Question: What is the downside of one lens implant for distance and one implant lens for near vision?
Answer: The monovision Lens Implant technique-one Lens Implant for Near and one Lens Implant for far-is useful for some patients who wish to be less dependent or even free of eyeglasses after Cataract Surgery in lieu of a Multifocal Lens Implant. The downside on monovision Cataract Surgery is that some patients are unable to adapt to the "blended" vision and report unsatisfactory vision, headaches loss of depth perception and other symptoms. The success with monovision depends on careful measurements by the Cataract Surgeon in an attempt to determine the patient's tolerance to "defocus". When an acceptable tolerance to defocus can be demonstrated then the success rate of monovision Cataract Surgery is in the 75-80% 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. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.
Cataracts, Cataract Surgery & Lens Implant (IOL) facts & information on how to find trusted Cataract Surgeons who are the Best Cataract Surgeon- review costs, risks, complications, side effects, cataract surgery recovery.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Cataract Surgery Refraction Costs
Question: My wife just had Cataract Surgery. The cataract Surgeon billed her $50 for the refraction he carried out before the operation saying that it is an extra service not covered by Medicare. She also elected to have special lens implants for $1200 per eye which we paid. Our feeling is that the refraction is part of the entire examination and procedure and should not be an extra. Please help me with this question.
Answer: Whether your wife had Cataract Surgery or not, the Medicare regulations indicate that refraction is a non covered service. So, even your doctor billed Medicare they would get a denial of coverage notice and bill you for the service. The refraction is relevant to the calculation of the intraocular lens implant (IOL) power and prescription but is simply not a covered service. This not a new regulation.
Unfortunately whether patients like it or not, this is how Medicare elects to treat refraction. This is the same as with the special lens implants-Medicare does not pay for them. They pay for basic lens implants only and tell the Cataract Surgeons to bill the patient for anything else. Medicare does pay for the surgery center facility fee which includes a basic monofocal lens implant and the Cataract Surgeon's surgical 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. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.
Answer: Whether your wife had Cataract Surgery or not, the Medicare regulations indicate that refraction is a non covered service. So, even your doctor billed Medicare they would get a denial of coverage notice and bill you for the service. The refraction is relevant to the calculation of the intraocular lens implant (IOL) power and prescription but is simply not a covered service. This not a new regulation.
Unfortunately whether patients like it or not, this is how Medicare elects to treat refraction. This is the same as with the special lens implants-Medicare does not pay for them. They pay for basic lens implants only and tell the Cataract Surgeons to bill the patient for anything else. Medicare does pay for the surgery center facility fee which includes a basic monofocal lens implant and the Cataract Surgeon's surgical 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. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Macular Degeneration & Diet Factors
Dietary factors are known risk factors for Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) which is the leading cause of vision loss among persons aged 65 and above. In particular, high glycemic index diets have been hypothesized as a risk factor for AMD. Glycemic Index is a measure of the effect of carbohydrates on blood sugar levels. Most fruits and vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts and fructose products low in carbohydrates and have a low glycemic index. Most foods like baked potatoes, extruded breakfast cereals, white bread, white rice and corn flakes are high glycemic index foods.
Researchers reporting in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition studied the association between dietary glycemic index and the 10 year incidence of AMD in the Blue Mountain Eye Study population. Over 10 years, 208 of 1810 persons developed early AMD. After age, smoking, other risk factors, and dietary constituents were adjusted for, a higher mean dietary glycemic index was associated with an increased 10 year risk of early AMD. Conversely, a greater consumption of cereal fiber and breads and cereals (predominantly lower glycemic index foods such as oatmeal) was associated with a reduced risk of incident early AMD. No relation was observed with late AMD. The researchers concluded that a high glycemic index diet is a risk factor for early AMD—the recognized precursor of sight threatening late AMD. Low glycemic-index foods such as oatmeal may protect against early AMD.
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.abouthttp://www.aboutcataractsurgery.comcataractsurgery.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.
Researchers reporting in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition studied the association between dietary glycemic index and the 10 year incidence of AMD in the Blue Mountain Eye Study population. Over 10 years, 208 of 1810 persons developed early AMD. After age, smoking, other risk factors, and dietary constituents were adjusted for, a higher mean dietary glycemic index was associated with an increased 10 year risk of early AMD. Conversely, a greater consumption of cereal fiber and breads and cereals (predominantly lower glycemic index foods such as oatmeal) was associated with a reduced risk of incident early AMD. No relation was observed with late AMD. The researchers concluded that a high glycemic index diet is a risk factor for early AMD—the recognized precursor of sight threatening late AMD. Low glycemic-index foods such as oatmeal may protect against early AMD.
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.abouthttp://www.aboutcataractsurgery.comcataractsurgery.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.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
How to Choose a Lens Implant (IOL)
Question: How do you know which lens implant to choose whether it be for close up vision or far away? What if your choice turns out to be totally wrong for your needs can it be changed later on?
Answer: Choosing a Lens Implant for Cataract Surgery requires some thought and discussion with your Cataract Surgeon. Choosing the right type of Lens Implant depends first and foremost on the recommendation of your Cataract Surgeon based on the overall condition of your eyes-AND in consideration of your having reviewed with him or her details about your lifestyle and daily activities that you would like to be able to do with minimal, if any, dependence of eyeglasses. Top Cataract Surgeons will often make a recommendation based on the medical findings during your evaluation and then have you speak with a staff member who will conduct a discussion called a lifestyle needs assessment to get to know the daily activities you wish to pursue glasses free.
Based on how you use your eyes each day and for what distances you conduct you everyday at, together it will become obvious what type of IOL is the best choice for your individual needs. If this is done carefully and thoughtfully, there shouldn't be any concern. If, within a brief time of having a Lens Implant, you are absolutely miserable it is possible to explant it, BUT this is NOT something anyone wants to do, as it is a second intraocular surgery with the potential for additional complications and should only be done if 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 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.
Answer: Choosing a Lens Implant for Cataract Surgery requires some thought and discussion with your Cataract Surgeon. Choosing the right type of Lens Implant depends first and foremost on the recommendation of your Cataract Surgeon based on the overall condition of your eyes-AND in consideration of your having reviewed with him or her details about your lifestyle and daily activities that you would like to be able to do with minimal, if any, dependence of eyeglasses. Top Cataract Surgeons will often make a recommendation based on the medical findings during your evaluation and then have you speak with a staff member who will conduct a discussion called a lifestyle needs assessment to get to know the daily activities you wish to pursue glasses free.
Based on how you use your eyes each day and for what distances you conduct you everyday at, together it will become obvious what type of IOL is the best choice for your individual needs. If this is done carefully and thoughtfully, there shouldn't be any concern. If, within a brief time of having a Lens Implant, you are absolutely miserable it is possible to explant it, BUT this is NOT something anyone wants to do, as it is a second intraocular surgery with the potential for additional complications and should only be done if 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 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.
Cataract Surgery & Aspheric Lens Implants-Intermediate Vision?
Question: I am getting an aspheric standard IOL lens implant and I have slight astigmatism that will likely be corrected at the time of surgery via incisions. If I choose to correct for distance vision, will the vision be sharp and crisp enough that I would NOT require glasses for distance vision.
Additionally, I know I will need reading glasses if I opt for distance vision correction, will they take care of both near and intermediate vision? I am confused about where intermediate vision falls on the spectrum.
Answer: The reason you are confused is because this indeed is a little confusing. If as part of your Cataract Surgery, your aspheric lens implants (IOL) and Limbal Relaxing Incisions (LRI) with the targeted correction set for seeing clearly at distance-you are highly likely to NOT need eyeglasses to see at distance. So your thinking here is correct. However, "focusing" your eyes optically for distance with the Lens Implants means that pretty much for certain, you will need at least some help reading and probably some help for seeing objects clearly that are closer than perhaps 36", depending on the size and detail of the object. This is where it gets confusing-depending of the type of aspheric IOL used, your pupil size, the size of the objects to be read at near and intermediate distances, the amount and type of aberration in your cornea-often patients are pleasantly surprised when they have an aspheric IOL with a little bit of "over plus." Cataract Surgeons are reluctant to overstate or over promise the near and intermediate vision with aspheric IOLs as it really can vary widely from patient to patient. However, the worst case scenario is that you essentially got NO improved range of vision from the aspheric IOL and only had clear distance vision. In this instance, if there were a total near point and intermediate void, you would probably be best served by progressive addition spectacle lenses, which work well for the full intermediate and near range of vision-worn on an as needed basis.
