Cataract Surgery Lens Implants & Eye Surgeons for Cataracts Blog

Blur Shortly after Cataract Surgery

2012-02-03T09:31:00.000-05:00

Question: On January 17, 2012, I had cataract surgery and a Tecnis® Multifocal Lens Implant IOL implanted in my right eye. Since then I have had a uniform, universal blurring of my vision. This persists at any distance or at any light level, both central and peripheral. I can see these wonderful new images of color, brightness, contrast and definition but they are blurred, just as if they are out of focus. Consequently, I cannot drive or read. I have normal eyes and have never had any abnormality or disease except the inevitable presbyopia and then cataracts. My strong gut feeling is that the lens is the wrong dioptric power. What are your suggestions?

Answer: While it is possible that the Lens Implant is the incorrect dioptric power, it may be that other factors are causing the blurry vision. Although it is really impossible to speculate without an examination or additional clinical information, there are a few potential causes to be considered. If the blur were due to refractive error caused by an off power implant, it is not likely that the blur would be uniform-there would most likely be distances at which the vision were clearer-maybe. It is possible that the IOL is slightly off position. One must determine the condition and the transparency of the posterior lens capsule left in place by your Cataract Surgeon to support the IOL. While the post op timeframe would be considered pretty short for posterior capsular opacification to occur, it may be that the capsule is cloudy. A careful Retina exam with specific examination of the Macula needs to be performed to rule out Cystoid Macular Edema which typically occurs within the 90 day post op period. At this time you need to return to your Cataract Surgeon, promptly, to allow the proper diagnosis and remediation as there are a number of possibilities that need to be ruled out.

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 Surgery & Retinal Detachment Risk

2012-02-02T10:21:00.000-05:00

“As our cataract surgery techniques and the technology for removing cataracts has become quite sophisticated, the frequency and risk of retinal detachment after cataract surgery has decreased significantly,” commented Brad Spagnolo, M.D., Cornea, Refractive & Cataract Surgeon at Baltimore Washington Eye Center. “Nonetheless, we are always extremely cautious when performing cataract surgery for those patients who might be considered at higher risk than the typical person with a cataract.”

“Typically, most cataract surgeons would suggest that patients who are extremely nearsighted and who need cataract surgery at a younger age-especially if they are male-might be considered at higher risk,” noted Ravi Shah, M.D. Cornea, Refractive & Cataract Surgeon in Portland, Maine at Eyecare Medical Group. “As refractive surgeons we may very well have a greater number of very nearsighted patients in our practices as these are the patients who initially seek us out for LASIK.”

“I think this is really the case-a considerable number of moderate to highly nearsighted patients have been coming to us, seeking our advice for LASIK for the past 15 years and now are entering the years of cataract development,” confirmed New Jersey Cataract, Cornea & Refractive Surgeon Joel Confino, M.D. of The Eye Care & Surgery Center. “Being aware of and understanding the higher risks these patients might be exposed to is important-as well as being even more cautious to avoid complications such as a posterior lens capsule rupture.”

Galveston and Houston Cataract Surgeon at The Eye Clinic of Texas Bernard Milstein, M.D. also weighed in. “Having had the opportunity to participate in many carefully controlled clinical studies on cataract surgery and lens implants as well as having had the good fortune to watch a few decades of technique and technology evolution for cataract removal, overall we have a lot to be thankful for," stated Dr. Milstein. “With proper patient selection, examination, consultation and meticulous surgical technique we can really offer our patients the promise of safe, effective and predictable cataract surgery today.”

For a complete review of cataract surgery and retinal detachment risk you can review the January 2012 publication of Current Opinion in Ophthalmology or, better yet, if you are concerned and feel you might be at risk, find the best Cataract Surgeons in your area and schedule a consultation.

Unhappy Cataract Surgery Results

2012-02-02T10:02:00.002-05:00

Question: I am not happy with the results of my cataract surgery as my prescription is now distance right eye +1.00-.25 x 135, left eye +1.50-.25 x 088 with a +2.25 for near. What are my options?

Answer: First, when you say that you are not pleased, it is not obvious whether you set and understood possible expectations and outcomes from your Cataract Surgeon. Let's start with your near vision. Anyone who has a Cataract removed must have some optical correction for clarity of near vision. Options for near vision correction with Cataracts include eyeglasses, contact lenses, Monovision Cataract Surgery or Presbyopia Correcting Multifocal Lens Implants (IOL). If you wanted to be "glasses and contacts free" for near vision you would need to have either Monovision Cataract Surgery or Presbyopia Correcting Multifocal Lens Implants. It does not appear as if you were either a candidate for these options, presented with and/or elected to have either of these options. Although it is technically a possible option to have a Lens Implant Exchange with these options and have the current implants replaced, the complexity of the second surgery may not be worth the risk. It really depends on the overall health and condition of your eyes. Regarding your distance vision, you do not state what your uncorrected level of visual acuity is without correction at this moment-and how much it bothers you. Again, the options for correcting your distance vision are the same-glasses, contact lenses or a Lens Exchange. Certainly eyeglasses are the least convenient, but also the least risky. A Lens Exchange could very well provide you with "glasses free" distance vision and if you were a good candidate, Monovision Correction may give you "glasses free" or nearly "glasses free" near vision. Multifocal Lens Implants could technically be used for the Lens Exchange BUT they do require near perfect implantation for the optimum performance which may or not be possible depending on the condition of your eyes and their anatomy. Thus, your best next step is to have a frank discussion with your Cataract Surgeon-who knows the anatomy and condition of your eyes postoperatively and he or she can help assess the risk/benefit ratio of the options so that you can make an informed decision.

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 Surgery Success & Dry Eye

2012-01-31T09:11:00.001-05:00

“We take a success optimizing approach toward our cataract surgery consultations-and that often includes careful diagnosis and treatment of dry eyes and eye surface problems even before the actual surgery”, commented San Antonio Cornea & Cataract Surgeon Lisa Martén, M.D. of the South Texas Eye Institute. “Many cataract patients may not even realize the need for help with dry eye problems in order to get the most comfortable and quickest visual recovery after cataract surgery.”

“Really taking care to make sure that we have evaluated the quality and quantity of tears along with the health of the ocular surface and eyelid margins is essential in helping get patients the best results after cataract surgery'” noted Leslie Doctor, M.D., a Connecticut Cataract Surgeon & Cornea Specialist at Doctor & Associates with offices serving Fairfield County in Westport, Wilton and Norwalk. “This is particularly important for our patients who are having astigmatism correcting toric lens implants and near vision presbyopia correcting lens implants where the expectations of having really good vision after cataract surgery are pretty high.”

“Our San Antonio cataract patients are often quite challenged by the environmental dust and dryness we have in San Antonio,” stated Dr. Martén. “Fortunately, today we have a number of effective options to help our cataract patients with dry eyes and can get them to successful outcomes,” she noted.

“Houston cataract surgery patients experience the same sorts of ocular surface and dry eye challenges as well-the environment in combination with aging effects and even some of the side effects of the systemic medications they are taking mean that we just have to look a little more carefully and work a little harder to be sure we do whatever is necessary to get our Houston cataract patients the best overall results,” stated Galveston and Houston Cataract Surgeon Bernard Milstein, M.D. of The Eye Clinic of Texas.

Floaters after Cataract Surgery

2012-01-30T08:32:00.001-05:00

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.

Cataract Surgery Monovision & Crossed Dominance

2012-01-30T08:09:00.000-05:00

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.

Cataract Surgery & Astigmatism Correction

2012-01-27T11:21:00.000-05:00

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.

Cataract Lens Implants & Vision

2012-01-26T09:26:00.000-05:00

Aspheric lens Implants can give excellent vision after cataract surgery as they can be designed to improve image quality by minimizing spherical aberration. “We know that as we age and the crystalline lens of the eye starts to progress toward the formation of a cataract, there is an increase in the overall spherical aberration of the eye which is important to neutralize with aspheric lens implants after cataract surgery,” commented NJ Cataract and Corneal Specialist Joel Confino, M.D. of The Eye Care & Surgery Center in Westfield. “Aspheric lens implants for cataract surgery have pretty much become routine for almost all of our patients.”

Leslie Doctor, M.D., a Corneal Specialist and Connecticut Cataract Surgeon remarked, “Hearing cataract patient feedback about the sharpness of their vision-especially in dim lighting conditions or driving at dusk-really motivates me to use aspheric lens implants of some type for all of my cataract surgery patients. Recent studies on aspheric lens implants support what patients tell us. It is probably not just Norwalk and Fairfield County cataract patients, but all patients today are really quite knowledgeable and want the best possible 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

2012-01-26T09:14:00.000-05:00

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.

Haloes after Cataract Surgery & Lens Implants

2012-01-24T10:08:00.000-05:00

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.

Cataract Surgeons & Lens Implants-Role as Ophthalmic Consultants

2012-01-24T09:55:00.003-05:00

“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.

Toric Lens Implant Price

2012-01-23T09:01:00.000-05:00

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.

Sex after Cataract Surgery

2012-01-22T17:04:00.000-05:00

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.

Dizziness after Cataract Surgery

2012-01-22T16:58:00.000-05:00

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.

Cataract Surgery & Fuch's Dystrophy

2012-01-22T16:48:00.000-05:00

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.

Stroke after Cataract Surgery

2012-01-16T10:17:00.000-05:00

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.

Advances in Cataract Surgery Recovery

2012-01-12T17:51:00.001-05:00

Fairfield County Cataract Surgeon Leslie Doctor, M.D. commented on advances in recovery from cataract surgery. “Even though cataract surgery can be a life changing event for patients who have regained their ability to drive safely-especially at night, or enjoy reading again after their cataract is removed-the fact remains that virtually all patients are concerned about their recovery from cataract surgery.”

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

2012-01-12T10:34:00.000-05:00

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.

Haloes after Cataract Surgery

2012-01-12T10:19:00.000-05:00

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.

Lens Implants for Vision Correction

2012-01-12T10:05:00.000-05:00

Question: I am a healthy male age 44 and am experiencing near vision problems. Can I go ahead and elect to have a Crystalens® that will alleviate this problem now? I do not have cataracts or any other vision problem.

Answer: Lens Implants for Vision Correction are being used more and more frequently for patients in their late 40's and 50's who are dependent on eyeglasses or contact lenses for seeing clearly at distance and up close. The fact that you state that you have no other vision problem other than your near vision focusing problem-called presbyopia-may not make you an ideal candidate for Lens Implants for Vision Correction such as the Crystalens® Accommodating Lens Implant, the AcrySof® ReSTOR® Multifocal Lens Implant or the Tecnis® Multifocal Lens Implant.The only way to really find out is to find an eye surgeon who is both a top Cataract Surgeon but also a Refractive Surgeon and schedule a consultation.

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.

Eyelid Blepharitis & Cataract Surgery

2012-01-12T09:53:00.000-05:00

Question: My wife had cataract surgery on both eyes in June 2011. To this day her eyes water, burn, pinch and get red. She had follow appointments and complained about this problem and her cataract surgeon said that skin flakes from her eyelids caused this problem. She washed and cleaned her eyelids many, many times but no improvement. Would it be wise to get a second opinion? Could this be a possible side affect? Please advise.

Answer: The description of your wife's eyelid problems and discomfort suggest that it is possible that she has some type of blepharitis or eyelid inflammation that may be contributing to her complaints. This is not really a side effect of Cataract Surgery and is most likely completely unrelated. However, if this is the problem, either her Cataract Surgeon or another eye surgeon should be able to carefully diagnose the cause and provide some form effective therapy which might include a number of options in addition to simply washing the eyelids. It is never inappropriate to get a second opinion if you are uncomfortable. In this situation it might be worthwhile seeking a consultation with an eye doctor who is a Corneal Specialist also trained in External Diseases.

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.

Far Vision & Multifocal Lens Implants

2012-01-10T09:51:00.000-05:00

Question: I am considering cataract surgery and using a multifocal lens implant to correct my near vision. Will I be able to wear my contact lens after surgery to improve my far vision as I do now?

Answer: With careful measurements, the use of a Multifocal Lens Implant for vision correction after Cataract Surgery should allow you to see far, near and arm's length without being dependent on eyeglass and contact lenses. That is, you should not need to wear contact lenses for seeing at distance once you have a Lens Implant after Cataract Surgery. The goal of using the Multifocal Lens Implant is to not necessitate the use of glasses or contacts after a Cataract is removed and thus while you would most likely be able to wear contacts, you should not have to.

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.

NJ Cataract Surgeon on Lens Implants

2012-01-10T09:39:00.001-05:00

NJ Cataract Surgeon Joel Confino, M.D. of The Eye Care & Surgery Center with offices in Westfield, Warren and Iselin, New Jersey commented on the growth and acceptance of advanced technology lens implants for vision correction after cataract surgery. “As a cataract and refractive surgeon I have typically spent a good part of each day counseling patients on options for vision correction that would help them become less dependent or even independent of glasses. We are beginning to experience a second surge in patients wanting to be free of glasses. It used to be primarily patients in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s wanting LASIK-today it is driven by the 78 million baby boomers in America who are now turning 65 years old at the rate of 10,000 per day, and they are interested in choosing lens implants that will give them the lifestyle quality they want–free of glasses.”

A growing number of cataract surgery patients can now choose to enhance their spectacle-free vision through the implantation of astigmatism correcting toric lens implants (IOL) or even an accommodating or multifocal lens implant (IOL), which can help patients reduce dependence on glasses for clarity at far, intermediate and near. It is estimated that by the year 2020, 60-70% of cataract surgery procedures will incorporate the use of a toric lens implant or multifocal lens implant for vision correction.

