insurance company provided and it would cost you nothing-BUT it would only allow you to do most things, but it wouldn't fully correct your heart defect. Or, you could pay $2,000 for an advanced technology heart valve that would give you cardiac function equal to a 25 year old...would you shop for the "best price on a heart valve". There is a growing and serious problem with patients "shopping price" as they are not equipped to make effective decisions regarding selection of medical devices used as surgical implants or otherwise.
This is NOT like buying a car or television where you can have buyers remorse and return it if you make an error or don't like the way it performs. Patients would be best served to find the best Cataract Surgeons who are trusted Cataract Surgeons and let them guide the most appropriate decisions in getting the best possible results. Rest assured that there is no free lunch and certainly no bargains in quality health care of any type-cataract surgery, heart surgery, brain surgery, orthopedic surgery or any other surgery that uses implantable medical devices.
Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery of Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.
Answer: Patients having Cataract Surgery with advanced technology Lens Implants such as Toric Lens Implants to correct astigmatism need to understand and need to realize that what they are paying for in the incremental charges for these types of Lens Implants is NOT simply the cost of the Lens, but the significant amount of time and testing necessary to test, measure and calculate the best possible Lens Implant prescription and type to get the best possible results. This may require additional or supplemental biometry or eye length measurement, corneal curvature measure with one or more instrumental methods including corneal topography, in many cases aberrometry and further a careful and thorough analysis of tear film quality and quantity as this can have a meaningful impact on the visual outcome.
This testing requires staff, time and instruments-this costs money-above and beyond the cost of the Lens Implant itself and is often not a covered service by Medicare or insurance companies. To determine whether you got a "good price" ask yourself the question-"Can I see with good clarity at distance so I no longer am dependent on glasses?" If the answer is yes then you probably got a "good price" as you received the outcome you desired and thus "good value for money paid".
You are not alone in this question as many patients believe it is within their purview to "shop" for Lens Implants and seek the best price rather than targeting their efforts on getting the best results. This is a huge error in judgement. If you needed a heart valve replaced and the Cardiac Surgeon indicated that he or she could use the valve the insurance company provided and it would cost you nothing-BUT it would only allow you to do most things, but it wouldn't fully correct your heart defect. Or, you could pay $2,000 for an advanced technology heart valve that would give you cardiac function equal to a 25 year old...would you shop for the "best price on a heart valve". There is a growing and serious problem with patients "shopping price" as they are not equipped to make effective decisions regarding selection of medical devices used as surgical implants or otherwise.
This is NOT like buying a car or television where you can have buyers remorse and return it if you make an error or don't like the way it performs. Patients would be best served to find the best Cataract Surgeons who are trusted Cataract Surgeons and let them guide the most appropriate decisions in getting the best possible results. Rest assured that there is no free lunch and certainly no bargains in quality health care of any type-cataract surgery, heart surgery, brain surgery, orthopedic surgery or any other surgery that uses implantable medical devices.
Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery of Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Sex after Cataract Surgery
Question: I would like to know how long to wait to have sex after cataract surgery. I had cataract surgery on my left eye 4 days ago and it is healing nicely and my vision has improved. I'm using eye drops-both antibiotic and anti inflammatory. I will be taking the anti inflammatory drops for 3 more weeks and the antibiotic drops for 3 more days. My right eye was done 3 months ago and is fine. How soon after my left eye surgery would it be safe to have sex?
Answer: In order to be pretty cautious in your return to daily activities, sex after Cataract Surgery might fall into the group of vigorous or strenuous activities. In general, most Cataract Surgeons recommend that the return to full daily activities-including vigorous or strenuous activities-be commenced when you have finished using all of the prescribed eye drops. This might be a conservative approach and the precise answer should come directly from your Cataract Surgeon as well as your previous experience with the Cataract operation on the right eye.
Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on www.aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery of Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of www.aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.
Answer: In order to be pretty cautious in your return to daily activities, sex after Cataract Surgery might fall into the group of vigorous or strenuous activities. In general, most Cataract Surgeons recommend that the return to full daily activities-including vigorous or strenuous activities-be commenced when you have finished using all of the prescribed eye drops. This might be a conservative approach and the precise answer should come directly from your Cataract Surgeon as well as your previous experience with the Cataract operation on the right eye.
Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on www.aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery of Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of www.aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.
Dizziness after Cataract Surgery
Question: My husband had cataract surgery on his right eye about four weeks ago and now complains of light-headedness and disorientation especially in crowds. He says the sight of people moving around makes him dizzy and he cannot look at a TV or computer screen for more than a few minutes. He wears glasses and removed the lens from the right eye of the glasses in hopes that would help but it has not. Is this a common occurrence?
Answer: The dizziness he is experiencing after his Cataract Surgery could be due to many things. Some may be related to the Cataract operation and vision and some may not. A possible cause that has to do with your husbands eyes is related to the difference in prescriptions between the two eyes after Cataract Surgery. The right eye seems to no longer need eyeglasses to see at distance but still will need help with glasses for arm's length (computer) and near vision. The unoperated left eye still has an eyeglass lens for distance and near. Thus there may very well be a considerable difference in the optical focusing between the two eyes as well as the image sizes between the two eyes. This can often happen in between the time one eye has had Cataract Surgery and the other eye is waiting to be done. Usually with Lens Implants of the proper prescription in both eyes after Cataract Surgery the dizziness and disorientation cease. However, you should certainly be sure that there are no other systemic or other health reasons for the dizziness and should consult your primary care physician.
Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on www.aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery of Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of www.aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.
Answer: The dizziness he is experiencing after his Cataract Surgery could be due to many things. Some may be related to the Cataract operation and vision and some may not. A possible cause that has to do with your husbands eyes is related to the difference in prescriptions between the two eyes after Cataract Surgery. The right eye seems to no longer need eyeglasses to see at distance but still will need help with glasses for arm's length (computer) and near vision. The unoperated left eye still has an eyeglass lens for distance and near. Thus there may very well be a considerable difference in the optical focusing between the two eyes as well as the image sizes between the two eyes. This can often happen in between the time one eye has had Cataract Surgery and the other eye is waiting to be done. Usually with Lens Implants of the proper prescription in both eyes after Cataract Surgery the dizziness and disorientation cease. However, you should certainly be sure that there are no other systemic or other health reasons for the dizziness and should consult your primary care physician.
Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on www.aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery of Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of www.aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.
Cataract Surgery & Fuch's Dystrophy
Question: My husband had failed cataract surgery due to his taking Flomax and having Fuch's corneal dystrophy. He now needs to have cataract surgery again, together with a cornea transplant. I would appreciate some comment on whether he should have both cataract surgery and cornea transplant done at the same time?
Answer: It is not obvious in what timeframe your husband had the previous Cataract Surgery in which there was an unsuccessful result due to Flomax and the presumed complications of Cataract Surgery this medication causes as well as having Fuch's Dystrophy. For the most part, today knowing in advance that a patient is or has been taking Flomax allows the Cataract Surgeon to plan and make adjustments to the surgical plan that typically reduce the chances of complications. In addition, for many patients with Fuch's Dystrophy a less invasive type of corneal transplant called Decemet's Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty ( DSEK) can be a good option with a shortened recover time and an excellent visual outcome. There are many Corneal Specialists who are Cataract Surgeons who perform these combined procedures as a matter of course. While a combined procedure is the likely best path, whether to proceed with a combined procedure is really a decision for the Corneal & Cataract Surgeon as it can depend on the stage of the Fuch's Dystrophy as well as the stage of the Cataract formation. You should really follow the advice of your doctor and if you are uncomfortable it is always appropropriate to seek a second opinion.
Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery of Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.
Answer: It is not obvious in what timeframe your husband had the previous Cataract Surgery in which there was an unsuccessful result due to Flomax and the presumed complications of Cataract Surgery this medication causes as well as having Fuch's Dystrophy. For the most part, today knowing in advance that a patient is or has been taking Flomax allows the Cataract Surgeon to plan and make adjustments to the surgical plan that typically reduce the chances of complications. In addition, for many patients with Fuch's Dystrophy a less invasive type of corneal transplant called Decemet's Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty ( DSEK) can be a good option with a shortened recover time and an excellent visual outcome. There are many Corneal Specialists who are Cataract Surgeons who perform these combined procedures as a matter of course. While a combined procedure is the likely best path, whether to proceed with a combined procedure is really a decision for the Corneal & Cataract Surgeon as it can depend on the stage of the Fuch's Dystrophy as well as the stage of the Cataract formation. You should really follow the advice of your doctor and if you are uncomfortable it is always appropropriate to seek a second opinion.
Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery of Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Stroke after Cataract Surgery
Question: My father aged 75, just had cataract surgery on both eyes. His right eye was having issues, something pressure being high? A week later he is in the hospital with what they think is a stroke. Can eye surgery cause a stroke?
Answer: Eye surgery, including Cataract Surgery, can sometimes cause an elevated pressure inside the eye-intraocular pressure-which can cause a retinal vascular occlusion if the pressure is not controlled. However, high pressure in the eye or eye surgery itself would not likely cause a stroke. More likely, the underlying cause will be related to some other systemic health or vascular problem.
Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery of Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.
Answer: Eye surgery, including Cataract Surgery, can sometimes cause an elevated pressure inside the eye-intraocular pressure-which can cause a retinal vascular occlusion if the pressure is not controlled. However, high pressure in the eye or eye surgery itself would not likely cause a stroke. More likely, the underlying cause will be related to some other systemic health or vascular problem.
Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery of Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Advances in Cataract Surgery Recovery
Dr. Leslie Doctor offers a perspective on the advances in cataract surgery. “Today cataract surgery uses a combination of technology and technique to deliver what we call a “small incision-no needle-no stitch” surgery procedure that is “minimally invasive” so that it delivers a comfortable experience and quick visual recovery for the vast majority of patients. By using a microscopic ultrasonic probe, gently inserted through a 2-3 millimeter incision to liquefy and aspirate the cataract there is a greater margin of safety and faster healing for patients. These tiny incisions are self-sealing so that stitches are usually not required-and this reduces the risk of bleeding, scarring, and irritation and allows a more rapid return to normal activities and good vision. Further, the advanced technology foldable intraocular lens implants (IOL) that we use to correct vision are made of soft, flexible materials and can actually be inserted through these 2-3 millimeter incisions. Probably what makes patients most comfortable is that this combination of techniques and technology allow most of my cataract operations to be performed using topical eye drop anesthesia, eliminating the need for injections around the eye so that patients are pretty much able to use their eyes immediately after surgery and it minimizes the need for patching the eye after surgery.”