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.
Additionally, I know I will need reading glasses if I opt for distance vision correction, will they take care of both near and intermediate vision? I am confused about where intermediate vision falls on the spectrum.
Answer: The reason you are confused is because this indeed is a little confusing. If as part of your Cataract Surgery, your aspheric lens implants (IOL) and Limbal Relaxing Incisions (LRI) with the targeted correction set for seeing clearly at distance-you are highly likely to NOT need eyeglasses to see at distance. So your thinking here is correct. However, "focusing" your eyes optically for distance with the Lens Implants means that pretty much for certain, you will need at least some help reading and probably some help for seeing objects clearly that are closer than perhaps 36", depending on the size and detail of the object. This is where it gets confusing-depending of the type of aspheric IOL used, your pupil size, the size of the objects to be read at near and intermediate distances, the amount and type of aberration in your cornea-often patients are pleasantly surprised when they have an aspheric IOL with a little bit of "over plus." Cataract Surgeons are reluctant to overstate or over promise the near and intermediate vision with aspheric IOLs as it really can vary widely from patient to patient. However, the worst case scenario is that you essentially got NO improved range of vision from the aspheric IOL and only had clear distance vision. In this instance, if there were a total near point and intermediate void, you would probably be best served by progressive addition spectacle lenses, which work well for the full intermediate and near range of vision-worn on an as needed basis.
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.
Lens Replacement for High Hyperopia
Question: I am a 53 year old female. I have had bad vision since the age of 2 and worn hard contact lenses since the age of l3. Since the age of 48 I have spent thousands of dollars on contact lenses to get me to wear my gas permeable contacts with ease again. I went thru menopause at 50 and was on birth control for many years. I also was a sun worshiper and I am now paying the price because I was never warned that all of these things have contributed to my dry eyes (bad) and now have difficulty wearing my lenses. I have tried doctor after doctor for almost 4 years and force myself to wear the lenses but they are getting more difficult to tolerate each and every month. My prescription with contacts is +5.75 with astigmatism. The bad dry eyes prevent me from night driving because of halos and poor vision. My astigmatism changes every year now and they say I have the beginning of cataracts. I went to 2 surgeons who told me to go back to glasses because they could not promise the outcome of Lens Replacement and my corneas are too steep for LASIK as well as having the dry eyes. My glasses are heavy and I cannot get use to them. My progressive glasses are so hard to get use to. Do you think I should continue to seek out a cataract doctor to help me or just give in to glasses?
Answer: Corneal exhaustion from contact lenses is actually not all that uncommon, particularly where there are thick heavy contact lenses involved. Yes, the hormonal changes you experienced combined with the contact lens exhaustion will prohibit you from wearing contact lenses successfully. Further, the dry eye and the high hyperopic prescription make you a poor candidate for LASIK, as you relay. Now, the fact that you have the beginning of cataracts may also be contributing to your halo and poor vision. Cataracts or not, with some successful treatment of your dry eye you may be a candidate for Lens Replacement Surgery BUT only if you can discontinue wearing your contacts for a long enough period of time so that the shape of your corneas become stable enough to take accurate measurements. The years of wearing RGP contacts, along with the instability of the astigmatism, suggests that you have corneal molding and shape change and need to discontinue contact lens wear PRIOR to the final measurements being taken for an intraocular lens implant (IOL). Considering the number of years you have been wearing contacts, it might be as long as 6 months before your corneas are stable and can be properly measured and given the severity of the dry eye you report it may take 3-4 months of aggressive dry eye therapy and treatment to get your tear film healthy enough for an easy eye surgery recovery. Your next step is to find a top Cataract Surgeon who is also a Refractive Surgeon and schedule an examination and consultation so they can guide you on the best path and options that might be available.