To schedule an appointment or for more information about cataracts, cataract surgery or lens implants you may contact New Jersey Cataract Surgeon Joel Confino, M.D. at The Eye Care & Surgery Center by calling 908-789-8999, or by visiting http://www.newjerseyvision.com/ or facebook.com/eyecareandsurgerycenter.

Discomfort & Symptoms after Cataract Surgery

2012-01-10T09:17:00.001-05:00

Question: I am 50 years old and had cataract surgery and lens implants in both eyes-the first eye in mid-November and the second eye in mid-December. I was very nearsighted before the cataracts were removed and wore gas permeable contact lenses and glasses on top to read. My cataract operation was done so that I have a slight Monovision with my left eye slightly near sighted to be more for close up, but I still have to wear readers, and the right eye is set for distance. I can see okay but my eyes constantly feel tired and ache and feel scratchy like they used to when I wore contacts and needed to take them out and put my glasses on to give my eyes a rest. Is this typical and does it go away? I am using steroid eye drops and artificial tear drops which don't seem to make any difference. Why do my eyes feel like this if I can see okay?

Answer: While it is impossible to know exactly what you are experiencing without an examination, there are some possible reasons that may be considered.

The symptoms that you describe of eye fatigue, aching and especially scratchiness are typically associated with problems of the surface of the eye and/or the tear film itself or both. Dry eyes after Cataract Surgery is a relatively common finding itself. Further, long term wear of rigid gas permeable contact lenses does temporarily cause some changes to the eye surface and its ability to retain a stable tear film. Additionally some of the drops that you are using may also have preservatives that could cause instability of the tear film and dry eye symptoms such as you describe.

Last, you age and any associated hormonal changes might further increase the chances that you have a dry eye and poor tear film. Any one of these factors alone or in combination might lead to the dry eye symptoms that you complain of. It might seem that the artificial tears should help, but this may or not be the case depending on the cause and whether those artificial tears have preservatives. Your best course of action is to fully discuss your symptoms with your Cataract Surgeon and ask for help in alleviating them. If they are in fact due to problems with the ocular surface an/or tear film itself there are a number of treatment options that might be recommended above and beyond artificial tear drops that could be prescribed by your Cataract Surgeon to help you with your symptoms.

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 & Lens Implant Exchange

2012-01-06T09:08:00.000-05:00

Question: I had cataract surgery and a lens implant in my left eye for arms length vision. It has not worked-I now have 3 pairs of glasses and am pretty miserable with dry eye. Is it possible to "do over" cataract surgery and have the lens implant changed so that it is the same as the one in my right eye?

Answer: Depending on how long ago you had the Cataract Surgery and Lens Implant in the left eye as well as the health and condition of the eye there is a good likelihood of a safe lens implant exchange that can allow for the vision to be "matched" to the right eye. This will really depend on the integrity of the structures in the front of the eye and the Vitreous Gel that supports the Retina in the back of the eye-but yes, in general a lens exchange is often possible. Dry Eye has been reported to occur in as many as 30% of patients after a Cataract is removed and with proper treatment should also be manageable. If you feel that you are not getting the proper treatment or results you may wish to consider finding the best Cataract Surgeon your area who is also a Corneal Specialist experienced in complex Cataract Surgery as well as problems with the eye's surface and tear film, and scheduling a consultation.

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 for One Eye

2012-01-06T09:02:00.000-05:00

Question: I am 70 and only my right eye has a cataract that needs to be removed and vision is bad in it. The left eye has really good vision with a cataract barely starting. Is it necessary to have the good eye done as most doctors recommend doing or wait until it gets bad. If I have the more expensive IOL put in the right eye, will it confuse the issue of seeing out of both? Do doctors ever put the multifocal lens in one eye and one just for distance in the other or would this confuse the issue of seeing out of both.

Answer: The decision on when to have a Cataract removed really depends on how much that Cataract disturbs both your vision and overall functioning. If you proceed in having Cataract Surgery with a Multifocal Lens Implant in the right eye, it is quite likely that the right eye will require no eyeglasses for far, near and arm's length vision. If the left eye does not have a similar functioning Lens Implant or doesn't have any Lens Implant it will probably decrease the overall effectiveness of the Multifocal Lens Implant in the right eye-and it will require eyeglasses to see intermediate and near distance-which means you will still need to wear glasses. Further, the effectiveness and success of Multifocal Lens Implants is generally better when BOTH eyes have the same type of Lens Implant. Your best course of action is to follow the advice of your Cataract Surgeon and if there is any question about what to do, schedule a consultation with another Cataract Surgeon for a second opinion. This is always a prudent path if there is uncertainty in your mind.

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.

Monovision Lens Implant Success

2012-01-02T09:54:00.000-05:00

Question: What is the percentage of satisfied patients receiving monovision correction for cataract lens replacement?

Answer: Monovision correction has been used in contact lens vision correction, LASIK Eye Surgery as well as Lens Implants for vision correction with and without Cataracts for quite some time. Monovision outcomes are best when care is taken to pretest and measure as much as possible in order to determine the patient's tolerance to slight blur as well their tolerance to the range of defocus that will be established by the Monovision correction. With careful patient selection and a need for no more than 1.50 D to perhaps 1.75 D of near correction, the patient success for Monovision of any type is in the 75% range.

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 Surgery & Lens Implants at 80

2011-12-31T17:51:00.000-05:00

Question: Is it practical for me at 80 years to pursue Cataract Surgery and Lens Implants for astigmatism? I do take medication for enlarged prostate.

Answer: If you have Cataracts and the decrease in vision they cause negatively impacts your being able to do the things you want to do safely and comfortably, there is no reason that you cannot have Cataract Surgery and Lens Implants as long as your general health is good and the overall health of your eyes-especially the Retina and Macula, is in reasonable shape. If you have a significant degree of astigmatism then having a toric lens implant-if recommended by your Cataract Surgeon would be a good choice for your vision correction at distance after the Cataract removal. Be certain to advise your Cataract Surgeon of the exact medication that you take for an enlarged prostate as well as any other medications you might be taking as these could require that he or she modify the actual cataract procedure in order to get you the best results.

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.

Double Vision after Cataract Surgery

2011-12-21T11:40:00.000-05:00

Question: I recently had cataract surgery on both of my eyes and had lens implants as well. The first surgery went very well but the second surgery left me with double vision. I have found out that I have a prism, but never had double vision. My doctor said there was nothing he could do and told me I would have to always wear glasses.
Answer: It is not obvious from your question whether you were wearing a prism in your glasses before your Cataracts were removed. If you have a long term history of wearing a prism, then you may very well need to continue to wear the prism in eyeglasses. If, you were not wearing prism, and if the onset of the double vision has been recent, then you need to find out why. It is possible, but not likely that Cataract Surgery for the second eye caused you suddenly develop diplopia or double vision, but rather the diplopia is due to some underlying cause that needs examination and diagnosis. Again, if prior to Cataract Surgery you had a prism prescription to compensate for a muscle imbalance then having Cataracts removed would still require that you wore the prism. You best course of action is to consider a second opinion with a top Cataract Surgeon to evaluate whether there is anything that might be slightly out of line with the Cataract Surgery, the Lens Implant or perhaps the Retina that could be contributing-or whether there is some other underlying issue.

Streak of Light after Cataract Surgery

2011-12-21T11:35:00.000-05:00

Question: I've had cataract surgery and two IOLs implanted The left in July 2011 and the right in October of 2011. I have experienced a "streak" of light in the vision of my left eye ever since the implantation. It runs at a 45 degree angle through any concentrated light source and is particularly bothersome at night, making night-driving difficult and dangerous. Can this be corrected?

Answer: Without actually examining the eye and vision after your Cataract Surgery and Lens Implants it is not possible to be certain, but there are several possibilities to be considered, as the cause-each with somewhat different methods of resolution. One possibility is that you have some degree of uncorrected astigmatism. This should easily tested by your Cataract Surgeon and a resolution demonstrated with some trial lenses in the office if it is actually the problem. Another, somewhat remote possibility is an optical irregularity in the Lens Implant itself. This would be quite unusual. A more likely cause is a very fine crease in the posterior capsule of the crystalline lens that is typically left in place to support the Lens Implant after Cataract Surgery. A very fine crease can produce exactly what you are describing. If this is the case your Cataract Surgeon can perform a YAG Laser Capsulotomy which is a quick laser procedure to create an opening in the capsule along the visual axis-typically the results are immediate and achieved without pain, discomfort or recovery time.

No Bifocals after Cataract Surgery

2011-12-19T08:26:00.000-05:00

Question: I am a candidate for cataract removal and I have myopic astigmatism. After cataract surgery I still require bifocal glasses?

Answer: If you wish to be less dependent or even independent of bifocal glasses after Cataract Surgery there are some options that might be suggested by your Cataract Surgeon if they are appropriate. There are three possible options for correcting your near and far vision after Cataract removal. First, you might be a candidate for Monovision Astigmatism Correcting Lens Implants (IOL). Second you might be a candidate for Presbyopia Correcting Multifocal Lens Implants (IOL) such as the AcrySof ®ReSTOR® Multifocal Lens Implant (IOL) or the Tecnis® Multifocal Lens Implant (IOL). Third, you might be a candidate for Accommodating lens Implant (IOL) such as the Crystalens® Lens Implant (IOL). Whether one or more of these options is appropriate will really depend on your lifestyle and expectations as well as the information gathered by your Cataract Surgeon during your examination and consultation.

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 Surgery and Lens Implant Surprise

2011-12-19T08:19:00.000-05:00

Question: I had cataract surgery and a lens implant on my right eye 2 months ago. Before surgery, I was farsighted in this eye. Now I am profoundly nearsighted and need glasses for any distance vision at all. The distance vision is markedly worse than before the surgery. What could have caused this? Was the "wrong" IOL implanted? Was the IOL the right one but displaced from the original site in the capsule? Any other possibilities?

Answer: The measurement and computation of the Lens Implant (IOL) power for Cataract Surgery is actually quite complex and depends on the interaction of many factors. Most likely what has happened here is a "refractive surprise" in that the measurements and calculations performed during your Cataract examination, for whatever reason, did not fall within the statistical norms of the calculation. This resulted in "surprise" with regard to the refractive outcome. In you case it does not sound as if it is even close to being satisfactory and thus you need to discuss the options with your Cataract Surgeon. These may include a Lens Implant Exchange or even a LASIK Surgery procedure depending on the overall health and condition of your eyes. In any event, if you are not happy with the result it is time to discuss this with your doctor.

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.

Tecnis® Multifocal Lens Implant Glare & Halo

2011-12-16T10:01:00.000-05:00

Question: On Aug. 26th I had a Tecnis® Multifocal lens implanted in my left eye. My cataract surgeon also did limbal relaxing incisions as both eyes have substantial astigmatism. The glares and halos are so bad that driving at night feels dangerous. My eye doctor assures me that most patients who experience that find that once the second eye is done, their brains adapt and it's no longer an issue. I'm afraid that if mine doesn't, I will not be able to drive AT ALL at night until I have both removed. We've already talked about going to monovision lens implants and have used contacts to mimic it as best as possible. However, my cataract surgeon says that because I already have the Tecnis® Multifocal in place, it's impossible to get a true monovision test. So, I would really appreciate your thoughts on:

A: The likelihood of the glares/halos becoming non-problematic once the second eye also has the Tecnis® in place;
B: The idea of using monovision IOLs instead, with the right eye having a toric lens implanted to correct the astigmatism.

Answer: Multifocal Lens Implants, including the Tecnis® Multifocal Lens Implant, use complex optical designs to achieve their vision correction properties. For that reason they do indeed require a varying degree of “neuroadaptation” in order for patients to get “used to the vision”. Depending on each individual patient’s “neuroplasticity” this adaptation process can take little time or even a few months. You are approaching 4 months and do not seem to report a notable improvement in sensitivity to the symptoms of glare and halo. Typically, for complete neuroadaptation to occur it does require implantation in both eyes. So, the information being provided to you by your Cataract Surgeon is quite consistent with the experience of others. So, while “conventional and experiential wisdom” would suggest proceeding with the right eye with a Tecnis® Multifocal, it does sound like in your case this would NOT be a prudent path based on the severity and persistence of your complaints. You do not state whether your left or right eye is your dominant eye and this could impact the relative success of monovision Lens Implants. The most conservative approach is to correct the right eye with an astigmatism correcting toric lens implant for full distance correction. Then depending on the residual symptoms of glare and halo, and the degree of satisfaction with your near vision at that time either leave the left alone or possibly have a lens exchange to replace the Tecnis® Multifocal with a single focus lens implant. Again, the conservative approach would be to avoid monovision as you have already demonstrated a less than optimal “neuroplasticity” and monovision does also require adaptation.

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.

Lens Implants for Congenital Cataracts

2011-12-16T09:53:00.000-05:00

Question: I have a question about congenital cataracts and lens implants. I was born with cataracts in 1978. The protocol for cataract surgery at that time was to remove the lens as well as the capsule. I am currently wearing aphakic contact lenses bringing corrected vision to 20/30. Is there any lens implant surgery available for me? And if so what is the risk?