“As Norwalk eye surgeons some 40 years ago, my mother and father would discuss performing cataract surgery at Norwalk Hospital where patients needed to stay for a few days after cataract removal and in fact were required to lay still for the eye to heal. There was often discomfort and local anesthesia with needles was the norm. Everyone got stitches that could be uncomfortable for patients,” said Dr. Leslie Doctor.”What a world of difference from what we can do for patients today to make their cataract surgery recovery quick and comfortable.”
Leslie Doctor, M.D. is a Corneal Specialist, Refractive and Cataract Surgeon in Fairfield County, Connecticut where she is Medical Director of Doctor & Associates with offices in Norwalk, Westport and Wilton as well as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at the Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven Connecticut where she teaches advanced techniques of Cataract Surgery & Intraocular Lens Implantation (IOL) to new eye surgeons in Connecticut.
Doctor & Associates serves as ophthalmic consultants for Connecticut patients seeking information, examination and counsel for cataracts, cataract surgery and lens implants, and may be contacted by calling 203-227-4113, or visiting http://www.doctor-and-associates.com/ or facebook.com/doctorandassociates.
Repeat Cataract Surgery
Question: My husband had cataract surgery about 20 years ago and lens implant put in. Does the procedure ever have to be redone ?
Answer: A Cataract is clouding of the crystalline lens inside the eye. During a Cataract operation procedure the cloudy lens material is permanently removed and does not regrow. Lens Implants are permanent and last a lifetime barring any other eye disease, trauma or infection. What can happen is that the posterior lens capsule that is left in place to support the Lens Implant can become cloudy over time and requires a brief YAG Laser Capsulotomy to create a clear opening. Usually this occurs in shorter timeframe than 20 years after Cataract Surgery. So, as long as your husband is enjoying good vision he should continue to have regular eye exams for glaucoma, macular degeneration and any other eye diseases, conditions or problems that can adversely impact eye health and vision and not be concerned with having to repeat his Cataract Surgery and Lens Implant procedure.
Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on www.aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery of Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of www.aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.
Answer: A Cataract is clouding of the crystalline lens inside the eye. During a Cataract operation procedure the cloudy lens material is permanently removed and does not regrow. Lens Implants are permanent and last a lifetime barring any other eye disease, trauma or infection. What can happen is that the posterior lens capsule that is left in place to support the Lens Implant can become cloudy over time and requires a brief YAG Laser Capsulotomy to create a clear opening. Usually this occurs in shorter timeframe than 20 years after Cataract Surgery. So, as long as your husband is enjoying good vision he should continue to have regular eye exams for glaucoma, macular degeneration and any other eye diseases, conditions or problems that can adversely impact eye health and vision and not be concerned with having to repeat his Cataract Surgery and Lens Implant procedure.
Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on www.aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery of Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of www.aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.
Haloes after Cataract Surgery
Question: Is it normal to experience large halo effect around objects after cataract surgery?
Answer: Your question about haloes after Cataract Surgery is difficult to answer as we do not have some important information including how long ago your Cataract operation was performed and what type of Lens Implant was used. While one would not necessarily call it "normal", it is entirely possible to have haloes after Cataract Surgery that vary in cause depending on how long after the Cataract was removed they occur. Haloes in the short term can be due to some corneal edema or swelling. In the longer term haloes after Cataract Surgery can be due to posterior capsular opacification among other reasons. It is a common side effect of certain near vision correcting multifocal implants to also cause the potential haloes you describe based on their optical designs. All of these reasons aside, haloes after Cataract Surgery are almost always temporary and should not persist. If they are excessively annoying or are lasting for any length of time you should discuss this with your Cataract Surgeon who can give you a specific cause and remediation as needed.
Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on www.aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery of Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of www.aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.
Answer: Your question about haloes after Cataract Surgery is difficult to answer as we do not have some important information including how long ago your Cataract operation was performed and what type of Lens Implant was used. While one would not necessarily call it "normal", it is entirely possible to have haloes after Cataract Surgery that vary in cause depending on how long after the Cataract was removed they occur. Haloes in the short term can be due to some corneal edema or swelling. In the longer term haloes after Cataract Surgery can be due to posterior capsular opacification among other reasons. It is a common side effect of certain near vision correcting multifocal implants to also cause the potential haloes you describe based on their optical designs. All of these reasons aside, haloes after Cataract Surgery are almost always temporary and should not persist. If they are excessively annoying or are lasting for any length of time you should discuss this with your Cataract Surgeon who can give you a specific cause and remediation as needed.
Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on www.aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery of Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of www.aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.
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