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.
Answer: Corneal exhaustion from contact lenses is actually not all that uncommon, particularly where there are thick heavy contact lenses involved. Yes, the hormonal changes you experienced combined with the contact lens exhaustion will prohibit you from wearing contact lenses successfully. Further, the dry eye and the high hyperopic prescription make you a poor candidate for LASIK, as you relay. Now, the fact that you have the beginning of cataracts may also be contributing to your halo and poor vision. Cataracts or not, with some successful treatment of your dry eye you may be a candidate for Lens Replacement Surgery BUT only if you can discontinue wearing your contacts for a long enough period of time so that the shape of your corneas become stable enough to take accurate measurements. The years of wearing RGP contacts, along with the instability of the astigmatism, suggests that you have corneal molding and shape change and need to discontinue contact lens wear PRIOR to the final measurements being taken for an intraocular lens implant (IOL). Considering the number of years you have been wearing contacts, it might be as long as 6 months before your corneas are stable and can be properly measured and given the severity of the dry eye you report it may take 3-4 months of aggressive dry eye therapy and treatment to get your tear film healthy enough for an easy eye surgery recovery. Your next step is to find a top Cataract Surgeon who is also a Refractive Surgeon and schedule an examination and consultation so they can guide you on the best path and options that might be available.
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.
Cataract Surgery Complications & Age
Cataract Surgery today is a high technology procedure that is safe, effective and predictable when performed by an experienced Cataract Surgeon. Yet, one has to wonder whether as patients get older their risk of complications with Cataract Surgery tends to increase with age. It might seem somewhat intuitive that the Cataract Surgery complication rate should increase as patients increase in frailty, circulation is further compromised and healing might even be somewhat slower. Researchers from the US Veterans Health Administration (VHA) reported at the Chicago 2010 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology on the complication rate within 90 days of Cataract Surgery of a group of of 554 nonagenarians (age 90-99) and compared it the complication rate in a group of 11,407 octogenarians (age 80-89) who received Cataract Surgery in the VHA. The types of intraoperative and postoperative complications were identical between the two groups and the risk of having any intraoperative or postoperative complication was 13.5% for octogenarians and 13.4% for nonagenarians. The conclusion is that nonagenarians relative to octogenarians are not at increased risk of ocular complications from 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 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.
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.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Multifocal Lens Implants & Cataracts
Question: I am having a cataract removal and lens replacement in 2 weeks. Does the new lens assist in both near vision as well as long vision, i.e. driving? Is it one or the other. I do not recall this being discussed at my last cataract specialist examination. Should I clarify this with my cataract surgeon?
Answer: Modern Cataract Surgery almost always involves the use of a Lens Implant (IOL) to correct vision. There are four types of intraocular lens implants-monofocal lens implants, aspheric lens implants, astigmatism correcting lens implants and near vision presbyopia correcting multifocal and accommodating lens implants. Monofocal lens implants are the most basic and only correct vision for distance and thus require eyeglasses for arm's length and intermediate vision. Aspheric lens implants provide the same overall ranges of vision as Monofocal lens implants but do so with crisper vision especially in dim or low contrast settings. Astigmatism correcting lens implants also provide the same range of vision as the Monofocal and Aspheric lens implants but correct astigmatism as well. Near vision presbyopia correcting multifocal or accommodating lens implants correct distance vision as well as increase the range of vision and clarity at arm's length and near. You should absolutely discuss the Lens Implant options that might be available to you with you Cataract Surgeon. Not all cataract patients are suitable for near vision presbyopia correcting multifocal or accommodating lens implants. Your suitability will depend on your prescription, the overall health of your eyes and what vision expectations you have along with your lifestyle and how you use your eyes in your daily activities.
Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery of Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.