Answer: Indeed in 1978 you would have most likely had an "intracapsular" Cataract extraction which would have removed the entire lens capsule as well as the cloudy lens material-the Cataract. Today, the typically the lens capsule is left in place in order to support the placement of a Lens Implant. However, the lack of a lens capsule does not preclude you from having secondary Lens Implant IF your eyes are otherwise healthy and in "good anatomical" shape. Depending on the condition of the Vitreous, Iris and other structures it is often possible to have a "secondary lens implant", either an the Anterior Chamber Lens Implant (IOL) in front of the Iris or a Posterior Chamber Lens Implant (IOL) sutured in place in the posterior chamber. The choice and the position of the lens will depend on the anatomy and the condition of the eye as stated previously. As with any intraocular surgery there is always risk, however most likely less risk than the Cataract Surgery itself. The complications of Cataract Surgery and Lens Implants are pretty infrequent. That said, you should consider taking the next step and schedule a consultation with the best Cataract Surgeon you can find and after a thorough examination and consultation, they will be able to advise you of the most appropriate course of action to consider.
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 http://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 http://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 Removal in Only Eye

2011-12-15T09:31:00.000-05:00

Question: I have only one functioning eye and it now has a cataract. I'm considering the removal of a cataract in my right eye. I rarely drive at night anymore and distance vision is a real problem. My concern is that my right eye is my only functioning eye. I understand there are always risks. Should I have it removed?

Answer: The concern and anxiety you express regarding having Cataract Surgery in your only good eye is reasonable and expected-and likely shared by most top Cataract Surgeons. You are correct in that with any surgery there is always the risk of complications, no matter how small. It would not be inappropriate to seek referral from your primary care physician as well as friends regarding finding the best cataract Surgeons in your area and scheduling a consultation with 1-2. Discuss your concerns and inquire what they will propose to endure that you will have an uncomplicated Cataract removal and Lens Implant procedure. Something you should know however is that the longer you wait and the more dense the Cataract becomes-the more difficult it can be to operate on and the greater the potential complication rate. So-if this is something you need to do or are seriously considering, you should proceed and not allow the Cataract to become too dense.

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 Vision Correction after IOL Removal

2011-12-14T09:50:00.000-05:00

Question: What is the best method of vision correction when an IOL must be removed some years after cataract surgery?

Answer: If a Lens Implant must be removed-and it is specifically in one eye only-it is entirely possible that the IOL can be exchanged and replaced with another IOL of a different type if the eye is otherwise healthy and the internal structures are intact. This would by far be the best choice if it is an option. If this is not an option due to anatomical or other considerations then the next best choice would be to use a contact lens for the vision correction in one eye. Eyeglasses after Cataract Surgery are only a choice if both eyes are to be corrected and even then these are likely to provide many limitations in terms of vision quality and field of vision. In any event, the removal of a Cataract is almost always best managed optically by a Lens Implant and it would be important to fully discuss the options 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 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 with Toric Lens Implants for Severe Astigmatism

2011-12-13T08:00:00.001-05:00

Question: I have severe astigmatism and I am scheduled for cataract surgery. Will the lens implant for astigmatism really improve my vision?

Answer: If your cornea is healthy, and the astigmatism is "regular" allowing your vision to be well corrected with eyeglasses, depending on what you mean by "extreme" the answer is most likely yes. With careful measurement and calculation in conjunction with the proper diagnostic testing, the use of Toric Lens Implants (IOL) to correct astigmatism-even rather significant degrees of astigmatism-is quite successful. The vast majority-even those with 4-6 diopters of preexisting astigmatism-report be able to be independent of eyeglasses for seeing clearly at distance after Cataract Surgery.

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.

Toric Multifocal IOL Lens Implants

2011-12-06T10:04:00.002-05:00

Researchers reporting in the September 2011 Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery found that implantation of toric multifocal IOL's in patients with cataract and corneal astigmatism provides good distance and near visual outcomes and spectacle independence. The investigation in the Netherlands looked at patients with cataract, corneal astigmatism and a motivation for spectacle independence. Each patient underwent cataract surgery and implantation of a toric diffractive multifocal IOL. In 90% of the eyes enrolled in the study a residual refractive astigmatism of −1.00 D or less was achieved however moderate glare, halos and star burst symptoms were present in approximately 50% of patients. The authors concluded that toric multifocal IOL implantation enables patients with significant levels of corneal astigmatism to achieve distance and near spectacle independence.

Crystalens® Lens Implant Side Effects & Complications

2011-12-04T08:52:00.000-05:00

Question: I am a candidate for cataract surgery and am thinking about the Crystalens implant. However, I've read some horror stories in reviews by people who have had this particular implant, ie, spiderwebs, flashing lights, poorer night and color vision. My questions are: 1) are these problems typical with Crystalens; and are there other accommodating IOL technologies to consider, even if it means waiting a few months?

Answer: First, as authors of peer reviewed digital content for ophthalmology we are constantly shocked by the state of web publishing in which patients, competitors and unknowing content sources are able to simply write unedited, unverified and simply incorrect material and post it as "meaningful" reviews that you and others are apt to take or even consider as factually correct. It is a real shame that Google Places, Bing, Insider Pages, Vitals and thousands of other "review sites" allow reviews to be posted regarding medical practice sites, physicians and medical devices as if they were reviews of restaurants or bowls of pasta. Medicine and the associated outcomes of the practice of medicine are subject to considerable degrees of complexity and influence by factors that "reviews" simply just cannot contemplate.

Second, while it is commendable that you are doing research and have become interested in "selecting" a lens implant-we pose the following question to ALL patients-do you have the breadth of understanding or the appreciation measurement nuances and surgical skill required that TOGETHER with a specific type of lens implant can produce certain results-OR are you looking at selecting a Lens Implant by "reviewing" manufacturers "marketing hype" or online chit chat? Medical devices, especially implantable medical devices, provide their reported outcomes and results when used by experienced and skilled physicians for patients who have been selected as good candidates for THAT DEVICE by that physician.

It is NOT the other way around-like buying running shoes-where the user or patient decides if the device or product sounds good and then goes and buys it.

The Cataract Surgeon and the Cataract Surgery procedure used by that eye surgeon have a huge impact on the results of the Cataract removal itself as well as the implantation and functioning of the Lens Implant. Further, the preoperative condition of the eye and its internal structures-independent of a type of Lens Implant-also impact results and outcome. These are just some of the reasons believing ANYTHING you read in "reviews" about surgery procedures, devices or products is IRRELEVANT.

With apologies for the long windedness of this response, here is what you need to know about your question. The side effects you noted i.e spider webs, flashing lights, poorer night and color vision are NOT reported any more frequently with Crystalens® than with any other type of Lens Implant including Multifocal Lens Implants. In fact what you are describing may very well be side effects of the Cataract Surgery itself and NOT have anything to do with any type of Lens Implant.

That said, near vision presbyopia correcting lens implants from different manufacturers are fabricated in varying optical designs-some are accommodating like Crystalens® whereas others use complex optics to achieve their "multifocal" effect. Each one has its own set of "tradeoffs" and compromises. Through a careful evaluation, measurements and consultation with a top Cataract Surgeon THEY should be able to discuss your particular lifestyle needs and vision correction goals after Cataract Surgery AND based on the eye examination, suggest one or more types of Lens Implants that can help you get to those goals.

Lens Implants are not like running shoes-you can't pick a brand and then go in and get "sized". They function differently and require matching the performance, optical characteristics of your eyes, your lifestyle and activity requirements. Finally, if you really think you want an accommodating Lens Implant and are concerned about what you are seeing in "reviews", there will be other accommodating Lens Implants available in the coming months or years that may or may not be better than Crystalens®. Only time will tell. In this sense you would be wise to use "best car buying practices" and NOT buy the first model year!

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.

Shiny Dot on Pupil after Cataract Surgery

2011-12-04T08:44:00.000-05:00

Question: I have had successful cataract surgery in both eyes. Since then I notice a shiny dot on my pupil that looks like a small sequin and is present in both eyes most of the time. Sometimes it is quite noticeable and somewhat disconcerting. It seems to reflect light. Other people have the same experience. What is it?

Answer: It is very common after Cataract Surgery for patients who had Lens Implants made from certain acrylic materials to report a shimmering dot like reflection in their pupil. While it is visible if you look at yourself, and possibly noticeable by others, it in no way actually impacts vision or clarity. It is really a simple property of the acrylic Lens Implant material and is completely benign.

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.

Removing a Wrong Lens Implant

2011-11-30T16:05:00.001-05:00

Question: If the wrong lens implant was inserted during cataract surgery can it be removed after a year?

Answer: Removing or explanting or exchanging a Lens Implant a year after Cataract Surgery is possible but depends on a number of factors and often requires an extraordinary effort and technique by the Cataract Surgeon. It is odd that a Lens Implant would be deemed "wrong" after such a long period of time but it is possible. Factors that could complicate a lens implant removal or exchange after a year might include the placement of the lens itself and whether it was fibrosed in place, whether a YAG Laser Capsulotomy had been performed as well as whether the vitreous had been violated in any manner and the overall health of the cornea. If any of these conditions exists it might be worth seeking a consultation with a Corneal Specialist who is also a top 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 surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.

Pressure on Eye after Cataract Surgery

2011-11-29T08:37:00.000-05:00

Question: What damage might be caused by putting pressure on eyeball two days after cataract surgery? A misplaced lens or retinal tear have been ruled out by examination. But the image is blurred especially at a distance and there are ghost images and even double vision in that eye.

Answer: While it is simply impossible to tell without a thorough examination, there could be an almost limitless number of remote possibilities that could occur. If there has been a "pressure" related event that causes any type of inflammation with or without associated swelling of the Macula, it could cause Cystoid Macular Edema which occurs in a small number of patients after Cataract Surgery. Likewise, if there is residual induced corneal edema this too could cause these symptoms. Further, and very unlikely there could have been damage to the posterior capsule, intentionally left in place to support the Lens Implant, causing it to prematurely fibrose leading to symptoms like these. However, these are purely conjecture as there are many possibilities that can only be determined with a careful examination by 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 surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.

Near-Intermediate Vision Correction & Cataract Surgery

2011-11-29T08:27:00.000-05:00

Question: I'm now contemplating cataract surgery and have decided that I want mini-Monovision, rather than multifocal lens implants. I would also not like to have a big correction disparity between each eye - e.g., maximum 1.25 D. My goal is to attain very good vision for the following kinds of "near-intermediate" activities: Sitting at a table playing cards, shaving, seeing the dashboard of my car, searching through drawers, looking at my cell phone, reading a menu, walking down the aisle of a market, and reading the labels on cans (at least the larger type). As a trade-off for very good "near-intermediate" vision, I would be willing to sacrifice some sharpness in distance vision - perhaps 20/40? Here's my thinking: It seems that if I was corrected for very good "near-intermediate," I could probably go without glasses about 90% of the time --needing them only for really sharp distance (e.g., driving, tennis), and readers for the fine print. My questions are: Is it possible to get the type of good near-intermediate vision I'm seeking, and still be 20/40 for distance? If so, what would your target correction be (with a maximum of 1.25 D difference between the eyes)?

Answer: First, you are asking the right questions to help you identify the most acceptable choices and compromises for your vision correction after Cataract Surgery. Monovision Cataract Surgery requires careful measurement of the near and intermediate working distances your desire clarity for as well as identifying the specific tasks. While you have identified the tasks, the actual working distances of those tasks can vary greatly by your personal physical stature and size. For example if you are 5'4'' tall with medium length arms you will require different working distances than someone 6'2" tall with long arms. Next, the achievement of the results you are requesting could also depend on several other factors including but not limited to the type of Lens Implant to be used and whether it is a spherical or aspheric design, your pupil size as this contributes to your ultimate depth of focus, the amount and type of spherical aberration in your eye as well as your overall tolerance and threshold to "defocus." Now, in order to consider these factors, if you have not already done so, it would be wise to be sure that you had a complete refractive Monovision evaluation as part of your Cataract consultation at which time detailed measurements could be taken and analyzed AND it might be possible to provide you with trial contacts to demonstrate the defocus and working distances that could be achieved. This kind of trial will really depend on the degree of cataract formation you presently have. In general, the scenario you describe is achievable but does require careful measurement and testing in order to select a proper target correction-AND may require specialized testing for the actual Lens Implant selection. To obtain this level of testing and precision we would suggest you choose an eye surgeon who is both a Cataract Surgeon and a Refractive Surgeon and thus fully equipped to deal with the precision of the measurements and the testing required to achieve your personal goals here.

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.

Eyelea for Macular Degeneration Help

2011-11-29T07:58:00.002-05:00

The FDA has offered additional help for patients with Wet Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) by approving a first-in-class drug called Eyelea (aflibercept). Eyelea is called a VEGF Trap-Eye that is a protein drug that soaks up the vascular endothelial growth factor molecules that promote the unhealthy growth of new blood vessels under the Retina. According to the FDA-approved labeling for aflibercept, the drug is indicated for the treatment of patients with neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD) and may be given by intravitreal injection as frequently as 2 mg every four weeks, but additional efficacy was not demonstrated with this schedule compared with the eight-week interval. As with other drugs that are VEGF inhibitors, there is a potential risk of arterial thromboembolic events, defined as nonfatal stroke, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or vascular death (including deaths of unknown cause) with the incidence of such events in the aflibercept trials occurring in 1.8% of patients.

Glaucoma & Risk of Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

2011-11-29T07:55:00.000-05:00

Researchers reporting in the October 2011 publication Ophthalmology reported on a novel association between Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and Glaucoma in patients who were previously diagnosed with Open Angle Glaucoma (OAG). Open Angle Glaucoma (OAG) is known to be associated with certain systemic metabolic and cardiovascular disorders, and these systemic and metabolic disorders share common risk factors with Erectile Dysfunction (ED). However, few studies have investigated the association of ED with OAG. A nationwide study in Taiwan aimed to estimate the association of ED with prior OAG by using and found that patients with ED were more likely to have prior OAG than controls, indicating a novel association but requiring additional study to fully understand the clinical significance of the findings.

