Why can't the
doctor just change my glasses to make me see better?
Glasses focus light, they do not improve
transmission of light. If a window has dirt on it, even with binoculars
we cannot see clearly through it.
A cataract is a clouding
of the human lens, impairing the clarity (not focus) of light entering
the eye, but glasses can be changed, right?
If your glasses are not providing perfect
focus, then they can be changed to correct that element of your vision
problem. Also the reading portion of the glasses can be strengthened
to magnify print to overcome your blurring somewhat.
What is a cataract?
The human lens is like a bag of protein
shaped like a lentil bean. The
protein is surrounded by a clear capsule. A cataract is a clouding of
all or a portion of the protein inside the bag.
When should I have
the cataract removed?
Each person's need is different. First
obtain the best possible glasses and decide if the vision is provided
is sufficient for your needs. Your job, hobby, driving needs, and personality
will determine how satisfied you are with your vision.
When your vision
does not measure up do the surgery?
Doesn't the doctor tell me when to have
the surgery? Your doctor should be a guide only. He or she provides
the proper glasses and assesses
the extent of the cataract and any other eye problems. But he can not
interpret how your vision is being affected on a day to day basis.
Only you can.
How about waiting
until the cataract is ripe?
That concept is outdated in America.
Ripe cataracts prevent any useful
vision and most Americans need surgery far before that.
I have some fears.
Hospital, anesthesia, pain, success. Does the benefit of the surgery
outweigh them?
Hospital- the vast majority of cataract surgeries are
done on an
Outpatient basis either in a hospital or doctor runs surgery center.
You are not admitted to the surgery. Surgery lasts from 10 to 30 minutes,
and you go right home.
Anesthesia - varies but usually light sedation and local.
General anesthesia is rarely needed pain - very rare success - no
surgery is 100% predictable but the vast majority succeeds.
Does anything determine
the success?
Your doctor will evaluate your eye for
other diseases. If there are other problems that may limit how far to
completely normal your vision can be restored.
How fast will my
vision return?
Some people will see quite well within
a few hours or by the next morning. Even with no problems some people
will need several weeks of healing for their vision to return to normal.
Will I need glasses?
The process of cataract removal and
lens implantation is intended to
restore your focus to normal, minimizing your dependence on glasses.
Most people need some form of glasses, if only to read.
How about bifocal
lens implants?
There are lens implants, which give
focus at all distances. There are limitations and you should consult
with your surgeon about them.
Well, do I need an
implant?
When the cataract is removed the lens
itself is removed except for the
thin capsule. While the cloud is gone, the focus is also gone. The lens
implant restores the focusing power to the eye, and being artificial
cannot cloud over. The power of the lens is calculated to minimize your
dependence on glasses after surgery. The implant is permanent and it
is extremely rare that one needs to be removed or repositioned.
Do you use lasers
to remove the cataract?
Never - a small instrument vacuums the
cloudy lens protein from the eye. It can be powered by ultrasonic energy,
though laser energy is being used on a limited basis. But all "
vacuums"
require a small incision to permit access to the lens.