Answer: Modern Cataract Surgery almost always involves the use of a Lens Implant (IOL) to correct vision. There are four types of intraocular lens implants-monofocal lens implants, aspheric lens implants, astigmatism correcting lens implants and near vision presbyopia correcting multifocal and accommodating lens implants. Monofocal lens implants are the most basic and only correct vision for distance and thus require eyeglasses for arm's length and intermediate vision. Aspheric lens implants provide the same overall ranges of vision as Monofocal lens implants but do so with crisper vision especially in dim or low contrast settings. Astigmatism correcting lens implants also provide the same range of vision as the Monofocal and Aspheric lens implants but correct astigmatism as well. Near vision presbyopia correcting multifocal or accommodating lens implants correct distance vision as well as increase the range of vision and clarity at arm's length and near. You should absolutely discuss the Lens Implant options that might be available to you with you Cataract Surgeon. Not all cataract patients are suitable for near vision presbyopia correcting multifocal or accommodating lens implants. Your suitability will depend on your prescription, the overall health of your eyes and what vision expectations you have along with your lifestyle and how you use your eyes in your daily activities.
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 after PRK
Question: I do not have cataracts as of yet. I expect I am heading towards them sometime in the next decade or so. I had PRK in the mid 90's. My vision has remained flawless to date. My eye surgeon from that time has retired and closed her practice. I have been told I need pre-PRK records for cataract lens replacement creation. How much a detriment will this be if I can't obtain them?
Answer: If you develop a Cataract and in fact do need Cataract Surgery and you have had previous Laser Eye Surgery such as PRK or LASIK, it is indeed helpful to have your previous measurements including corneal curvature, refraction, corneal shape and thickness. However, advanced measurement technology for Lens Implants (IOL) has come a really long way and thus it is not imperative to have these measurements-only helpful. However, when you are seeking a Cataract examination and consultation you should find the best Cataract Surgeon who is also a Refractive Laser Eye Surgeon as they will have access to and experience with cases just like yours.
Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery of Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.
Answer: If you develop a Cataract and in fact do need Cataract Surgery and you have had previous Laser Eye Surgery such as PRK or LASIK, it is indeed helpful to have your previous measurements including corneal curvature, refraction, corneal shape and thickness. However, advanced measurement technology for Lens Implants (IOL) has come a really long way and thus it is not imperative to have these measurements-only helpful. However, when you are seeking a Cataract examination and consultation you should find the best Cataract Surgeon who is also a Refractive Laser Eye Surgeon as they will have access to and experience with cases just like yours.
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.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Cataracts and High Nearsightedness
Question: I am very nearsighted and have cataracts in both eyes. I also have astigmatism in both eyes and am not a candidate for toric implants. If I have the first eye's cataract removed and a distance lens implanted, how will I use my glasses for the non operated eye, as the glasses will no longer work with the eye which has an implant for distance only.
Answer: Having a Cataract removed when you are extremely nearsighted can pose a brief inconvenience but it is only temporary. You are correct in you understanding that when you have the first Cataract removed you will not be able to wear your eyeglasses as there will be an optical imbalance created by seeing well with little or no need for a distance correction in the operated eye with the Lens Implant and a continuing need for a correction for high nearsightedness. Your option will be to wear a contact lens temporarily in the unoperated eye until the second eye can have Cataract Surgery. It is also possible that the second eye has poor enough vision as a result of the Cataract that it will be visually suppressed when the first eye operated and you may be more comfortable without correction at all in that eye. The best thing to do is follow your Cataract Surgeons's advice and have the second eye scheduled for surgery as soon as he or she things it 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. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.
Answer: Having a Cataract removed when you are extremely nearsighted can pose a brief inconvenience but it is only temporary. You are correct in you understanding that when you have the first Cataract removed you will not be able to wear your eyeglasses as there will be an optical imbalance created by seeing well with little or no need for a distance correction in the operated eye with the Lens Implant and a continuing need for a correction for high nearsightedness. Your option will be to wear a contact lens temporarily in the unoperated eye until the second eye can have Cataract Surgery. It is also possible that the second eye has poor enough vision as a result of the Cataract that it will be visually suppressed when the first eye operated and you may be more comfortable without correction at all in that eye. The best thing to do is follow your Cataract Surgeons's advice and have the second eye scheduled for surgery as soon as he or she things it 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. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.
Scarring after Cataract Surgery? Is it true?
