Cataract Update

>special, stand-aloneclinics. They take the cataract
Cataract Awarenessout through a tiny slit at theedge of the sac that
Contact Email Address: Category: Health & Fitnesscontains the clouded lens. They usuallyuse
Word Count: 570 words"phacoemulsification," a process that liquefies the
You have permission to publish this articlelensso it can be withdrawn through a needle and
electronically, aslong as the resource box at thesyringe.
end is included. Please let meknow if you use thisA clear plastic replacement lens (the intraocular
article by emailing me atlens)is inserted in the sac and the incision is sewn
*********************up with asuture that dissolves later. Other
Cataract Awarenessby Becky Sisk, PhDc) 2002procedures are also used,so you should discuss
Cataracts are a common cause of vision loss butyour own case with your surgeon. Thecommon
are easilytreated by a qualified ophthalmologist.misconception that lasers are used in cataract
August is Cataractsurgeryis not true. Fortunately, cataract surgery is
Awareness Month, a reminder that cataractcovered byinsurance and Medicare.
surgery can clearup your eyesight and improveWhat Will I Be Able to Do After Surgery?
your quality of life.Patients can go home as soon as they are stable.
According to the American Academy ofYoushould avoid heavy activity and avoid rubbing
Ophthalmology, half ofthe people between age 52the affectedeye. Other instructions depend on the
and 64, and almost everyone over theage of 75,physician'spreferences. Most cataract surgeries
will have a cataract. Another way to look at itisare successful, but afew complications are
that one in seven people in the United States haspossible, so be sure to follow up withthe surgeon
a cataract.postoperatively.
What Is a Cataract?You will probably be happy withthe results of your
A cataract is a clouding in the lens of your eye.surgery. However, be aware that cataractsurgery
Theonset of the condition is slow and usuallywill not help other eye problems you may have,
related to aging.suchas glaucoma, macular degeneration, or eye
Other causes are congenital birth defects,problemsrelated to diabetes.
alcoholism, diabetesmellitus, eye injury, smoking,What Type of Doctors Perform Cataract
and long-time exposure toultra-violet (UV) light.Surgery?
How Would I Know If I Had a Cataract?Cataracts require medical intervention, so it is
Visual problems are not apparent in the beginningimportantthat you go to a board-certified
stages ofa cataract. When they appear, you mayophthalmic surgeon, ratherthan to an optometrist,
have the followingsymptoms:when you suspect a cataract.
* A gradual blurring of your eyesight.Doctors with the initials "F.A.C.S." behind their
* Poor distance vision.names havedemonstrated their knowledge and
* A fading or yellowing of colors.skills and are board-certified.
* Double vision in the affected eye.Where Can I Find Further Information?
* A heightened sensitivity to light.Try these websites:
* Trouble seeing well enough to drive at night.* The American Academy of Ophthalmology
* Frequent need for changes in eyeglass* The American Society of Cataract and
prescriptions.Refractive Surgery
How Are Cataracts Treated?* The National Eye Institute
At the onset of cataracts, high magnification* Prevent Blindness America
glasses mayimprove vision, but there are no*********************
medications or eye-drops thatwill help. SomeBecky Sisk is owner and webmaster of
people think that a cataract needs to beNurseScribe,
"ripe"before it can be removed, but this is notThis article is for information use only and is not
true. Instead,cataracts are removed when theymedicaladvice. Please consult your physician if you
interfere with normalactivities of daily living.are concerned withthe condition of your eyes or
Ophthalmic surgeons remove cataracts under localother medical conditions.
anesthesiain the outpatient area of a hospital or in