Treatment FAQ

which of the following procedures could be used in the treatment of cataracts?

by Marion Hettinger MD Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Procedures

Short-Term Effects When nicotine enters the body, it initially causes the adrenal glands to release a hormone called adrenaline, which stimulates the body and gives it a pleasurable “kick.” But the rush of adrenaline also causes the following: increased blood pressure increased heart rate faster breathing Long-Term Effects

Nutrition

Natural Remedies for Cataracts

  • Alpha Lipoic Acid. During the last two years I have been testing the effects of nutrients on my glaucoma and cataracts (not for my myopia and accommodation which have improved ...
  • Astaxanthin. ...
  • Can-C (N-Acetylcarnosine Drops) I had a cataract in my right eye-tried every drop there is. ...
  • Carnosine. ...
  • Castor Oil. ...

What are the short and long term effects of cataracts?

Signs and symptoms of cataracts include:

  • Clouded, blurred or dim vision
  • Increasing difficulty with vision at night
  • Sensitivity to light and glare
  • Need for brighter light for reading and other activities
  • Seeing "halos" around lights
  • Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription
  • Fading or yellowing of colors
  • Double vision in a single eye

How to reverse your cataracts naturally?

There are no natural cures for cataracts, although medical researchers are looking at nonsurgical approaches. Here are some of the “natural” cures touted to work, but that you should avoid. Work with a medical professional instead.

What is Stage 3 cataract?

Can you cure cataracts naturally without surgery?

What treatment is used for cataracts?

What's the Treatment? Surgery is the only way to treat cataracts, but you may not need it right away. If you catch the problem at an early stage, you might be able to get by with a new prescription for your glasses. A stronger lens can make your vision better for a while.

What are the 3 types of cataract surgery?

3 Main Types of Lens Implants for Cataract SurgeryMonofocal lens. These are the standard types of IOL implants used for patients who are having cataract removal. ... Toric lens. Toric lens are designed to correct the for nearsightedness with astigmatism or farsightedness with astigmatism. ... Multifocal and Accommodating lenses.

What is the most common cataract surgery?

Small-incision cataract surgery is the most common type of cataract removal. The eye surgeon makes a very small opening on the eye, next to the outer corner. A tiny probe gives off ultrasound waves to dissolve the core, hard part of the cloudy lens.

What is the procedure for cataract surgery?

During cataract surgery, the clouded lens is removed, and a clear artificial lens is usually implanted. In some cases, however, a cataract may be removed without implanting an artificial lens. Surgical methods used to remove cataracts include: Using an ultrasound probe to break up the lens for removal.

What is the name of cataract surgery?

i) Phacoemulsification This cataract procedure requires a small surgical incision around the edge of the cornea, creating an opening through the membrane surrounding the lens.

Is laser surgery better for cataracts?

Both methods are extremely successful and safe.” To translate that into simpler terms, on average, the evidence suggests that patients who have laser-assisted cataract surgery tend to see about as well as patients who have traditional cataract surgery. Not significantly better, or worse.

Can cataract surgery be done by laser?

In laser cataract surgery, a laser is used to make the incision and lens opening and to fragment the lens," explained Dr. Horne. “It creates a more reliable, repeatable, precise incision than a surgeon can do by hand. Even a very good surgeon can't make a perfectly circular opening as precisely as a laser can.”

Why does cataract surgery not improve vision?

Occasionally, cataract surgery fails to improve vision because of underlying eye damage from other conditions, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration. If possible, it may be beneficial to evaluate and treat other eye problems before making the decision to have cataract surgery.

How long does cataract surgery take?

Cataract surgery, usually an outpatient procedure, takes an hour or less to perform. First, your doctor will place eyedrops in your eye to dilate your pupil. You'll receive local anesthetics to numb the area, and you may be given a sedative to help you relax.

What is the procedure called to close a tiny incision in the cornea?

Stitches may be used to close the tiny incision in your cornea at the completion of the procedure. Making an incision in the eye and removing the lens in one piece. A less frequently used procedure called extracapsular cataract extraction requires a larger incision than that used for phacoemulsification.

Why is my vision blurry?

Normal vision (left) becomes blurred as a cataract forms (right). Cataract surgery is performed to treat cataracts. Cataracts can cause blurry vision and increase the glare from lights. If a cataract makes it difficult for you to carry out your normal activities, your doctor may suggest cataract surgery.

Why does cataract surgery fail?

Your risk of complications is greater if you have another eye disease or a serious medical condition. Occasionally, cataract surgery fails to improve vision because of underlying eye damage from other conditions, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration.

How long does it take for cataracts to heal?

You'll usually see your eye doctor a day or two after your surgery, the following week, and then again after about a month to monitor healing. It's normal to feel itching and mild discomfort for a couple of days after surgery.

What is the procedure for PCO?

PCO is treated with a painless, five-minute outpatient procedure called yttrium-aluminum-garnet ( YAG) laser capsulotomy.

What are the advantages of cataract surgery?

The benefits of traditional, or manual, cataract surgery are similar to LACS overall. Fast healing time will occur with a skilled surgeon just like it would with a programmed laser. There is a similar risk of complications like scars between the procedures.

What is the incision for cataract surgery?

There are two main incisions in cataract surgery: the arcuate or corneal incision, and the capsulorhexis or lens capsule incision.