Cataract Surgery, Lens Implant & Eyeglass Lens Changes

2011-11-28T17:25:00.001-05:00

Question: After cataract surgery would you have to have a change of eyeglass lens or lens implant at some time latter as you get older?

Answer: Once you have Cataract Surgery and a Lens Implant, generally, unless you develop some other type of eye disease that impacts the refractive error of your eyes-such as a corneal disease or diabetic macular edema-it is not likely that your optical prescription will change too much. In any event the nature of the optical changes that might occur rarely necessitate a change of Lens Implant but could require a small change in an eyeglass lens prescription over time as the eye changes corneal curvature or other parameter.

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.

Complications from Cataract Surgery

2011-11-22T10:40:00.000-05:00

Question: I seem to have a lot of complications from my cataract surgery. I had cataract surgery on my right on July 1, 2011 with a lens implant to correct my far and near vision. I have been back to the eye doctor 8 times complaining that my vision has not improved and actually it has worsened. He used the laser to remove the part of the capsule and that has not helped. Now I am seeing floaters and funny shapes in my vision. I went to see the doctor this past Friday and he says he noticed that there is some swelling of the Retina and he has given me some new drops and says come back in a month. Why is it that after spending $7000 I can't see? Should I be looking for another doctor?
Answer: While Cataract Surgery and Lens Implantation are among the most frequent and most successful types of eye surgery one can have, there is always the risk of side effects and complications that can result from the surgery itself or simply just from the condition and health of the eye-unrelated to the surgery. Although it is impossible to know exactly what is going on with your eyes and vision you are describing some things that we know can sometimes occur. First, you describe the need to be treated with a laser to "remove" part of the lens capsule. In as many as 30% of the people having routine Cataract Surgery, the posterior lens capsule-normally left intact to support the Lens Implant-does become cloudy or opacified. This is treated with a procedure called a YAG Laser Capsulotomy in which an opening in placed in the capsule with a laser in order to allow light to readily pass through to the back of the eye. While not every patient requires this, it is not uncommon and represents one of the most common complications of Cataract Surgery. However, the YAG Laser treatment is quite effective in restoring vision in almost every instance of posterior capsular opacification. The fact that you are experiencing floaters may or may not be related to the Cataract Surgery. You are possibly describing a vitreous detachment that may have occurred spontaneously or in conjunction with the Cataract removal.

IF you have a vitreous detachment that is causing the floaters they will self limit over time and will likely no longer disturb your vision. But it takes time and your Cataract Surgeon will want to be sure that there are no associated tears in the Retina contributing to the floaters. Another complication that are possibly describing is the presence of Cystoid Macular Edema which is a painless swelling of the Retina that can cause blurred vision and distortion. it is thought to be due to post operative inflammation and may occur in about 1% of the patients having Cataract Surgery. While the pre and post operative drops that are normally prescribed are usually sufficient to manage the inflammation, sometimes they require an additional or alternative more powerful anti-inflammatory eye drop to reduce the inflammation and the swelling. Although it is difficult for you to be the recipient of what seems like so many complications, they are all familiar and known complications of Cataract Surgery-albeit unusual. However, they are also pretty much manageable over time with careful observation, testing and treatment. That said, it is never inappropriate to get a second opinion in order to confirm the diagnosis and treatment as well as the prognosis. If it would make you more comfortable you should either find the best Cataract Surgeon in your area or even find a Retinal Specialist who can give you an opinion regarding your individual situation.

Cataract Surgery and Brain Bleeding

2011-11-22T10:34:00.002-05:00

Question: Can Cataract Surgery cause a brain hemorrhage or brain bleeding?

Answer: Cataract Surgery and Lens Implantation is actually not known to be associated with a complication of brain hemorrhage or bleeding. While not inconceivable as there are certainly complications that do rarely occur, it would be a very remote possibility that such an event could occur as a result of a Cataract removal, rather than as a result of other health conditions present in someone having Cataract Surgery.

Cost of Multifocal Lens Implants

2011-11-22T10:24:00.001-05:00

Question: What is the average out of pocket cost for the Multifocal Lens Implants? Also, is there any indication that Medicare will approve this type for payment?

Answer: There are some points of clarification that should be made regarding the cost and fees associated with Multifocal Lens Implants for Cataract Surgery. First, the correction of near vision and presbyopia-the age related near vision focusing problem is NOT a covered service under Medicare. Given that the Obama administration and Congress need to cut trillions of dollars in spending-and physician fees and services are in the cross hairs of the target-it is unlikely that ANY current non covered services will become covered services in the future and in fact it is probable that more and more of the costs of Cataract Surgery and Lens Implants will be both directly and indirectly increased for patients. Second, when considering the fees and costs of Multifocal Lens Implants, it is important to understand that the actual cost of the Lens Implant is actually only one component of the fee charged to patients. The fees for a Multifocal Lens Implant typically reflect the actual cost of the implant plus additional fees for other non covered services associated with the measurement and calculation of the more complex Lens Implant including but not limited to Corneal Topography to measure the shape of the Cornea, Corneal Pachymetry to measure the thickness of the Cornea, Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT) to confirm the integrity of the Macula and the Retina, perhaps aberrometry, additional biometry measurements to confirm the lens power calculations which may also include as necessary the cost of astigmatism correction such as Limbal Relaxing Incisions (LRI) or a Laser Eye Surgery procedure such as LASIK. This additional testing and its interpretation as well as the "as needed" necessity for the additional procedure is most often "bundled" into the fee charged to patients. In general to cost of these services plus the Multifocal Lens Implant itself can range in cost from $2000-$3500 per eye depending on location and the scope of what exactly is included in the fee.

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 Surgery Measurements & Contacts

2011-11-17T09:14:00.000-05:00

Question: How long should you go without hard contacts before a true measurement for cataract surgery can be taken?

Answer: There is no hard and fast rule for the discontinuation of contact lens wear in order to take measurements for Cataract Surgery and Lens Implants (IOL) as it can vary greatly depending on the cumulative length of time the contact lenses have been worn for, the health and shape of the cornea and the individual patient ocular rigidity. However, as a practical matter during your initial examination and consultation the shape, topography and thickness of your cornea can be measured giving some indication of the degree of change induced by your contact lenses-if any! It may be necessary to have you discontinue them for some time and recheck the stability and reproducibility of the measurements after a few weeks. Once there are two consistent sets of measurements the final calculations can be performed. Sometimes this can take as few as two weeks and sometimes-if there is considerable distortion in the shape of the cornea-it can take a couple of months. Be patient and follow your Cataract Surgeon's instructions carefully.

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.

Sedation & Anesthesia for Cataract Surgery

2011-11-14T16:35:00.000-05:00

Question: I have a question regarding anesthesia and sedation for cataract surgery. I am scheduled to see an ophthalmologist for cataract surgery. My daughter-in-law works in the office and when I asked her what they use for sedation she said they give you "happy pills". I have an cervical essential head tremor and cervical dystonia and I am claustrophobic, so I hope they will use a deeper sedation so they will not have to deal with my head shaking. Can you help answer this question for me? Thank you for your help.

Answer: While the most common types of anesthesia and sedation for Cataract Surgery might be eye drops and a tablet to help you relax, top Cataract Surgeons evaluate the needs of each and every patients as individuals in order to determine the best approach to sedation and anesthesia. That is to say that they have a wide choice of how to make patients most comfortable and provide a quick, safe Cataract removal for patients based on their individual situation. Trust your Cataract Surgeon to discuss your needs and make the appropriate choices with and for you.

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.

Astigmatism, Glare & Halo after Cataract Surgery

2011-11-14T11:24:00.000-05:00

Question: After cataract surgery that was to correct both near and far vision I am having trouble with far vision and have terrible glare and halos when driving at night. I have an astigmatism in that eye and my distance vision is not good. My near vision has improved. It has been suggested that I have a laser treatment in that eye to get rid of the astigmatism. The after affects of laser seem to say I would still have halos at night and perhaps blurry vision as I have now. Would this be a treatment that I should consider or are the possible side affects not worth it.

Answer: Unfortunately your question leaves out a number of key details that would allow us to offer a direct response so we will try to respond in general terms. First, if you had preexisting astigmatism before your Cataract removal it certainly would need to be corrected during or after your Cataract Surgery in order for you to get the best possible vision. Astigmatism for people with Cataracts can be corrected by using an astigmatism correcting toric lens implant, by using a secondary procedure called Limbal Relaxing Incisions (LRI), by having a Corneal Laser Eye Surgery procedure such as LASIK or by wearing eyeglasses with the correction for the astigmatism. You have to correct the astigmatism by one of these methods if you want to get the best vision correction after Cataract Surgery. Although you do state that as part of your Cataract Surgery your vision was to be corrected for both far and near, you do not state whether that was done with Monovision Cataract Surgery or a Near Vision Presbyopic Correcting Multifocal Lens Implant or an Accommodating Lens Implant.

Depending on the type of Multifocal Lens Implant, there may be predisposition to cause glare and halo side effects-in many cases these complaints resolve as patients adapt to the vision with the Lens Implant. In some cases patients do not adapt to the glare and halo and the Lens Implant needs to be removed-but this is only in a very small percentage of instances. Nonetheless, you do NOT get good vision with Near Vision Presbyopic Correcting Multifocal Lens Implant or Accommodating Lens Implants if there is uncorrected astigmatism.

Further, the glare and halo could be caused by a number of other factors that would require careful examination. So, you have to have the astigmatism corrected AND you have to discuss the annoyance of the glare and halo with your Cataract Surgeon as this may simply be due to adaptation and self limiting or may have another cause that needs to be addressed. If after discussing the situation in depth with your Cataract Surgeon you still do not feel comfortable, it is completely appropriate to get a second opinion prior to electing another surgical procedure. If you seek a second opinion you might want to make sure that it is with someone who is BOTH a Cataract and Refractive Surgeon and thus has the breadth of experience in both surgery areas of Surgery and LASIK Surgery.

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.

Heavy Lifting after Cataract Surgery

2011-11-14T11:17:00.000-05:00

Question: If a person who had cataract surgery was told not to lift heavy objects but did, not thinking that it was that heavy, what would happen to their eye to let them know that they damaged their eye?

Answer: Most Cataract Surgeons tell patients to avoid heavy lifting or really excessive exertion of any type in order to prevent a short burst of pressure from building up in the eye or suddenly shifting or changing the position of the eye's delicate tissues during the healing process. While it would be unusual, depending on the time period of the exertion after the surgery, there is a range of adverse effects that can result including some leakage from the incision, traction on the vitreous gel in the back of they eye, dislocation of the Lens Implant and even a remote possibility of a Retinal Detachment. However, all of these are pretty unusual without a great deal of exertion. In most instances there would be some vision compromise that could be noticed. If you are the least bit concerned it would be worthwhile calling your Cataract Surgeon and scheduling a follow up visit just to make sure everything is stable.

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.

Repeating Cataract & Lens Implant Surgery

2011-11-14T09:14:00.000-05:00

Question: Can cataract surgery be performed more than once per eye and implant a new intraocular lens?

Answer: Cataract Surgery entails removing the cloudy crystalline lens inside the eye and replacing it with a permanent clear artificial lens. Once the cloudy material is removed it does not regrow and thus does NOT need to be repeated. In some instances the membrane or "lens capsule" that is left in place to support the placement of the Lens Implant can become cloudy and requires an opening be created using a YAG Laser-however it does not require that another Cataract be "removed'. Thus-the answer to your question is that there is no real need to have a repeat of a Cataract operation. There is in some percentage of cases the need for a YAG Laser Capsulotomy. Regarding the need to replace a Lens Implant-modern Intraocular Lens Implants (IOL) last a lifetime and do not "wear out". Unless there is a problem with some other eye problem or condition there is no need to replace a well functioning IOL. Infrequently there may be a need to exchange an IOL in the short period after Cataract Surgery if there is a need to obtain a better optical result although for the most part this is unusual.

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.

Age Limit for Cataract Surgery

2011-11-09T09:46:00.000-05:00

Question: Is there an age limit for Cataract Surgery? At 92 should my friend have Cataract Surgery. He in lots of pain and takes drugs for pain.

Answer: There is no real age limit for Cataract Surgery. If a Cataract has progressed to a point of interfering with either the quality of one's life or the safety of an individual, and these aspects can be improved by a Cataract operation-it should be strongly considered. There are some practical matters that the Cataract Surgeon would need to carefully consider such as the health of the Retina in particular the Macula as at 92 years old there is a meaningful possibility that the onset of Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) has at least commenced and may impact the setting of expectations for the results of the surgery.

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 Surgery after Macula Detachment

2011-11-09T09:40:00.000-05:00

Question: Can cataract surgery improve vision after a macula detachment? I had a retinal detachment in my left eye two years ago that included a macula detachment. The best level of visual acuity achieved since the detachment is about 20/200. I can read with this eye easily, from fairly close up. My retinal surgeon says my retina is stable. Are there cases in which a lens implant resulted in significant vision improvement despite the macula detachment?

Answer: The fact that you had a Macula Detachment and that you report the BEST level of visual acuity since the Retinal Detachment repair is 20/200 suggests that Macula function was impaired by the detachment. However, the fact that you can read is a positive prognostic sign for overall visual improvement if NOT central vision after a Cataract is removed. If the presence of a Cataract is causing a significant reduction of light transmission to the Retina and Macula this could cause a disproportionate loss of contrast sensitivity and associated functioning. HOWEVER, if the BEST corrected visual acuity after the Retinal repair was 20/200 AND THERE WAS NO PREEXISTING CATARACT, the likelihood of a significant improvement beyond that level is small. This does not mean that removing the cataract would not help with overall functioning particularly in reduced contrast situations. This requires thorough and careful evaluation with the best Cataract Surgeon you can find in your area who can offer the full scope of diagnostic and prognostic testing in your individual situation. it would worthwhile to consider this when you are ready.

