|
Dear Worried Patient,
Cataracts come in many
sizes and types... Your family doctor may have been talking
about a generalized browning of the originally crystalline
lens, something that happens as a result of living enough
years and being exposed therefore to a cumulative amount of
ultraviolet light (the same wavelengths that give us a
suntan also darken the lens of the eye)... Other types of
cataract result from certain medicines, and some health
conditions.
Generally speaking,
surgery is warranted when the patient's vision dims enough
that they do not see well enough to enjoy daily activities
such as reading or driving... About 20/40 is usually where
most people become motivated to seek a surgeons help.
Fortunately, we have
several excellent cataract surgeons in our community. Their
rate of complications is nearly zero, and general anesthesia
is not needed. Contrary to manyz layperson's impressions,
there is almost negligible concern for cardiac side-affects!
The recovery time is days with today's modern methods. I do
lots of co-management with surgeons, to make sure that any
complications are small and temporary.
|
