Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Common Myths about Cataracts & Cataract Surgery

Many people in the United States assume that cataracts only plague the elderly. However, it is important to recognize the signs & take preventative measures against cataracts at a much earlier age than you might suspect. Some men & women in their 40s, 50s, & even 30s may experience some vision abnormalities due to cataracts without knowing the cause. If the problem persists, cataract surgery may be necessary in order to save the patients’ vision.

In Las Vegas cataract surgery  is very common and has progressed greatly since the older days. Now with newer technology, the surgery takes less than an hour and is minimally-invasive, so healing takes much less time. Still thousands of Americans suffer from cataracts without knowing what they are, why they appeared, & how or when they need to be removed.

A cataract is the clouding of the natural clear lens inside the eye. Symptoms include blurred vision, difficulty with glare and other visual changes. A Las Vegas Cataract Surgeon described vision with cataracts as looking through a dirty windshield.

The truth is, almost everyone will have some type of vision loss due to aging. The natural lens is mostly made of water and protein arranged in a way that keeps the lens clear and lets light pass through it so that we can see clearly. As we age, some of the protein can clump together and start to cloud the lens. This is a cataract, and if it is left untreated, it expands in size, it makes it harder to see. Early-stage cataracts are generally treated with glasses, however if a cataract fully clouds the lens, surgery is usually required.

In Las Vegas cataract surgeons have refined techniques for removing mature, or “ripe” cataracts easily. Intravenous sedation is given for relaxation & the eye is anesthetized. The cataract surgery is done through a tiny incision of about 2 mm. The old, clouded lens is removed and replaced with a new intraocular lens that can correct and restore vision. Older patients may still need reading glasses, though some opt for multifocal intraocular lenses that can address near, intermediate and far distances simultaneously, in order to eliminate the need for glasses.

Cataract myths have been around for ages, though you cannot always trust what you hear. Some common myths include:
  • Eye drops or vitamins can cure cataracts. False! Surgery is the only cure for cataracts.
  • Recovery is long. False! Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure with many patients experiencing better vision within two days
  • Lasers are used. False! It is actually ultrasound energy which is used to loosen and remove cataracts.
  • Suturing is required. False! There are no sutures - the lens is replaced and the eye heals naturally.
  • Cataracts only occur in older people. False! They can form at any age.
You will still need to wear glasses after surgery. False! If you choose a multifocal intraocular lens, you may not need to.

For More Informative Details You Can Visit the Site:
http://www.drhiss.com/las-vegas-lasik-surgery-center.htm