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 & Ovarian Cancer Risk

2011-11-08T08:24:00.000-05:00

There may be a relationship whereby women who develop Cataracts are less prone to developing Ovarian Cancer according to researchers. It is widely recognized that the major health benefit of exposure to Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation from the sun is the production of Vitamin D, which is helpful in protection against several human cancers, including Ovarian Carcinoma. On the other hand, Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation from the sun is a recognized risk factor for Cataract development. Researchers reporting in the November 2011 publication Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention studied 709 women with primary invasive ovarian carcinoma and 1101 controls to examine the association of Ovarian Carcinoma risk with a history of Cataract. Some interesting findings were that older age, a history of Type 2 Diabetes and skin cancer were significant risk factors for developing a Cataract.

Further, a history of Cataract was reported by 14% of cases and 17% of controls and was significantly associated with a reduced Ovarian Carcinoma risk. These findings add indirect evidence to the hypothesis that lifetime Vitamin D exposure may be inversely associated with risk of Ovarian Carcinoma. Additional studies are needed to further investigate the potential behavioral and biological factors that might influence association of cataracts with ovarian cancer.

Cataract Surgery with Fuch's Dystrophy

2011-11-01T18:07:00.000-04:00

Question: I have Fuch's Endothelial Dystrophy and am having Cataract Surgery with astigmatism surgery on my left eye. What type of things should I be on the lookout for or should I even have the astigmatism part of the surgery done?

Answer: Fuch’s Dystrophy is a slowly progressive disease of the cornea in which the innermost layer of cells in the cornea, called the endothelium, tend to decrease in functioning and die, which makes the endothelium less efficient in maintaining the proper level of corneal hydration/dehydration through its normal metabolic pumping activity. This results in the cornea swelling and distorting vision and may be accompanied by glare, night vision problems, haloes and photophobia. You do not state what type of "astigmatism surgery" you are having with the Cataract Surgery. Presumably you are referring to the use of an astigmatism correcting toric lens implant and not Limbal Relaxing Incisions (LRI). The choice of a Toric Lens Implant rather than a Monofocal Lens Implant is generally not considered to pose any additional risk for a patient with Fuch's Dystrophy. One consideration is that although there are many experienced and excellent Cataract Surgeons, you may wish to consider have your surgery performed by a Cataract Surgeon who is also a Corneal Specialist. In this way, should it become necessary by using advanced corneal transplantation procedures that allow transplantation of the deep corneal layers called “endothelial keratoplasty” or “posterior lamellar keratoplasty” techniques it is often possible to help patients resume normal activities and lifestyles with minimal symptoms.

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 Surgery & Macular Pucker

2011-11-01T17:56:00.000-04:00

Question: Can Cataract Surgery cause or result in Macular Pucker or Wrinkled Retina?

Answer: A Macular Pucker or Epiretinal Membrane can occur due to changes in the Vitreous whereby cells converge in the Macular area creating a tight transparent layer that can cause the Retina to "pucker" like a piece of "cellophane wrap" when it is under tension. This may result in a "bowing" or "bending" of vision.

It is remotely possible that Cataract Surgery could lead to a spontaneous Vitreous Detachment-which is generally benign-which could then lead to a Macular Pucker. What is much more likely is that a fine Epiretinal Membrane existed before the Cataract Surgery and after the Cataract Surgery if a tiny amount of Macular Edema (swelling) was present it could have gotten trapped by the Epiretinal Membrane and caused the pucker. Some Cataract Surgeons order an Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT) test routinely before the surgery in order to be sure there are no fine membranes present-and some do not as it is often not covered by insurance or Medicare when there is an otherwise "normal" Retinal exam and many patients complain about the added out of pocket expense.

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.

Cataracts and Medicare Coverage

2011-10-31T09:55:00.000-04:00

Question: Are there any requirements for Medicare to cover cataract surgery to remove my cataracts?

Answer: In general, if you have a Cataract that is visually significant in that it disturbs your visual acuity to worse than 20/40 or causes you problems with glare so that your vision is worse that 20/40 with the glare, Medicare will cover the cost of the Cataract operation including a portion, in not all, of the Cataract Surgeon Fee, the Cataract Surgery Facility Fee, the cost of a Monofocal Lens Implant and the necessary follow up care after your Cataract Surgery. Usually if there is a fee for the pre surgery office examination, consultation and IOL measurement you will responsible for a co-pay or a deductible. Should you require a pre surgery physical with your medical doctor, you might have to pay that physician's co-pay as well. In addition, if you require anesthesia, you may be responsible for the anesthesia co-pay and/or deductible as well.

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 Surgery and Alzheimer's Disease

2011-10-25T13:58:00.000-04:00

Cataract Surgery for patients with mild Alzheimer's Disease not only improves vision but also can offer improvement in cognitive ability, mood, sleep patterns and other behaviors according to researchers reporting at the 2011 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology in Orlando, Florida. In the first study of its kind to specifically assess whether Cataract Surgery could benefit Alzheimer's patients, researchers selected participants who had a debilitating Cataract in at least one eye and were appropriately treated with Cataract Surgery and Intraocular Lens Implantation (IOL) to replace the eyes' natural lenses in order to provide vision correction. The Alzheimer's patients were assessed for mood and depression, behavior, ability to function independently and cognitive abilities at one month before and three months after Cataract removal. Cognitive status, the ability to perceive, understand and respond appropriately to one's surroundings, improved in 25 percent of patients. Depression was relieved in many of them, and the level of improvement was similar to what commonly occurs after Cataract Surgery in elderly people who do not have dementia. No changes were found in patients' level of autonomy, that is, their ability to function independently. In addition, sleep patterns improved and night time behavior problems decreased in most study patients. Other studies have shown that when cataracts are removed, levels of the sleep-regulating hormone melatonin become normalized. In future the researchers will study what factors, specifically, led to the positive effects so they can boost the quality of life for Alzheimer's patients, their families and caregivers.

Crease after Cataract Surgery

2011-10-25T08:34:00.000-04:00

Question: My daughter has recently had cataract surgery but still has blurred vision. She has been told by the cataract surgeon that this has been caused by a 'creasing' when the lens was implanted. Is this normal and what is the remedy and prognosis ?

Answer: Typically, when a Cataract is removed it requires that the Cataract Surgeon remove the cloudy material of the crystalline lens while leaving in place the thin lens "capsule" as a support in order to effectively place the Lens Implant in a stable position. From time to time the lens "capsule" can get a small "crease" in it which will almost certainly blur the vision. As the eye heals, say over 3 months after the Cataract Surgery, the "capsule" becomes fibrotic and can change configuration. Sometimes this eliminates the crease by itself. More often, the Cataract Surgeon will perform a YAG Laser Capsulotomy which is a painless laser procedure using eye drops to numb the eye, in order to create an opening in the creased capsule along the visual axis. This procedure takes a few minutes and almost always provides a huge improvement in vision within a few minutes!

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.

Driving after Cataract Surgery

2011-10-24T08:10:00.000-04:00

Question: How soon after unilateral cataract surgery can I drive?

Answer: How soon you are able to drive after Cataract Surgery depends on when you achieve 20/40 vision and can pass a drivers test as well as when you personally feel comfortable enough with your vision to drive. Your Cataract Surgeon will be able to discuss both answers with you based on how quickly you heal and your vision recovers. For most patients who have routine, uncomplicated Cataract removal with modern Cataract Surgery and Lens Implants, they find that both they and their eye surgeon are comfortable with them driving within a week or so after their surgery. Follow your Cataract Surgeon's advice as each person heals slightly differently.

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.

Is Cataract Surgery Permanent?

2011-10-24T08:06:00.000-04:00

Question: Is cataract surgery a permanent one-time procedure or do patients have to undergo this eye surgery every 10 years?

Answer: A Cataract is a clouding of the crystalline lens inside your eye. During the Cataract Surgery operation, a Cataract Surgeon will microscopically remove the cloudy material and typically leave behind the "capsule" that surrounds the crystalline lens to act as a support for an Intraocular Lens Implant (IOL) to correct your vision. Once the cloudy lens material is removed by the surgeon it does not come back-ever. However, in some 30% of instances the "capsule" may become cloudy causing patients to experience symptoms that may actually mimic having a Cataract. This is called "posterior capsular opacification" and is often referred to as a "secondary cataract". Fortunately in these instances where the capsule does become cloudy, using a YAG Laser it is possible to open the cloudy capsule along the visual axis with a procedure called a YAG Laser Capsulotomy. This procedure is performed using only eye drops, takes only a few moments, is painless and provides clear vision almost instantly.

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.

Distorted Vision after Cataract Surgery

2011-10-24T08:01:00.000-04:00

Question: I have a question about why my vision is distorted after cataract surgery. I had cataract surgery 10 days ago. The sac had a tear in it and a piece of the cataract dropped into the back of the eye. At first the lens was very blurred (like a frosted window) then it cleared. 5 days after the cataract operation my vision was slightly distorted and has remained so. When I look at someone's face their head appears narrow and pinched looking. When looking at a picture the sides bend in the middle. As I have to have the other eye done I am very worried. I have been back to see the cataract surgeon twice and after having a scan and pressure test and eye test (which I could read very little) he could see no reason for this and didn't appear to have encountered it before. Can you tell me if this will last and what is the cause.

Answer: When a Cataract is removed, the "capsule" is typically left intact as a support for the Intraocular Lens Implant (IOL). In your case the capsule was torn which makes the Cataract operation even a bit more complicated as it often requires a procedure called a vitrectomy when the capsule ruptures. The fact that some lens material did drop into the eye adds yet another source of potential complications. The complications you have experienced are unusual but do happen from time to time. The "frosty" vision you experienced and the distortion you describe suggest that there may be additional complications in the vitreous gel in the back of your eye and/or the retina-possibly due to inflammation which could occur due to cataractous lens material being introduced into the vitreous gel as you describe. You do not say whether you are being treated aggressively with anti-inflammatory medications. However, it would be a conservative, cautious and prudent course to request a consultation with a retinal specialist sooner rather than later in order to determine the best course of action here.

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.

Dry Eye after Cataract Surgery with Multifocal IOL

2011-10-20T16:17:00.000-04:00

Question: I am experiencing dry eyes and still having to read with a magnifying glass after cataract surgery with a multifocal lens implant. I am not satisfied with my surgery. I also have glaucoma.

What are my options now?

Answer: Dry eye and the symptoms of dry eyes are not uncommon after Cataract Surgery. The tear film is both an integral part of the optical system of the eye as well as the healing and "comfort" mechanisms of the eye's surface. Thus, if you have a dry eye-either as a primary diagnosis, secondary to the Cataract Surgery, secondary to any preservatives in glaucoma eye drops or even an eyelid health problems-you will not be comfortable or see well. The complex optics of Multifocal Lens Implants (IOL) are even MORE sensitive to inadequate tear film integrity. Thus, this might be a contributing factor to multiple issues you report-or not. If you are comfortable with your Cataract Surgeon, the best course of action is for you to tell him or her exactly what you stated and to give them a chance to confirm the dry eye problem and identify its cause as well as offer treatment. If however you are not comfortable and would prefer to have a second opinion regarding your situation, you should schedule a consultation with the best Cataract Surgeon in your area and may even wish to choose one who is also a Corneal Specialist so that they can offer additional insight into the health of the eye's surface and external structures.

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.

Toric Lens Implant Cost for Astigmatism

2011-10-18T08:36:00.000-04:00

Question: I currently need cataract surgery and my doctor has recommended toric lens implants. My prescription is around -9.5 diopters with .75 diopters of astigmatism correction. His plan sounded fine until they told me it would cost $1300 extra (out of pocket) for the toric lens, etc.. When we were discussing multifocal lenses (and decided against them) he said he could make an LRI incision to relax the astigmatism for an extra $200. The one option he didn't offer was to implant a normal lens and use LRI to correct for astigmatism. Other than the cost, is one method better than the other, given that the amount of astigmatism is pretty small? Is there any increased risk using LRI? Longer recovery time? More pain? Less predictable results? I'd like to be able to see, but I'd like not to have to sell my car in order to pay the extra (possibly unnecessary) cost.

Answer: Patients with Cataracts in need of Cataract Surgery who have preexisting astigmatism.are able to opt for three different methods of correcting that astigmatism after the Cataract has been removed. First, they can simply buy eyeglasses and use them to get the best possible vision. Second, they can have Limbal Relaxing Incisions (LRI) a secondary surgical procedure or third they can have an astigmatism correcting Toric Lens Implant. You do not state whether .75 diopters is your spectacle correction for astigmatism or the predicted postoperative astigmatism to be corrected.

These two values MAY be different as depending on the orientation of the astigmatism and the position of the incision it is possible that during the healing process some Cataract Surgeons find an increase in the amount of astigmatism. Let's assume that the actual amount to be corrected in .75. LRI is as the name suggests an incisional surgical procedure and is dependent on wound healing to produce its effects. ANY time we depend on wound healing there is patient to patient variability and less predictability. Further, some patients require repeated LRIs as the effect tends to neutralize-sometimes never quite producing the exact desired effect. yes, each repeated procedure is another slight set of surgical risks.

