Eye Care Of Oklahoma (Map & Hours)
2909 South Telephone Road
Moore, OK 73160
Phone: 405.799.7510
Satellite Office
100 Maxwell Drive and Hwy. 77
Pauls Valley, OK 73075
Cataract FAQ
What is a Cataract?
The amount and pattern of cloudiness within the lens can vary. If the cloudiness is not near the center of the lens, you may not be aware that a cataract is present.
How is a Cataract Detected?
A thorough eye examination by your eye doctor can detect the presence and extent of a cataract, as well as any other conditions that may be causing blurred vision or other symptoms.
There may be other reasons for visual loss in addition to the cataract, particularly problems involving the retina or optic nerve. If these problems are present, removal of the cataract may improve vision, but perfect sight may not be possible.
If such conditions are severe, removal of the cataract may not result in any improvement in vision. Your eye doctor can tell you how much visual improvement is likely.
How Fast Does a Cataract Develop?
How quickly the cataract develops varies among individuals, and may vary even between the two eyes. Most age-related cataracts progress gradually over a period of years.
Other cataracts, especially younger people and people with diabetes, may progress rapidly over a few months. It is not possible to predict exactly how fast the cataracts will develop in any person.
How is Cataract Treated?
Surgery is the only way a cataract can be removed. Laser can not remove a cataract. If symptoms from a cataract are mild, a change of glasses may be all that is needed for you to function more comfortably.
There are no medications, dietary supplements, or exercises that have been shown to prevent or cure cataracts.
Protection from excessive sunlight my help prevent or slow the progression of cataracts. Sunglasses that screen out ultraviolet (UV) light rays or regular eyeglasses with a clear, anti-UV coating offer this protection.
When Should Surgery be Done?
Cataract surgery should be considered when cataracts cause enough loss of vision to interfere with daily activities.
It is not true that cataracts need to be “ripe” before they can be removed. However, cataracts do not need to be removed until you are ready.
Cataract surgery can be performed when your visual needs require it. You must decide if you can see to do your job and drive safely or, if you can read and watch TV in comfort. Can you see well enough to perform daily tasks, such as cooking, shopping, yard work or taking medications without difficulty?
Based on your symptoms, you and your eye doctor should decide together when surgery is appropriate.
What Can I Expect From Cataract Surgery?
Over 1.4 million people have cataract surgery each year in the United States, and 95% of those surgeries are performed with no complications.
During cataract surgery, which is usually performed under local or topical anesthesia as an outpatient procedure, the cloudy lens is removed from the eye. In most cases, the focusing power of the natural lens is restored by replacing it with a permanent intra-ocular lens implant.
Your ophthalmologist performs this delicate surgery using a microscope, miniature instruments and other modern technology.
You will have to take eye drops your eye doctor directs and be seen for several follow-up visits to monitor the healing process.
Cataract surgery is a highly successful procedure. Improved vision is the result in over 95% of cases, unless there is a problem with the cornea, retina, optic nerve or other structures. It is important to understand that complications can occur during or after the surgery, some severe enough to limit vision. If you experience even the slightest problem after cataract surgery, your ophthalmologist will want to hear from you immediately.
Is Cataract Surgery Permanent?
Yes, you can never get another cataract. However, in some people who have cataract surgery, the natural capsule that supports the intra-ocular lens becomes cloudy later on. Laser surgery is used to open this cloudy capsule, restoring clear vision. This is a very minor procedure.
Conclusion
Cataracts are a common cause of poor vision, particularly for the elderly, but they are treatable. Your eye doctor can tell you whether cataract or some other problem is the cause for vision loss, and help you decide if cataract surgery is appropriate for you.
If you need an eye examination to evaluate the need for cataract surgery, please contact our office at 405-799-7510 to make an appointment. Most medical insurances include Medicare pay for these eye health examinations.
Following a thorough discussion with both patient and family regarding evaluation results, I either recommend or discourage cataract surgery.
Jay E. Leemaster, M.D.
LETTER FROM DR MAYES,
Cataract surgery is a mild surgery these days compared to 20 years ago. Many patients that I see are apprehensive to have surgery because they have heard horror stories from their parents or grandparents. Once they finally decide to have the surgery, they are amazed at how easy it was, how little discomfort they felt, and how great they now see!! Some patients cry as they tell me how wonderful it is to be able to read again or drive in daytime and nighttime settings.
Dr. Leemaster is well known for his successful cataract surgeries. He is a gentle surgeon and takes his time discussing his findings and treatment options to each patient. I am always confident my patients will come out of surgery with many positive things to say about the experience.
During post-operative examinations, we evaluate your vision, the health of the eye, the appearance of the intra-ocular lens implant, and discuss use of eye drops. We usually write a prescription for glasses in case they are needed for reading fine print or night driving. Some people wear them more often, but many do not need them as much as they did before surgery.
Lisa L. Mayes, O.D.