Question: I recently had cataract surgery in both eyes, have no astigmatism and only use glasses for reading. I had intraocular lenses (IOL) implanted to replace the cloudy lenses in each eye. At my two week visit after the second eye cataract operation the cataract surgeon informed me that I might need some minor surgery because sometimes with these lenses within one to ten years scar tissue may appear. It hasn't yet obviously but it may and it is a simple procedure to take care of it. He never made mention of it earlier and I am just curious about it. It wouldn't have made a difference as I needed the cataract surgery but is this true?
Answer: Cataract Surgery is quite technically complex and really pretty amazing. Most likely what your Cataract Surgeon is referring to is a Cataract Surgery complication called "posterior capsular opacification." This condition is sometimes referred to as a "secondary cataract" or "after cataract" and affects some 30% of patients who have Cataract Surgery. A Cataract is a clouding of the crystalline lens of the eye. Although it might sound funny, the structure of the crystalline lens is like an M&M candy-it has a soft center and is surrounded by a "capsule" or membrane. During a Cataract operation the eye surgeon removes the cloudy soft center and leaves the "capsule" behind often placing the intraocular lens implant (IOL) inside the "capsule" to stabilize and secure it. Over time some patients experience a clouding of the capsule that almost makes it seem as if the Cataract is returning-which isn't possible. The treatment for this condition, "posterior capsular opacification," uses a laser to painlessly create an opening in the capsule to restore vision. This procedure is called a YAG Laser Capsulotomy and is quick, painless, requires only eye drops to numb the eye and instantly improves the 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 of Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.
Answer: Cataract Surgery is quite technically complex and really pretty amazing. Most likely what your Cataract Surgeon is referring to is a Cataract Surgery complication called "posterior capsular opacification." This condition is sometimes referred to as a "secondary cataract" or "after cataract" and affects some 30% of patients who have Cataract Surgery. A Cataract is a clouding of the crystalline lens of the eye. Although it might sound funny, the structure of the crystalline lens is like an M&M candy-it has a soft center and is surrounded by a "capsule" or membrane. During a Cataract operation the eye surgeon removes the cloudy soft center and leaves the "capsule" behind often placing the intraocular lens implant (IOL) inside the "capsule" to stabilize and secure it. Over time some patients experience a clouding of the capsule that almost makes it seem as if the Cataract is returning-which isn't possible. The treatment for this condition, "posterior capsular opacification," uses a laser to painlessly create an opening in the capsule to restore vision. This procedure is called a YAG Laser Capsulotomy and is quick, painless, requires only eye drops to numb the eye and instantly improves the 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 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-Lens Implants or Laser Surgery?
Question: Are multifocal lens implants and laser surgery both options for cataracts. If so which is better. Multifocal lenses were the only option given to me.
Answer: You may be confusing several different things here. Cataract Surgery is performed to remove clouding of the crystalline lens in the eye-a Cataract. At the time of a Cataract operation a tiny plastic lens implant is placed in the eye to replace the focusing power lost by the removal of the crystalline lens in order to correct vision. Up until recently primary Cataract Surgery did not involve the use of a laser. Today in a very limited number of surgery centers a laser can be used as part of the Cataract removal however it's use is not at all common or usual at this time. Whether the Cataract is removed by the advanced technique currently in widespread use or removed using a laser-you still need to have a Lens Implant in order to see clearly after Cataract Surgery. If you are asking whether Laser Eye Surgery such as LASIK is used to provide the primary vision correction after Cataract Surgery the answer is no. Laser Eye Surgery such as LASIK is used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and/or astigmatism but NOT aphakia-the condition whereby the crystalline lens has been removed from your eye due to a Cataract. Sometimes a laser is used after a Cataract operation to treat a condition called "posterior capsular opacification" which occurs in as many as 30% of eyes after Cataract Surgery and sometimes Laser Eye Surgery such as LASIK might be used to enhance or refine the results of a multifocal lens implant-but in virtually ALL patients an intraocular lens implant (IOL) is the primary method of vision correction 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. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.