Last, with LRI there is a the question of permanence and whether the quality of the optical correction is equivalent to the optics of an intraocular lens implant (IOL) in terms of aberrations and distortions.Yet, with a skilled Cataract Surgeon the results of LRI can be quite good for many patients. Astigmatism correcting Toric Lens Implants can offer greater precision of the correction upon careful measurement, analysis, surgical planning and surgical procedure-and they are manufactured with controlled aspheric optics to minimize aberrations. So, from PURE OPTICAL STANDPOINT, astigmatism correcting toric lens implants are generally preferred. Shortly, astigmatism correcting multifocal lens implants will become the correction of choice for most patients upon their FDA approval and marketing availability. Really the choice of how to correct the astigmatism is entirely yours. It sounds as if your Cataract Surgeon is presenting you with what in his or her opinion is the best clinical options and trying not to let the short term cost of the Toric Lens Implant influence the best clinical choice over the longer term

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 & Lens Implant Focal Distances

2011-10-16T14:44:00.000-04:00

Question: I am considering cataract surgery and concerned about what distance to focus the lens implant for.. I am very nearsighted with slight astigmatism and with eyeglass prescription of R -9.50 and L -7.75 and +1.50 bifocal can correct to 20/60. I am 72 with mild diabetes and had surgery in 2004 for severe Retinal Detachment on my left eye and have had retinal laser repair of both eyes. I don't care to risk the possible problems for multifocal implants, since I am willing to wear bifocal glasses. If I get monofocal implants, would I be likely to be most comfortable with implants that focus in distance (20 feet or more), medium 6-20 feet, 2-4 feet, or closer? I use computer a lot, watch TV, and hike a lot so want to see my feet as I easily can now thru main lens or the bifocal. My bifocals do not let me focus within 6 inches, so I remove my glasses for really fine print and some precise hobby work. I think most people get distant or medium focus implants and use bifocal glasses for close up. On the other hand, I'm used to wearing strong glasses to see in distance. A related issue is that I would like to correct which may affect focal-distance choice is that with my +1.75 bifocals, I have difficulty reading and viewing computer because my left eye focuses most clearly at 20" and the right at 15".

Answer: You have a number of pretty complex questions and issues here regarding Cataract, Cataract Surgery and Lens Implants. Although it isn't really possible to answer them thoroughly in this medium we can offer some suggestions to consider when you have a consultation with a top Cataract Surgeon who is also a Refractive Surgeon. We would strongly suggest seeking an opinion from the best Cataract Surgeons who are ALSO accustomed to solving refractive error correction problems in complex visual situations. First you are a relatively high risk Cataract Surgery candidate due to your history of Retinal problems. it is not clear what level of vision you were correctable to after your retinal surgery. Your Cataract & Refractive Surgeon may suggest that you get clearance from your Retinal Specialist prior to your Cataract removal. Second, the path of selecting a more simple Lens Implant type such as a monofocal, or perhaps even better an aspheric lens implant is probably a good choice. The aspheric lens implant-if carefully selected-may offer considerable optical advantages over your myopic spectacle correction in terms of aberrations and depth of focus-these may actually surprise you in their benefit. However, this really depends on careful measurement and proper selection of a focal distance as you suggest. To help your Cataract and Refractive Surgeon get you the best possible result-BEFORE your consultation-just as you have done above, list the various distances you need to have clear vision for. Then list which ones you would be happy wearing glasses for and which ones you would prefer not to wear glasses for. Finally, take that list and put it in order of decreasing importance for your everyday activities and desires. From your rank ordered list, your Cataract & Refractive Surgeon will have a discussion and refine the list and be best able to help select the proper focal distances. Please be aware, it may entirely be the case that NOT every priority can be met and that you need to have realistic expectations and goals.

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 for Nearsightedness

2011-10-14T15:18:00.000-04:00

Question: I just had cataract surgery and can see so clearly after years of being nearsighted it is a miracle. How come I could not have had this done even before a cataract? I am 72 and wonder about all the years of having to depend on glasses!

Answer: Actually, Lens Replacement Surgery for the correction of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism is performed by top Cataract Surgeons who are also Refractive Surgeons. Some years ago patients had to wait for a Cataract to "ripen" before the crystalline lens could be safely removed. using modern Cataract Surgery techniques it is readily possible to remove the crystalline with beginning Cataracts as well as even with a clear lens in order to correct a refractive error such as nearsightedness.

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.

Lens Implants for Octogenarians

2011-10-12T10:49:00.000-04:00

Question: Do you recommend a lens implant for cataracts for an 88 year old?

Answer: One would think that the Cataract Surgery and Lens Implant complication rate would increase with age and at some age not really be either safe or effective. As it turns out that is not the case. If you are in generally good health with otherwise healthy eyes-especially with regard to the health of the Retina-Cataract Surgery and Lens implants are safe and effective for 80 and 90 year patients.The key to a good result is being sure that the Macula, at the center of the Retina, is in reasonably good condition and not compromised by Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) to any great degree as well being sure that the overall eye health and condition is sound. If this is the case, then it is reasonable for an 88 year old to have Cataract Surgery with Lens Implants by a top Cataract Surgeon and have a good result.

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.

ReZoom™ Multifocal Lens Implant Haloes

2011-10-12T09:33:00.000-04:00

Question: I had ReZoom™ Multifocal Lens Implants after Cataract Surgery a few years ago. A short time later I had YAG Laser done. Right after the ReZoom™ lenses were implanted I could no longer drive a vehicle at night because of all the haloes and difficulty seeing in the dark. I also can see halos during the day wearing sunglasses, but that isn't a problem for me. I also had astigmatism. I am 58 years old now and would like to find a way to have better vision. Please help with any suggestions you may have for me.

Answer: Your situation poses a number of challenges that are not necessarily the easiest to deal with. First, there are in fact some patients who do experience the continued haloes with the ReZoom™ Multifocal Lens Implant. Sometimes it is possible to have your Cataract Surgeon prescribe eye drops that can make your pupils a bit smaller and this improves the halo problem. Usually there is some benefit to this but not always. This is a simple first step to explore. In the ideal world you could consider having a Lens Implant exchange whereby your ReZoom™ Multifocal Lens Implants are exchanged and replaced with other Lens Implants-most likely Monofocal Lens Implants and then you would wear glasses to read and for arm's length vision. This would have a high probability of alleviating the halos. In your case, the fact that you have had a YAG Laser Capsulotomy and that it has been a few years since your Cataract Surgery makes a lens exchange considerably more complex and difficult-but not impossible. The most prudent course of action is to schedule a visit to your Cataract Surgeon to discuss these and any other options they may have for you. If they are unable to offer these or other options seek a second opinion with the best Cataract Surgeon you can find in your area.
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.

Medicare & Astigmatism Correction

2011-10-11T12:13:00.000-04:00

Question: I need to have cataract surgery and am nearsighted and have astigmatism. Is there any procedure that will correct all 3 safely and is covered by Medicare? I have been diagnosed as having fibromyalgia and have taken inhaled steroids and predispose and cortisone shots for asthma and allergies for years. Is this likely to cause a problem with surgery?

Answer: Medicare really only covers the cost of basic Cataract Surgery and Lens Implants and not the correction of astigmatism whether it is corrected whether it is corrected with an astigmatism correcting Toric Lens Implant or a Limbal Relaxing Incision (LRI)-neither is covered by Medicare as part of your Cataract Surgery and they ask Cataract Surgeons to bill you for both types of astigmatism correction. Your nearsightedness could likely be corrected using a Monofocal Lens Implant however. Thus you need to opt and pay for the Toric Lens Implant for the astigmatism or have the nearsightedness corrected with a basic Lens Implant with the astigmatism corrected with eyeglasses after your Cataract Surgery. Make sure your advise your cataract Surgeon of all of the medications you have indicated however they should not pose a 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.

Cataract Night Driving Glare

2011-10-11T11:31:00.000-04:00

Question: I have a question about cataracts and night driving glare. I need new glasses I have cataracts and am almost blinded at night driving with all the cars lights is there a an optical lens that can help block the glare I am getting an eye exam in a week and would like your advice

Answer: If you are experiencing that significant a problem with night driving glare from your Cataracts you may very well want to consider having the Cataracts removed. The glare you describe can be debilitating and dangerous. regarding eyeglass lenses that cut glare, they are all really designed for daytime glare and not nighttime glare. While there may be some lens coatings that offer a minimal amount of night glare help it is not likely they will overcome the Cataract symptom glare you report. Further if they did it would mist likely only be temporary. A worthwhile step would be to schedule an appointment with the best Cataract Surgeon you can find and discuss the situation with them.

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 Surgery Second Opinion

2011-10-10T10:01:00.000-04:00

Question: I have had two cataract surgery procedures on my right eye and want to know if I have gotten the best results-can I get a second opinion?

Answer: If there is a question in your mind that your Cataract Surgeon has not satisfied then you should feel free to schedule an examination and consultation with a top Cataract Surgeon your area. The best Cataract Surgeons do not mind and respect the need for patients to sometimes 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.

Scuba Diving after Cataract Surgery Recovery

2011-10-10T09:25:00.001-04:00

Question: I am a scuba diver and wondering about recovery from cataract surgery. I am 72 years old and participate in multi dive trips 3 to 4 times a year. How long after cataract surgery will I have to wait before I can dive again?

Answer: Recovery from Cataract Surgery is generally pretty quick. Assuming that you are able to have routine Cataract Surgery and an Intraocular Lens Implant (IOL) using modern small incision Cataract Surgery and if as one would expect, surgery goes uneventfully without complications, it would be expected that 4-6 weeks after your Cataract operation you should be able to participate in water sports such as scuba diving. Now, while most modern Cataract Surgery is performed as "no-stitch surgery", in your case do not be surprised if your Cataract Surgeon elects to place a single stitch in the incision in order to make it even tighter and lessen any risk of wound leak or separation due to the big pressure gradients you are exposed to both entering and below the surface. This may be a prudent precaution. However, depending on the advice of your Cataract Surgeon this could lengthen the "no dive" time as each person heals slightly differently and your eye surgeon will want to be sure that you are free or risk of eye rubbing and water contaminations as well.

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.

Double Vision after Cataract Surgery

2011-10-10T09:17:00.000-04:00

Question: I have double vision since I had cataract surgery. First I had the right eye done in April 2011 followed by the left eye in May 2011. It was fine after the first eye but a few weeks after the second eye I had double vision. In August 2011 the optometrist said it was 6th nerve palsy caused by high blood pressure. I have high blood pressure but don't think it was that. If I close 1 eye it goes away. First it happened in the car when I looked on the left side of the road but now it happens when I see straight ahead. Should I get a 2nd opinion?

Answer: While your double vision is not likely to have any relationship to the Cataract Surgery, you should immediately schedule an appointment with both your Cataract Surgeon and your primary care physician who treats you for the high blood pressure. ANY new onset of double vision or diplopia requires a thorough medical and ophthalmologic examination in order to identify the underlying cause of the diplopia, of which high blood pressure might be one, along with a number of other systemic and neurological conditions. Identifying the cause and ruling out other causes is absolutely necessary.

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.

Glasses vs Contacts after Cataract Surgery

2011-10-10T08:38:00.000-04:00

Question: I see that some people are said to have to wear glasses after cataract surgery. I do not mind wearing reading classes but would prefer to wear contact lenses if necessary for distance vision correction instead. Is this allowed after cataract surgery?

Answer: With proper Lens Implant selection through careful consultation and measurement, the vast majority of people who have Cataract Surgery to day are not in need of glasses after Cataract Surgery for seeing at a distance. Even for those with astigmatism, it is possible to use astigmatism correcting toric lens implants to minimize or even eliminate the need for eyeglasses after a Cataract operation. Most patients find that if they need distance glasses it is usually only for a limited number of activities and not typically for full time wear. However, if you did require glasses after a cataract removal then as long as your eyes and tear film were otherwise healthy, you could elect to have your distance vision corrected with contact lenses after Cataract Surgery. Your Cataract Surgeon will be able to help you determine whether you actually will need glasses at all and whether contact lens correction is possible.

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.

Flashing & Curves after Cataract Surgery

2011-10-07T10:07:00.000-04:00

Question: I had cataract surgery one week ago and see the curve of the lens as well as flashing constantly-is this to be expected?

Answer: What you are describing may well be an occurrence called "dysphotopsia". A dysphotopsia is an optical phenomenon caused by the Lens Implant used for vision correction for Cataract Surgery in some patients. A number of patients who have just had Cataract Surgery and a Lens Implants experience a problem that often shows up at night when viewing a light. A halo appears around or near the light. For most, this happens when seeing the headlights of oncoming cars while driving or riding in a car. Sometimes it appears just as little "glistening's" or flashes of light. It is very common and usually of short duration and lasts no more than 1-2 months or less after their surgery. Some patients experience what is termed a "negative dysphotopsia" in which instead of a halo, they experiences a dark curved region on the temporal edge of their field of vision. This optical phenomenon is usually caused by the way in which light is reflected off the edge of the lens implant due to its shape. This creates a new visual pattern that patients adapt to shortly after their Cataract Surgery. Both the dysphotopsia and the negative dysphotopsia are caused by the presence of the new lens and the pattern of light reflected and refracted through the Lens Implant and its edge. In almost all cases the brain adapts to the new light pattern after a brief time as noted earlier and patients simply forget that it was ever there.

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 Surgery and Blood Thinners

2011-10-07T09:59:00.000-04:00

Question: I have severe heart disease with A-fib and have a cataract-what is the policy for coumadin and cataract surgery?

