When Should an Individual Have Cataract Surgery?

By Tina D. Turner, M.D.

Treatment: Surgical Removal

To date, no medication or eye drop has been proven to prevent or reverse cataract formation. If a cataract is causing nearsightedness or a change in an individual's prescription, new prescription eyeglasses can help improve blurred vision. The only treatment for a cataract, however, is surgical removal of the natural lens.

When to Remove? Sooner or Later?

A cataract should not be removed simply because it is present. Many people have cataracts that do not cause blurred vision, interfere with activities of daily living, or otherwise prevent them from leading active and productive lives. In such cases, these individuals should not undergo unnecessary surgery to remove their cataracts.
However, if an individual has blurred vision that makes it difficult to read print or read signs while driving; has disabling glare while driving at night; or has difficulty engaging in hobbies such as knitting, crocheting, or card games, it is time to consider cataract surgery.
In short, if an individual has a cataract and resultant blurred vision that makes it difficult to do anything he or she wants and needs to do, it is time to consider cataract surgery.
If there are cataracts in both eyes that require surgery, the surgeries are usually performed several weeks apart. Cataract surgery on both eyes at the same time is not recommended because there is a possibility of complications affecting both eyes; the most worrisome is infection.

What can I do to protect my vision?

Wearing sunglasses and a hat with a brim to block ultraviolet sunlight may help to delay cataract. If you smoke, stop. Researchers also believe good nutrition can help reduce the risk of age-related cataract.

 DON'T DO SURYA NAMASKAR -IT WILL DAMAGE YOUR EYE

 A cataract needs to be removed only when vision loss interferes with your everyday activities, such as driving, reading, or watching TV. You and your eye care professional can make this decision together. Once you understand the benefits and risks of surgery, you can make an informed decision about whether cataract surgery is right for you. In most cases, delaying cataract surgery will not cause long-term damage to your eye or make the surgery more difficult. You do not have to rush into surgery

What are the symptoms of a cataract?

The most common symptoms of a cataract are:

• Cloudy or blurry vision.
• Colors seem faded.
• Glare. Headlights, lamps, or sunlight may appear too bright. A halo may appear around lights.
• Poor night vision.
• Double vision or multiple images in one eye. (This symptom may clear as the cataract gets larger.)
• Frequent prescription changes in your eyeglasses or contact lenses.

These symptoms also can be a sign of other eye problems. If you have any of these symptoms, check with your eye care professional.

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Cataracts after LASIK

If you developed early cataracts after LASIK, are facing cataract surgery after LASIK, or experienced a poor outcome from cataract surgery after LASIK, you are invited to join the discussion on FaceBook

Most eye surgeries, including LASIK, carry risk of cataracts. Anecdotal reports of cataracts shortly after LASIK, even in relatively young patients, suggest a cause and effect relationship. Moreover, steriod drops routinely prescribed after LASIK may hasten the onset of cataracts.
Patients with signs of cataracts before LASIK should not have LASIK because vision may be corrected with the intraocular lens used for cataract surgery. Ironically, after LASIK the altered corneal surface causes inaccurate measurement of the intraocular lens power for cataract surgery.

This means that patients who have LASIK surgery and later develop cataracts may be right back in glasses after cataract surgery -- or worse, subjected to the inherent risks of multiple surgeries. 


What should you do if you have had LASIK? Print this form (K-card) and have it completed by your LASIK surgeon, and then place it with your important records for safekeeping. Do not delay, as medical records may be destroyed after five years in some states. Read more about the importance of the K-card below.

Facing cataract surgery after LASIK? Request your LASIK medical records from the surgeon (alternatively, you can print this form (K-card), and have it completed by your LASIK surgeon) and take them with you to the cataract surgeon.

WARNING: Do not fall for the marketing hype surrounding "multi-focal", "accomodating", or "premium" intraocular lenses. Patients who have previously undergone RK or laser eye surgery may not be happy with their vision with these so-called "premium lenses". The cataract surgeon may try to UPSELL you a premium lens to put more money in his pocket, but you may be happier with a conventional cataract lens.

Cataracts

About

Symptoms

Requires a medical diagnosis

The main symptom is blurry vision. Having cataracts can be like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window.

People may experience:

Visual: blurred vision, double vision, inability to see in dim light, seeing halos around lights, sensitivity to light, or vision loss

Consult a doctor for medical advice

Sources: Apollo Hospitals and others. Learn more

 

IN INDIAN CITIES:-

SOME EYE SURGEONS ACT LIKE SHOP SALE ASSISTANTS ;HURRYING PEOPLE WITH NO SYMPTOMS TO DO CATARACT SURGERY{ UPSELL} FOR FILLING THEIR  POCKET.

 SUCH GRABBY ,GREEDY DOCTORS SHOULD BE CATEGORISED ALONG WITH THIEVES AND ROBBERS

Grabby | Definition of Grabby by Merriam-Webster

www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grabby

Define grabby: tending to take things in a quick and selfish way—grabby in a sentence.