Answer: You may be confusing several different things here. Cataract Surgery is performed to remove clouding of the crystalline lens in the eye-a Cataract. At the time of a Cataract operation a tiny plastic lens implant is placed in the eye to replace the focusing power lost by the removal of the crystalline lens in order to correct vision. Up until recently primary Cataract Surgery did not involve the use of a laser. Today in a very limited number of surgery centers a laser can be used as part of the Cataract removal however it's use is not at all common or usual at this time. Whether the Cataract is removed by the advanced technique currently in widespread use or removed using a laser-you still need to have a Lens Implant in order to see clearly after Cataract Surgery. If you are asking whether Laser Eye Surgery such as LASIK is used to provide the primary vision correction after Cataract Surgery the answer is no. Laser Eye Surgery such as LASIK is used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and/or astigmatism but NOT aphakia-the condition whereby the crystalline lens has been removed from your eye due to a Cataract. Sometimes a laser is used after a Cataract operation to treat a condition called "posterior capsular opacification" which occurs in as many as 30% of eyes after Cataract Surgery and sometimes Laser Eye Surgery such as LASIK might be used to enhance or refine the results of a multifocal lens implant-but in virtually ALL patients an intraocular lens implant (IOL) is the primary method of vision correction 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. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.
Cataract Surgery Starbursts from IOL?
Question: Have you ever heard of an IOL having a defect that resulted in a line on the lens that gave a starbursts 11:00 to 5:00 from headlights and other point sources of light? I have this in my right eye and it is making driving very difficult. Other than that, my vision with glasses in that eye is 20/15 and mildly nearsighted without glasses.
Answer: The consensus among our Cataract Surgeon Editorial Advisors is that a defect in an intraocular lens implant (IOL) is indeed exceedingly unusual. It is possible that the lens was damaged during insertion but this extremely rare as well, but could happen. Although it is not easy for the Advisors to comment without actually observing, there is a common suggestion that based on their own experiences that a more likely cause is a very fine crease in the posterior capsule which is typically left in place to allow the proper positioning and stability of the IOL. If this is the case, after waiting 90 days or so after your surgery to see if it resolves, your Cataract Surgeon will be able to perform a YAG Laser Capsulotomy which is a quick, painless laser procedure done with eye drops to numb the eye and takes just a few minutes. This will allow an optically clear opening to be placed in the capsule and should alleviate the symptoms. If this is not the case then other sources can be ruled out such as some transillumination defect in the Iris-also very rare. By instilling pupil constricting eye drops in the eye surgeons office this too can be ruled out. Yes, a lens defect or damage can occur, but it is very rare and other sources of your symptoms should be ruled out 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. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.
Answer: The consensus among our Cataract Surgeon Editorial Advisors is that a defect in an intraocular lens implant (IOL) is indeed exceedingly unusual. It is possible that the lens was damaged during insertion but this extremely rare as well, but could happen. Although it is not easy for the Advisors to comment without actually observing, there is a common suggestion that based on their own experiences that a more likely cause is a very fine crease in the posterior capsule which is typically left in place to allow the proper positioning and stability of the IOL. If this is the case, after waiting 90 days or so after your surgery to see if it resolves, your Cataract Surgeon will be able to perform a YAG Laser Capsulotomy which is a quick, painless laser procedure done with eye drops to numb the eye and takes just a few minutes. This will allow an optically clear opening to be placed in the capsule and should alleviate the symptoms. If this is not the case then other sources can be ruled out such as some transillumination defect in the Iris-also very rare. By instilling pupil constricting eye drops in the eye surgeons office this too can be ruled out. Yes, a lens defect or damage can occur, but it is very rare and other sources of your symptoms should be ruled out 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. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
AcrySof®ReSTOR® Lens Implant-How Long To Adjust?
Question: On the AcrySof®ReSTOR® Lens apparently the light is alternating and can cause distress, or will take time to adjust. I am not sure what the experience is exactly and what to expect. Can you explain this for me? I don't mind if it takes time to adjust but again not sure about what the experience is.