Answer: Coumadin or Warfarin is used to prevent blood clots from forming or growing larger in your blood and blood vessels. It is prescribed for people with certain types of irregular heartbeat, people with prosthetic (replacement or mechanical) heart valves, and people who have suffered a heart attack. Warfarin may also used to treat or prevent certain types of strokes by thinning the blood. Top Cataract Surgeons can use a technique called "small incision clear cornea phacoemulsification" in which there is no bleeding or trauma to blood vessels. It is performed in completely in vascular-or blood vessel free tissue. By using this procedure for Cataract removal it is not necessary to discontinue taking Coumadin prior to Cataract Surgery. The key here is to find the best Cataract Surgeon you can and have an examination so he or she can tell you if it is possible for you to have this type of Cataract Surgery 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.

Causes of Cataracts

2011-10-06T10:46:00.000-04:00

Question: I have a question about getting a cataract. What are the probable causes of a 70 year old male needing a right eye cataract removal with intraocular lens implants? Are they a good candidate for this procedure?

Answer: The most likely reason a 70 year old male would get a Cataract and need a Cataract removal and Intraocular Lens Implant (IOL) is simply age. In the United States, the incidence of senile Cataract has been reported to be approximately 42% in those aged 52 to 64, 60% in those aged 65 to 74 and 91% in those aged 75 to 85. Thus increasing age is factor in developing a Cataract. Other factors that increase the risk of developing Cataracts includes diabetes, a family history of Cataracts, eye injury or inflammation, the use of steroid medications, exposure to excessive sunlight and ionizing radiation as well as smoking and obesity. If patients are in good general health and their Cataract Surgeon suggests that they are good candidates there is every reason to believe that they will do well.

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.

Monovision vs. Multifocal Lens Implants

2011-10-06T10:40:00.001-04:00

Question: Which type of IOL Lens Implant correction has a higher success rate...multifocal or monovision? What are the possible drawbacks to each?

Answer: Unfortunately it is not possible to provide you with actual data as you haven't defined what you mean by "success".

In addition, if one were to use a quantitative definition of uncorrected distance visual acuity, uncorrected near visual acuity as well as a subjective component of "patient satisfaction" in being able to do what they want to do each day without glasses after cataract surgery it would still really be inaccurate as it really depends what they want to do. So for arguments sake lets say that in each case "success" is defined simply as "not needing glasses for 90% of the things I do each day".

IF, and a big IF, we assume that patients have been carefully screened and are good candidates for either monovision Cataract Surgery or having a Multifocal Lens Implant, then the clinical studies suggest that 80-90%+ of Multifocal Lens Implants recipients and 75-80% of Monovision Cataract Surgery patients are "successful"-DEPENDING ON WHAT TYPE OF ACTIVITIES THEY REQUIRE THEIR EYES FOR EACH DAY.

The drawbacks to Multifocal IOL's is that depending on the lens design, they typically have 2 out 3 "zones" of clear vision-some are best for far and near with a bit weaker arm's length vision-some are best for far and intermediate and bit weaker up close and some are "okay" for all three but not perfect.

In general all types of true multifocal lens implants have some type of glare, halo or mild optical or light distortion. Monovision Cataract Surgery is limited in the amount of correction that it can provide for up close vision, does degrade the distance vision slightly and also can distort depth perception for some patients. However, with careful patient selection, measurement and surgery by the best Cataract Surgeons BOTH methods of vision correction for Cataract Surgery provide a high level of patient satisfaction and functioning for patients who wish to be less dependent or independent of eyeglasses after Cataract Surgery.

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.

Images after Cataract Surgery

2011-10-04T08:41:00.000-04:00

Question: Why do I have "images" after cataract surgery? I had cataract surgery in May on both eyes and have toric lens implants. When I look at round lights such as traffic lights, headlights, taillights or dots, I see a triangular shape in my right eye and a horizontal ragged line in my left eye. This is occurring night and day. Before surgery, I saw halos only around auto taillights at night. I had a YAG Laser procedure in August for a secondary cataract to correct the triangular shape in my right eye. It did not correct the image nor has it improved.

Answer: It is impossible to really tell exactly why you are seeing these images after Cataract Surgery without an actual examination as you are describing optical images that could be caused by one or more factors. First, although you had a YAG Capsulotomy to clear an opening in the "secondary cataract", it is possible that the shape and/or location of that opening is such so as to create an odd optical image by itself or in conjunction with other factors. Another factor that could cause or contribute would be a slightly imprecise location or rotation of the toric lens implants or even a small defect in the lens implant itself. Further it is possible that reflections off the edge of the lens implants called dysphotopsia could contribute. Last, there is the remote possibility of irregularities in the retina contributing-impossible to say without detailed examination. Any of these factors individually or together could create odd optical images. You need to discuss the images with your Cataract Surgeon to see if he or she can determine the single or multiple causes and hopefully offer options to minimize them. If you are unable to get a satisfactory answer then you may want to consider getting a second opinion from a top Cataract Surgeon in your area.

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.

Lens Implant Alternatives for Cataracts

2011-10-03T10:51:00.000-04:00

Question: Are their alternatives to lens implants for cataract surgery? My dad has cataracts just starting and he doesn't like the idea of having lens implants. Are there other procedures that can be done that do not involve implants?

Answer: Historically, vision correction after Cataract Surgery has been provided by using aphakic spectacles as well as contact lenses-however bot of these methods of vision correction after a cataract has been removed offer SIGNIFICANT OPTICAL AND FUNCTIONAL DISADVANTAGES to the use of Lens Implants after Cataract Surgery. Aphakic eyeglasses-even more advanced design lenses-create some level of distortion and restriction of peripheral vision such that they can often impair comfortable mobility. This is in addition to creating significantly magnified images that are disturbing to many patients.

Contact Lenses after Cataract Surgery overcome both the limits of peripheral vision loss and magnification however they do require a healthy cornea and a normal tear film. Somewhere between 30-50% of patients who have Cataract Surgery experience some degree of dry eye symptoms and find contact lens wear uncomfortable if not intolerable. Your dad would be much better off having a serious discussion with a top Cataract Surgeon regarding any misgivings about Lens Implants. Eye surgeons have been using Lens Implants for cataracts for more than 30 years and there are literally millions of successful patients using Lens Implants with excellent safety and efficacy. It is a real question as to whether the best Cataract Surgeons would actually even consider not using a Lens Implant as the optical alternatives discussed here are actually so limiting as to expose patients to a high likelihood of dissatisfaction, inconvenience and limitation in their daily lives. That said, it is possible that your dad could convince a Cataract Surgeon not to use a Lens Implant but it for whatever reason he changes his mind down the road it would require another eye surgery procedure to insert the implant, exposing him to additional risks.

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.

Toric Lens Implant Cost

2011-09-30T09:51:00.000-04:00

Question: I have a question about the cost of a toric lens implant for astigmatism and cataracts. Why is my surgical facility is charging $395 cost for the toric lens implant and the cataract surgeon is also charging $755.00 for the toric lens too, aside from the surgery fee, facility fee and anesthesia fee? We don't understand why we are charged twice for one lens. Please help. The surgical facility center is claiming that the toric lens cost is $395 and that they don't know why the cataract surgeon is charging me $755.00 more for the same lens too.

Answer: We can only comment on the usual way in which fees for services and lens implants are assessed. In some eye care practices the surgeon collects the entire fee for incremental cost of the toric lens implant along with the fee for the extra diagnostic, evaluation and measurement services necessary to prescribe and calculate the toric lens implant to be used. In some eye care practices the surgical facility collects the fee for the actual toric lens implant cost AND THEN the surgeon collects only the fee for the extra diagnostic, evaluation and measurement services necessary to prescribe and calculate the toric lens implant to be used.

It seems as if your situation is the second one-the facility is directly charging you for the toric lens implant and your Cataract Surgeon is charging you for the ancillary services related to the evaluation, measurement and calculation for the toric lens implant. These ancillary services and diagnostic tests may include a corneal topography measurement to confirm that the astigmatism is on your cornea and not in the cataract which is being removed, it may include an aberromtery measurement, a dry eye evaluation and testing, a second type of biometry to confirm the actual lens power and possibly an ocular coherence tomography (OCT) assessment to confirm the health and stability of your macula. The diagnostic evaluation and measurement for toric lens implants as well as near vision presbyopia correcting implants requires considerably greater precision and consideration and thus additional testing at the discretion of the surgeon. This generates additional fees and costs for toric lens implants above and beyond what the lens implant itself costs and what insurance or Medicare will pay. Our best guess is that you are being charged $755 for some of these services as opposed to the cost of the lens itself-however you should feel free to question your Cataract Surgeon to determine if this is the case.

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 Candidate with many Medications?

2011-09-29T17:47:00.000-04:00

Question: I want to know if I am a candidate for cataract surgery if I take the following medications:
Flomax, Avodart, Advair, Spiriva, Ventolin.

Answer: The list of medications you provided suggests that you have some type of respiratory and/or pulmonary problem such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) as well as some type of prostate problem perhaps Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH). Each of these medications individually poses a challenge-but not an impossibility-to Cataract Surgery. Together they make having Cataract Surgery more complex but not impossible. The best Cataract Surgeons will most likely be able to modify their procedure preparation, technique and anesthesia to be able to accommodate your various conditions and medications-they do it all the time. Top Cataract Surgeons do however recommend that you do NOT let the Cataract get too mature as this by itself increases the difficulty of the surgery. Thus as soon as your vision is becoming uncomfortable from the Cataract you should consider having an examination and consultation with the best Cataract Surgeon you can find and be sure to fully advise him or her of all of the medications you are taking and the status of your health overall.

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 http://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 http://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.

Shadows and Arc of Light after Cataract Surgery

2011-09-26T11:33:00.000-04:00

Question: I am very disturbed by the shadows and blind spot I see after my recent cataract surgery. I had cataract surgery 2 weeks ago. Since immediately after the surgery, I have been experiencing a shadow or "blind spot" in the lower right side of the eye. I also see semicircular arcs of light and the feeling of seeing through water. My cataract surgeon referred me to his associate for a second opinion and then to a retinal specialist. Everyone agrees that the lens is in proper position and there is no damage to the retina, but I am not getting any better. Can you tell me what might be happening to me? Is is ever possible to use the wrong size lens? Can I be allergic to the drops prescribed? I'm at my wits end. I work in front of a computer all day and I'm really having a difficult time. Thank you

Answer: The fact that your Cataract Surgeon has sent you for a second opinion from another Cataract Surgeon as well as a consultation with a Retinal Specialist is good and reflects a high standard of care. If we can assume that everything regarding the Cataract Surgery, Lens Implant, Retina and Vitreous are in good order, we have to consider that what you are experiencing is a phenomenon called a "negative dysphotopsia". A fair number of patients who have just had Cataract Surgery and a Lens Implants experience a problem that shows up at night when viewing a light. A halo appears around or near the light. For most, this happens when seeing the headlights of oncoming cars while driving or riding in a car. This phenomenon is called dysphotopsia. It is very common and usually of short duration and lasts no more than 1-2 months or less after their surgery. Some patients experience what is termed a "negative dysphotopsia" in which instead of a halo, they experiences a dark region on the temporal edge of their field of vision. This optical phenomenon is usually caused by the way in which light is reflected off the edge of the lens implant due to its shape. This creates a new visual pattern that patients adapt to shortly after their Cataract Surgery. Both the dysphotopsia and the negative dysphotopsia are caused by the presence of the new lens and the pattern of light reflected and refracted through the Lens Implant edge. In almost all cases the brain adapts to the new light pattern after a brief time as noted earlier and patients simply forget that it ever there.

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.

Glasses after Cataract Surgery

2011-09-26T11:26:00.000-04:00

Question: I have a question about needing glasses after cataract surgery as I had LASIK some time ago. Like many others I have had LASIK Surgery, 13 years ago. I now require cataract surgery and was told that I may need to wear glasses. What percentage of LASIK patients require glasses after surgery? Also just how limited is their vision.

Answer: Having had LASIK does make taking the measurements for and the calculations for Lens Implants a bit more complicated. However, today there is excellent technology and nomograms for both greatly increasing the precision and accuracy of Lens Implants after Cataract Surgery even for patients who have LASIK or other corneal surgery. It would be helpful if you had or could obtain your records or measurements from your LASIK consultation as some of these measurements are useful.

All patients having Cataract Surgery do need to understand that unless they have a multifocal lens implant or accommodating lens implant of some type or they opt for monovision Cataract Surgery they will need to ear reading glasses or bifocals in order to see things at arm’s length or up close-this is the case whether you have had LASIK or not. Now-there may be limitations your Cataract Surgeon has on whether you can have a multifocal lens implant, an accommodating lens implant or monovision Cataract Surgery as many cataract Surgeons will only use an accommodating lens implant or monovision for prior LASIK patients.

This really depends on your situation. Your best next step is to explore all three options with a top Cataract Surgeon who is also a top LASIK Surgeon to be sure you are hearing all the possibilities and have access to the most advanced measurement technology for your Lens Implant selection. Once you have this information you may be pleasantly surprised that you may come very close to remaining free of glasses.

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.

Astigmatism & Toric Lens Implants

2011-09-26T11:11:00.000-04:00

Question: If you have astigmatism do you have to use a toric lens implant in cataract surgery? If so, do insurance companies normally cover the cost of the toric lens? Can a regular lens be used if the patient is still planning on wearing glasses to help with vision and astigmatism?

Answer: Patients who require correction of astigmatism and need Cataract Surgery really have two basic options for seeing clearly after their eye surgery. The first is to have a toric lens implant used as part of the procedure. The second is to have the astigmatism corrected with eyeglasses after the Cataract operation. In either case the necessary correction for astigmatism could be achieved providing the appropriate vision correction. The vast majority of insurance companies do not cover the cost of a toric lens implant for astigmatism, nor do they cover the cost of eyewear and eyeglasses unless the patient has a specific optical coverage plan.

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.

