Don’t let Cataracts Slow You Down
New technology and treatments provide improved vision and quality of life safely .jpg)
Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world. Cataracts affect 20.5 million Americans age 40 and over. Fortunately, in the U.S., cataract surgery is safer and simpler than ever with results that can not only improve your vision but can potentially do so and eliminate your need or dependency on glasses.
Usually, cataracts develop slowly with little effect on vision. But as the cataract grows, vision becomes blurred, like looking through a cloudy lens or an impressionist painting. People with cataracts may become sensitive to bright light and develop glare or halos (especially with car lights at night). These changes in vision can affect your ability to read the paper, watch television, drive a car or to do everyday tasks such as seeing the price tags while grocery shopping.
Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure that typically takes less than 10 minutes. I perform the no needle, no stitch, no patch and no pain technique. For 40 years all cataract patients have received an implant which acts like a tiny contact lens inside the eye. Advances in implantable lenses have allowed me and other ophthalmologists to not only remove the cataract and restore vision. Many patients no longer require glasses or have their dependency significantly reduced. Multi-focal and accommodating implantable lenses offer the possibility of improved vision for near, far and middle range. There are a variety of lenses available and your doctor can help determine the best choice for your vision.
Because your vision is so important, it’s important that you know the benefits of cataract surgery as well as all your available options. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions regarding cataracts and implantable lenses. It’s important that you speak with your eye care professional regarding your specific condition and any other questions you have about the procedure.
- Is cataract surgery safe?
New advances and techniques have made cataract surgery one of the most successful and life-improving surgical procedures. In addition, cataract surgery is the most frequently performed surgical procedure in the U.S., with more than 1.6 million procedures performed each year.
- How long will I be in the hospital? Do you use a laser?
Cataract surgery is usually done as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia. In this procedure, your ophthalmologist makes a tiny incision through which he or she removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a permanent artificial lens. If you need cataracts removed from both eyes, surgery usually will be done on only one eye at a time. An uncomplicated cataract surgery lasts about 10 minutes but you may be at the doctor’s office for 90 minutes or longer to prepare and recover. Lasers are not currently used to remove cataracts.
- How well will I be able to see after the procedure? When will I be able to drive?
Advances in premium implantable lenses can drastically improve your vision following cataract surgery. Multi-focal and accommodating lenses offer the possibility of restoring near, moderate and distance vision. Other options can correct astigmatism. Many patients report improved vision the day of surgery but under normal circumstances, you can resume your normal life within the week after surgery (usually a day or two).
- I’ve noticed a change in my vision, when should I see my doctor?
You should schedule an appointment with your doctor if your symptoms have begun to interfere with your normal day-to-day routine. If you experience blurring or yellowing of vision, dull colors and/or strong glare when driving, it may be time to visit your eye doctor. They can help you determine if it is the right time for you to have cataract surgery.
- Does Medicare cover the cost of cataract surgery?
Yes, Medicare does cover the costs associated with cataract surgery. They do not cover the costs associated with premium implantable lenses.
Dr. Britt Brockman, managing partner of the John-Kenyon American Eye Institute, is a cataract, glaucoma and refractive surgery specialist with broad expertise in numerous ophthalmic medical and surgical procedures. He is also a registered pharmacist. Dr. Brockman has performed more than 20,000 cataract surgeries, is a regular lecturer on ocular issues and has been a researcher on numerous national drug studies. Dr. Brockman shows his dedication to serving the residents of Kentucky and Southern Indiana by driving more than 35,000 miles a year delivering quality eye care to patients in areas outside of the Louisville metro area.
Dr. Brockman is a graduate of the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy and the University of Louisville School of Medicine, where he was a recipient of the Thomas C. Calhoun Scholarship. An active member of the medical community, Dr. Brockman maintains memberships in the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and the American Board of Eye Surgery. In addition, Dr. Brockman was appointed in 2008 by Gov. Steve Beshear to the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees.