Finding a Good Cataract Surgeon
According to the World Health Organization, one in every six Americans age 40 and over could lose their eyesight to cataracts. By the age of 80, more than half of all Americans have had the disease, and cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world.
Cataracts Symptoms
Cataracts are caused by cloudiness in the lens located behind the iris and pupil. Protein starts clumping together inside the eye's lens interfering with patient's vision. The initial symptoms can sneak up on you with something as common as needing more light to read a book. Other symptoms include double vision or problems with glare from car headlights. As the cloudiness increases, so do the symptoms eventually leading to blindness if treatment is delayed.
Most eye diseases, including cataracts, can be detected by yearly eye exams. If a patient is diagnosed with the disease, finding the right cataract surgeon is the most important decision he/she can make.
Choosing a Cataracts Surgeon
It is important to be thorough in selecting a cataracts surgeon that is right for you. Here are some guidelines:
· Your doctor should be a part of the cataracts surgery from beginning to end. From the preoperative exam to the follow-up visits.
· Make sure your cataracts surgeon thoroughly explains all your options and possible risks of the surgery.
· Pick a doctor who is willing to patiently and thoroughly answer all of your questions.
· Ask trusted friends and relatives for recommendations.
· Visit the doctor's office and get a feel for the environment, staff and his/her communication skills.
· Ask for the doctor's experience, credentials and patient testimonials.
· Educate yourself on cataracts and come armed with lots of questions.
Cataract Causes
Aging is the most common cause of cataracts. Other possible causes include:
· Diabetes
· Alcohol Use
· Steroids
· Extended exposure to ultraviolet rays
Treatment
Some patients can be treated with glasses or bifocals. For more advanced cases, surgical removal of the cataracts is necessary. The clouded lens is then replaced by a clear artificial lens. There are several variations of removal and replacement surgeries.
The surgery is usually performed under a local anesthesia and takes less than an hour.
Cataracts Symptoms
Cataracts are caused by cloudiness in the lens located behind the iris and pupil. Protein starts clumping together inside the eye's lens interfering with patient's vision. The initial symptoms can sneak up on you with something as common as needing more light to read a book. Other symptoms include double vision or problems with glare from car headlights. As the cloudiness increases, so do the symptoms eventually leading to blindness if treatment is delayed.
Most eye diseases, including cataracts, can be detected by yearly eye exams. If a patient is diagnosed with the disease, finding the right cataract surgeon is the most important decision he/she can make.
Choosing a Cataracts Surgeon
It is important to be thorough in selecting a cataracts surgeon that is right for you. Here are some guidelines:
· Your doctor should be a part of the cataracts surgery from beginning to end. From the preoperative exam to the follow-up visits.
· Make sure your cataracts surgeon thoroughly explains all your options and possible risks of the surgery.
· Pick a doctor who is willing to patiently and thoroughly answer all of your questions.
· Ask trusted friends and relatives for recommendations.
· Visit the doctor's office and get a feel for the environment, staff and his/her communication skills.
· Ask for the doctor's experience, credentials and patient testimonials.
· Educate yourself on cataracts and come armed with lots of questions.
Cataract Causes
Aging is the most common cause of cataracts. Other possible causes include:
· Diabetes
· Alcohol Use
· Steroids
· Extended exposure to ultraviolet rays
Treatment
Some patients can be treated with glasses or bifocals. For more advanced cases, surgical removal of the cataracts is necessary. The clouded lens is then replaced by a clear artificial lens. There are several variations of removal and replacement surgeries.
The surgery is usually performed under a local anesthesia and takes less than an hour.
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