Crossed Dominance Monovision Cataract Surgery

2011-09-26T10:54:00.000-04:00

Question: I had a cataract surgery on my right eye (dominant). Now I see very well up close from that eye but I have difficulties with distance. My doctor suggested to implant a lens in my left eye-I'll have that surgery in two weeks-to see far distances. I have read about monovision and every article says that the far distance lens should be implanted in the dominant eye. What will be consequences of have the far distance lens in the non-dominant eye and the near vision lens on the dominant eye?

Answer: The question you are asking is whether there are any consequences of “crossed dominance” optical correction for monovision. It is not all that uncommon to inadvertently create monovision using the dominant eye for near and the non-dominate eye for distance vision-it does happen. The question is whether a patient can tolerate crossed dominance. With time, yes most patients do tolerate the crossed dominance and get used to it. The best guesstimate is that 80% adapt to crossed dominance-which is the same percent that successfully adapt to monovision optical correction in general. Your best course of action is to follow the advice of 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 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.

Different Lens Implant Colors

2011-09-26T10:46:00.000-04:00

Question: I have a question about having two different color lens implants.I had cataract surgery in August 2011. My left eye was done first, with a yellow tinted lens implant. A problem occurred on my right eye two weeks later during cataract surgery and a clear lens implant was put in. There is a difference in color between the two eyes which does little to bother me, but I wonder if this is a common situation.

Answer: While it might seem that a person's eyes are completely symmetrical in shape and anatomy this is not always the case and thus from time to time the two eyes may respond differently to the same surgical procedure. In your case, for whatever reason or reasons your Cataract Surgeon elected to use a different type of Lens Implant in your second eye in order to get you the best possible results. In doing so, that Lens Implant may not have been available with a yellow tint.The color difference is so slight that most Cataract Surgeons wouldn't even bother to mention it to patients as 90% of patients don't even notice the difference. As you report, it does little to bother you so there is really no issue here. While this does happen from time to time it is not overly common-but it does happen.

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.

Shadows and Lights after Cataract Surgery

2011-09-23T12:12:00.000-04:00

Question: I have a question about seeing shadows and flashing lights after my cataract surgery. Six months ago my vision starting being blurry in my left eye. I am 43 years old and have diabetes. I went to see the doctor and after several months of evaluating my eye, they decided I had an oil drop cataract. Ten days ago they did the cataract surgery which was uneventful. The day after the surgery I started noticing a shadow on the outside corner of my eye. I also noticed that when I was in any area with overhead lighting I would have a flashing sensation on the left outside corner of my eye. It is sort of like a ceiling fan rotating with a light source behind it. I had my post-op follow-up three days ago and the doctor says it will go away. Now, I am ten days out of surgery, my eye sight has not improved at all and I have added these two new problems. I called the doctor and he saw me again today, but says I should continue to give it time. I am very frustrated with this answer. The surgery seems to have been totally unsuccessful and now I have these other problems. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks.

Answer: Assuming that the health of your Retina is normal and has not been compromised by the diabetes, what you are describing as shadows and a flashing sensation from overhead lights may very well simply be your visual adaptation to some of the optical effects of having a Lens Implant. There are a number of visual symptoms called "dysphotopsia" that are experienced by some Cataract patients whereby they sense odd light reflections, shadows and in some cases a temporary darkening of their vision as they adapt to the new optical and visual system that results from a Lens Implant after Cataract Surgery. In the vast majority of patients who do experience this-although it can be terribly annoying-it is temporary and passes over some time. That time can be as short as a couple of weeks or for some patients can extend for a few months-but patients do adapt to it. In the very rare instance of patients not adapting to the optical effect, it is sometimes recommended to have a lens implant exchange with a different style and shape of lens implant. Your best course of action is to follow the advice of 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 surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.

Cataract Surgery with Respiratory Problems

2011-09-22T11:52:00.000-04:00

Question: I have a question about having cataract surgery with respiratory and pulmonary problems. My father needs cataract surgery and he is currently on oxygen for COPD and emphysema. His doctor advised him not to do it because of the complication of him laying flat. Is it possible to have cataract surgery with these conditions?

Answer: Most top Cataract Surgeons and top Cataract Surgery facilities are able to accommodate patients with respiratory problems such as those outlined in your question. Generally speaking, by using techniques of advanced "small incision" Cataract removal including phacoemulsification, "eye drop" topical anesthesia and movable operating microscopes most patients can have successful Cataract Surgery without pulmonary complications. That said, the decision to schedule your father for his Cataract operation MUST be made jointly by his Cataract Surgeon and Internist or Pulmonologist in order to be sure all necessary precautions are employed and he has a safe experience.

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.

Cataract Surgery Risks for Monocular Patient

2011-09-20T09:16:00.000-04:00

Question: I only have one functioning eye and I need cataract surgery. I have a prosthesis for my right eye as a result of a childhood accident. Obviously I am very concerned about the health of my left eye. What are the risk I face by having cataract surgery on my only eye? As a result of having just one eye, should I look for a cataract surgeon who has specific training to my problem to insure the surgery doesn't incapacitate me?

Answer: The anxiety you feel and express regarding your situation of needing Cataract Surgery and being monocular are very typical for anyone in your situation. Further, the sensitivity to the situation is shared by any top Cataract Surgeon. The good news is that modern Cataract Surgery is extremely reliable and produces excellent results. That said, it is always possible to experience complications and so you do want to do your best to avoid any potential problems. The biggest error monocular patients make is in waiting too long to address the Cataract in the only good eye because mature Cataracts are associated with higher surgical risk. So as soon as the eye has vision not adequate to perform your daily activities to your satisfaction, surgery is indicated. Don't wait. There are actually no special considerations beyond a choosing the best Cataract Surgeon you can find who will conservatively and carefully perform your procedure. While the risks of the procedure itself are the same, the consequences to risks are great. So a skilled Cataract Surgeon with good experience and a good facility are key. It may be necessary to have not only one, but perhaps two or even three consultations in order to find the best Cataract Surgeon who meets your approval.

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.

Avastin after Cataract Surgery

2011-09-20T09:10:00.001-04:00

Question: How effective is the use of Avastin® after an operation for Cataracts with damage already on the Retina and Macula?

Answer: Although you do not state it we assume that you have some stage of Diabetic Retinopathy or Macular Degeneration. The progression of Diabetic Retinopathy and Macular Degeneration are marked by the growth of "new blood vessels" which are very fragile and can break and hemorrhage easily causing additional damage to the Retina and Macula. Thus, your Cataract Surgeon may recommend that either he or she at the time of Cataract Surgery, or your Retinal Specialist after the surgery, place an injection of an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (Anti-VEGF) agent such as Avastin™ in order to retard the possible growth of new blood vessels in the Retina. This helps to protect against any new blood vessel growth and additional damage.

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.

Decreasing Vision after Cataract Surgery

2011-09-19T08:52:00.000-04:00

Question: I have decreasing vision after my cataract surgery in both eyes in 2010. The lens implant model was ZMB00 in both eyes. They do not work for me and my vision is getting worse and worse. My cataract surgeon wants to replace these with ReSTOR Lens implants. I have been reading about Crystalens, from what I have read Crystalens is what I think I would prefer, or going with the Monofocal Lens implant. I read one report that said if you have already had cataract surgery you were not a candidate for the Crystalens. Is this true and why?

Answer: The first order of business is to determine why your vision is getting worse and worse after your Cataract Surgery. This is probably not due to the type of Lens Implant that you have but is more likely due to perhaps posterior capsular opacification, also called secondary membranes, or possibly a change in the health of your Retina-in particular the Macula-or a number of other possibilities that need to be explored and a proper diagnosis rendered. Whatever the cause, it needs to be dealt with. If the decreasing vision is due to posterior capsular opacification and you require a YAG Laser Capsulotomy it would be important to consider that any type of Lens Implant Exchange-if one were to have one-is much riskier once the "capsule" has been opened with the YAG Laser. You need to fully discuss and understand the reasons for your decrease in vision with your cataract Surgeon BEFORE even thinking about a lens exchange and need to think long and hard about implanting any type of multifocal or accommodating lens implant as these types of lens implants require extreme precision in their positioning and placement in order to work to their fullest potential. This may or may not be possible as a secondary procedure for eyes that had Cataract Surgery in 2010.

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.

Eye Specialists for Cataracts

2011-09-16T10:06:00.000-04:00

Question: I have a question about what type of eye specialist we need. I have a daughter that had cataract surgery and had a lens implant put in about one year ago. I am now seeing a discolored film developing on the eye. My question is what is the best type of eye doctor to help with this? What type of eye doctor specializes in this type of condition?

Answer: Chances are that your daughter's Ophthalmologist or Cataract Surgeon will be able to diagnose the condition you are observing on the outside of the eye. If you would be more comfortable seeking an opinion from someone who is a specialist in external diseases of the eye, most Corneal Specialists also have specialized training in external eye diseases and would be well suited to evaluating the condition. You can check the credentials of many Cataract Surgeons and will find that they also are Corneal Specialists.

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.

Cataract Surgery Eye Drops

2011-09-16T10:01:00.000-04:00

Question: I have a question about cataract surgery eye drops. When my 93 year old dad had cataract surgery a few years ago, he had only one drop he used before surgery and two after. My doctor has prescribed three to start two days before surgery-Nevanac, Vigamox and Durezol. I am very wary of the Durezol after reading the FDA report. Why is my doctor giving me so many drops and why the Durezol.

Answer: Your Cataract Surgeon has prescribed what would be considered a very safe and reliable set of preoperative medications for your Cataract Surgery. The eye drop regimen for Cataract Surgery has become more universal relying on a quinolone antibiotic drop (Vigamox) for prevention of infection-this is most often started days before surgery, an NSAID (Nevanac) to help with the maintenance of pupil dilation for surgery but more importantly prevent the possible condition of Cystoid Macular Edema- this too is often started before surgery, and a steroid that is straightforward in its action against post-op inflammation. Some eye surgeons start this before and some wait until after the surgery to begin the drop. Durezol is the new drop of choice to represent the steroid in the "recipe". It's very effective in quickly restoring the eye to quiet, can be dosed at a lesser frequency-3 times per day as opposed to the tradition of 4 timed per day with other steroids and the number of days that the patient requires drops is far less with Durezol-and it has a synergistic effect enhancing the NSAID effectiveness. So the protocol your doctor has prescribed represents the current standard of care in order to reduce the incidence of prolonged inflammation, infection and possibility of retinal swelling.

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.

Cataract Surgery for Musicians

2011-09-16T09:36:00.000-04:00

Question: I am a professional musician who needs cataract surgery. Currently, I find that the small mid-range area in my progressive lens eyeglasses is not adequate for the mid-range distance that I need (about 3 ft.). Instead, I use glasses with my distance prescription for about the top third, with a mid-range for the bottom 2/3. A Multifocal Intraocular lens was suggested for me. Is this the best option for me?

Answer: As a professional musician your intermediate and near vision requirements are not only demanding in precision but are also demanding in time. In order to make the accurate assessment and recommendation for the type of lens implant-multifocal vs. aspheric with glasses-after cataract surgery, it is going to be necessary for you to provide the Cataract Surgeon with actual carefully measured distances that require your clear vision. Certainly a multifocal lens implant might be a good choice but should your near distance requirements change, lighting and environmental circumstances vary or change, you will be locked in to one restricted range of clarity. This may not be a problem for you but does warrant discussion with your eye surgeon regarding the exact vision requirements you have and in what environments.

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.

Multifocal Lens Implant Selection

2011-09-16T09:29:00.000-04:00

Question: I have a question about selecting a lens implant for cataract surgery. I need to select the lens type prior to October when I will have cataract surgery. If I choose the multifocal lens replacement, will this serve as my eye glass replacement for the remainder of my life? I am 64 and have been badly nearsighted for my entire life. I currently use bifocals and go up and down for far and near - will this be the same for the lens implant?

Answer: Presbyopia correcting multifocal lens implants used for lens replacement after Cataract Surgery can correct distance vision, near vision and arm's length vision-and enhance your range of clear vision without requiring glasses. There are several types of multifocal lens implants and each one has slightly different vision correction characteristics based on their design and optics. It is highly likely that your full distance vision would be corrected and you would no longer be nearsighted, thus eliminating any need for glasses for seeing distance. The intermediate and near vision correction results will depend on the type of implant selected by your Cataract Surgeon. However any multifocal will certainly decrease if not completely eliminate your need for bifocals although you might need some help with reading glasses in some instances or arm's length "intermediate" glasses in some cases depending on the type of multifocal used.

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.

Floaters after Cataract Surgery

2011-09-12T12:28:00.000-04:00

Question: I am suddenly experiencing floaters after cataract surgery. I had bilateral cataract surgery in February. All has gone very well so far but yesterday I woke up with floaters in my right eye only, that look like thousands of grains of black pepper and a few long, thick strings of the same black color. I've had CNS Lupus for 22 years and Type II Diabetes for 3. I'm on numerous medications, but none of them are new within the past month. Should I call my ophthalmologist or just check with her at my next appointment?

Answer: The sudden onset of floaters after Cataract Surgery can range in seriousness from not very serious if caused by a vitreous detachment with no retinal involvement, to somewhat serious if caused by a vitreous detachment with any associated retinal traction, retinal tear or hole-to very serious if there is an actual retinal detachment. You do not state whether you have any diabetic retinopathy and this too could enter the diagnostic picture as well. Not to overreact-but to use due caution-you should call your Cataract Surgeon immediately and be seen ASAP. Please be clear when you call regarding the sudden onset of the symptoms. While this is most likely not a serious set if symptoms it warrants careful and immediate examination and confirmation.

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.