Cataract Not Ripe & Clear Vision

Question: I have a cataract that isn’t ripe and wear progressive lenses. About 4-5 months ago I noticed that I have to take my glasses off to see at a distance and I can see clear as a bell. What would be the reason I can see clearly without my glasses?

Answer: What you are describing is often referred to as “second sight’ and accompanies cataract development of certain types in farsighted people. If you have been farsighted and required glasses, as the cataract forms in the “nucleus” of the crystalline lens of the eye, it is often results in a shift toward becoming nearsighted and thus offsets the farsightedness rendering your distance vision clear without correction for some period of time. However, this does indicate that the crystalline lens is changing and indicates the progression of the cataracts. Even though you might be seeing clearly it is likely that colors are becoming faded, you might notice glare and light sensitivity and difficulty in dim or dark illumination which further indicate the progression of cataracts.

Now, the notion that a cataract has to be “ripe” in order to be removed is completely outdated. Today, with modern cataract surgery and lens implants it is possible to remove a cataract and replace it with a permanent clear lens implant as soon as you personally feel like your vision or mobility are compromised. You need to find the best cataract surgeon in your area and schedule a consultation BEFORE your vision is so disturbed as to cause you more serious 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 or 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.

Retinal Detachment Risk after Cataract Surgery

Question: I am concerned about my risk of retinal detachment after cataract surgery. I am 75 years old, myopic, 75 yrs old and had retinal tears in each eye 13 years ago. What is the chance of retinal detachment after cataract surgery?? I am not ready to have cataract surgery yet but it is causing many sleepless nights    

Answer: If it has been 13 years since the repair of your retinal tears-and they were treated with a laser at that time-one would assume that they have been well sealed and the retinas are stable and well attached. To confirm this you should have a consultation with your retinal specialist prior to your cataract surgery who can then clear you for the cataract operation. Once these precautions have been taken, it is likely that with an experienced Cataract Surgeon performing your procedure you will have a safe and predictable outcome.

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 or 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.

Secondary Cataract Development Timing

Question: I have a question about the time to develop a secondary cataract. I am a 56 year old woman who had cataract surgery just 3 months ago in my left eye and 2 months ago in my right. My vision was perfect immediately after surgery--20/20 at distance and I could read without glasses pretty well.  Now my close up vision is blurry and my intermediate vision in my left eye is also getting blurred.  I am told this is due to a secondary cataract.  Does this sound right?  Do they happen this fast?

Answer: A secondary cataract, which is called posterior capsular opacification or “PCO”, is not an uncommon occurrence after cataract surgery and lens implants. In fact in some reports as many as 30% of patients having cataract surgery actually develop posterior capsular opacification.  While the timeframe for the development of PCO can vary widely, it is possible for it to occur in patients a few months after their cataract removal. Depending on the density of the cataract removed, the difficulty of the actual procedure and many other factors can accelerate PCO formation. Fortunately, PCO is readily treatable with a YAG Laser Capsulotomy-a painless, quick and very effective laser treatment that produces almost instant improvement of vision.

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 or 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.

Cataracts and Glaucoma

Question: I was just told that I have a cataract and glaucoma - more pronounced in the left eye and a recommendation for surgery was made. I have tried several drops for glaucoma and have allergic reactions to them. What is the best way to handle this medical issue?

Answer: If you have a Cataract and Glaucoma that cannot be medically controlled then you may not have any choice other than Cataract Surgery. Cataract Surgery in fact is the only way to treat a Cataract. When you have Glaucoma-depending on the type of Glaucoma that you have-it is possible to treat the Glaucoma with certain types of laser treatments that can reduce the intraocular pressure. In addition there is a surgical procedure called ECP that can be combined with Cataract Surgery that can also be used to treat Glaucoma. This really depends on the type of Glaucoma that you have as well as the severity of the condition. Your best solution is to find a top Cataract Surgeon and follow their direction on the best course of treatment.

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. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.

Cataracts & Eyeglasses

Cataract, Cataract Surgery & Intraocular Lens Implant (IOL) Articles
Cataracts & Eyeglasses-sometimes it seems like if we change our eyeglasses when we have a Cataract, that it makes the vision better and that we won't need Cataract Surgery. learn about Cataracts and Eyeglasses and why changing your eyeglass prescription is only a temporary fix. Read this article and learn more.

Choosing an Intraocular Lens Implant (IOL)

If you are considering have a Cataract removed, then it is also time to think about the selection of an Intraocular Lens Implant (IOL). Cataract Surgery today is almost always accompanied by implanting an artificial lens, or IOL to correct your vision. Your Cataract Surgeon may offer you some options regarding Lens Implants depending on your lifestyle. It may be sufficient to simply have only distance vision correction. But, if you have a daily routine that involves looking at a computer screen or playing cards-activities that require an arms length vision correction, be sure to mention this to your eye surgeon as there are a number of IOLs that can afford you this vision correction after Cataract Surgery. These near vision, or presbyopia correcting IOLs, although more complex in optical design, do not result in greater complexity or more complications with Cataract Surgery, but do require careful measurements and of course picking the right lens from those different types of IOLs that are available. Learn as much as you can about Cataracts, Cataract Surgery and Intraocular Lens Implants before your Cataract examination and consultation.