Answer: What you are questioning is the process of “neuroadaptation.” Simply, throughout your life, the brain has learned to interpret the patterns of light that are transmitted through the optic nerve as “images”-and that is how you see. These interpretations of the patterns are learned. You may recall that sometimes when you received a new eyeglass prescription it may have taken time to “get used to”-this is neuroadaptation-your visual cortex learning to interpret light differently. Near vision presbyopia correcting intraocular lens implants (IOL) such as the AcrySof®ReSTOR® Multifocal Lens Implant and the Tecnis® Multifocal Lens Implant used to correct vision after Cataract Surgery rely on some type of sophisticated optical design to allow you to achieve “multifocal” vision-that is, clarity for seeing distance, arm’s length and near through one lens implant. These different optical designs achieve their effect by changing the way light is transmitted and thus the way images are interpreted. Patients who have these types of lenses implanted experience varying degrees of “neuroadaptation” –or “getting used to.” Typically with the AcrySof®ReSTOR® Multifocal Lens, patients experience an immediate improvement in both their distance and near vision-but it may require a bit of concentration to seem perfectly natural. The more you use your vision the quicker you will experience a decrease in the concentration needed to experience the full range of vision. For some patients who are very “neuroplastic” it can take a few days or a week-for others it can take a couple of months. It does seem to get easier with increased use-even if it seems a bit difficult at first. In addition it is normal and expected to possibly see some glare and halos-this too diminishes and becomes unnoticeable over time. You should note however that the complete beneficial effects of near vision correcting lens implants and the total neuroadaptation process cannot be complete until you have Cataract Surgery and Intraocular Lens Implantation in BOTH eyes.
Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery of Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.
Answer: What you are questioning is the process of “neuroadaptation.” Simply, throughout your life, the brain has learned to interpret the patterns of light that are transmitted through the optic nerve as “images”-and that is how you see. These interpretations of the patterns are learned. You may recall that sometimes when you received a new eyeglass prescription it may have taken time to “get used to”-this is neuroadaptation-your visual cortex learning to interpret light differently. Near vision presbyopia correcting intraocular lens implants (IOL) such as the AcrySof®ReSTOR® Multifocal Lens Implant and the Tecnis® Multifocal Lens Implant used to correct vision after Cataract Surgery rely on some type of sophisticated optical design to allow you to achieve “multifocal” vision-that is, clarity for seeing distance, arm’s length and near through one lens implant. These different optical designs achieve their effect by changing the way light is transmitted and thus the way images are interpreted. Patients who have these types of lenses implanted experience varying degrees of “neuroadaptation” –or “getting used to.” Typically with the AcrySof®ReSTOR® Multifocal Lens, patients experience an immediate improvement in both their distance and near vision-but it may require a bit of concentration to seem perfectly natural. The more you use your vision the quicker you will experience a decrease in the concentration needed to experience the full range of vision. For some patients who are very “neuroplastic” it can take a few days or a week-for others it can take a couple of months. It does seem to get easier with increased use-even if it seems a bit difficult at first. In addition it is normal and expected to possibly see some glare and halos-this too diminishes and becomes unnoticeable over time. You should note however that the complete beneficial effects of near vision correcting lens implants and the total neuroadaptation process cannot be complete until you have Cataract Surgery and Intraocular Lens Implantation in BOTH eyes.
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.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Cataracts and Driving Safety
Cataract Surgery not only improves vision and quality of life for older people, but is also apparently a way to reduce the number of car crashes according to a study reported at the American Academy of Ophthalmology Meeting in Chicago. Researchers from Curtin University and the Eye & Vision Epidemiology Research Group reviewed the records of 27,827 patients who had a Cataract removed from one eye between 1997 and 2006. Patient records were linked to the Western Australian Road Injury Database to identify those involved in a motor vehicle crash 12 months prior to and 12 months following their Cataract Surgery dates. All patients were aged 60+ years. The majority of patients involved in crashes were males aged 70-79 who lived in metropolitan areas. They found that Cataract Surgery on the first eye reduced the frequency of all crashes by 12.6%. More research is needed to further measure the reduction in crashes after the second eye has a Cataract operation and Intraocular Lens Implantation. Surgical removal of Cataract followed by implantation of intraocular lenses dramatically improves vision for most patients and this study argues that any delay in access to cataract Surgery significantly impacts not only patients' quality of life, but public safety and healthcare, and property costs.
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