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
part of the protein inside the bag.
When should I have the
cataract removed?
Each person's needs are different. First,
obtain the best possible glasses and decide if the vision provided is
sufficient for your needs. Your job, hobby, driving needs, and personality
will determine how satisfied you are with your vision.
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 cannot
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That concept is outdated in America.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-operated
surgery center. You are
not admitted for the surgery. Surgery lasts from 10 to 30 minutes, and you go
right home afterwards.
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 are quite successful.
What determines
the success?
Your doctor will evaluate your eye for other
diseases. If there are other problems, that may limit how well 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.
Do I need an
implant?
When the cataract is removed, the lens itself
is removed except for a thin capsule. Though the cloud is gone, the focus is also gone. The lens
implant restores the focusing power to the eye, and since it is artificial, it
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?
No - 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.