What is the procedure called when a surgeon makes a small incision in the cornea?

Traditional cataract surgery: Also referred to as phacoemulsification, traditional cataract surgery involves a skilled surgeon making small incisions with a scalpel. First, the surgeon makes a very small incision in the cornea, so other instruments can make contact with the lens, which is behind the pupil.

What is FLACS surgery?

Studies of femtosecond-laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) find that the improved precision from lasers allows for very specific incisions in the cornea and lens capsule. If needed, these incisions are so precise that they can be repeated in follow-up surgeries. This procedure also reduces the amount of energy required for the ultrasound device to break up the lens for removal.

Why do optometrists recommend LACS?

For example, if you have an astigmatism, your optometrist or ophthalmologist may recommend LACS because the procedure can be used to correct the astigmatism while also treating the cataract. If you opt for a premium IOL like a multifocal lens, you may be offered LACS along with the upgraded lens.

What is the difference between cataract surgery and laser surgery?

There are two basic types of cataract surgery — traditional or phacoemulsification surgery, and laser-assisted surgery — which lead to the same outcome: removing the diseased lens and replacing it with an artificial lens . The main difference between the two procedures is the tools used.

What are the disadvantages of laser assisted cataract surgery?

Disadvantages Associated with Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery. There are a few disadvantages to LACS. It is expensive. This is true both for the patient, because insurance may not cover all of the procedure, and for the surgeon.

How to stop cataracts from advancing?

Reduce the Progression of Cataracts. The following are three of the most important steps you could take to reduce the progression of cataracts. Improve your diet Go on an organic diet. Avoid all preservatives, GMO foods, and sugar, especially high fructose corn syrup. Keep yourself hydrat ed – Cataracts are denatured lens protein (denatured = ...

How does microcurrent help with cataracts?

Microcurrent can be useful in reducing cataracts and improving visual function. The mechanism of microcurrent is to improve blood flow, increase cellular function, detoxify the eye, and reduce scar tissue. Pulse Electromagnetic Field is a type of microcurrent.

What causes cataracts as you age?

Ocular aging is accelerated by toxic stress, dehydration, and heavy metal poisoning. These things are also known to cause cataracts. Read on, to find out more about the cause of cataracts and contemporary treatment options.

What is light therapy?

Light Therapy. Light has an effect on the atomic, cellular, hormonal, and the autonomic nervous system. It has the ability to penetrate all the levels of the eye into the lens, to have a therapeutic effect. The College of Syntonics is a 73-year-old organization, that has studied the effects of light on the visual system.

What is the most important antioxidant in the eye?

L-Glutathione was added, as it may be the single most important antioxidant in the lens. Cysteine Ascorbate was developed to provide a water stable source of both Vitamin C (an important antioxidant in the eye) and L-Cysteine. L-Cysteine – used to regenerate or reduce oxidized L-Glutathione in the eye.

Can EDTA reverse cataracts?

His research shows that by removing certain metals with EDTA, diabetic cataracts could be reversed. Research has determined that transitional metal ions (metals that can produce a positive charge) play a role in the development of oxidative stress, resulting in pathology such as cataracts.

Is it worth considering cataracts?

There are many options for treatment of cataracts worth considering. Although cataracts affect a large population, similarly, it’s important to find the right treatment for you. Additionally, there are several different types of cataracts you might want to take into consideration when deciding on treatment plans.

How to prevent cataracts from forming?

There is no known way to prevent cataracts from forming but wearing sunglasses and quitting smoking can help slow down their development. Currently, surgery to remove the lens and replace it with a synthetic one is the only treatment option available. This article outlines the two different types of cataract surgery available.

What is cataracts in the eye?

Risks and complications. Outlook. Takeaway. Cataracts are cloudy or opaque areas on the lens of the eye. These cloudy areas may affect a person’s vision. Cataracts are slow forming. They usually develop in people aged 55 years and older, though younger people can also develop cataracts.

What is extracapsular surgery?

Extracapsular surgery. Extracapsular surgery involves making a large incision in the cornea. This allows the surgeon to remove the lens in one piece. As with SICS, they leave the lens capsule in place to support the new, artificial lens.

What is the procedure called when you insert a probe through the cornea?

Small incision cataract surgery (SICS) is the more common of the two procedures. SICS involves making a tiny incision into the cornea, which is the outermost layer of the eye. The cornea is the dome-shaped part of the eye that sits in front of the lens. A surgeon then inserts a probe through the incision into the cornea.

Why do surgeons bandage their eyes?

The surgeon may have bandaged their eyes to help aid their recovery. Once at home, a person should focus on preventing their eyes from becoming infected. They should avoid getting water in their eyes and should apply any eye drops as prescribed by their surgeon or doctor.

What to ask before surgery?

Preparing for surgery. Before surgery, the doctor will ask the person about any medications they are taking. A person may need to stop taking certain medications on or before the day of the surgery. A doctor will outline which drugs a person should stop taking and may provide alternatives.

Can cataracts cause vision loss?

Cataracts tend to be slow forming, causing very gradual worsening of vision. Surgery is usually only necessary when a person’s vision loss interferes with their everyday activities, such as reading or driving. A person who has cataracts should talk to their doctor to find out if and when they may need surgery.

Why is cataract called cataract?

The name cataract comes from the term for "huge waterfall," which is how some people describe their clouded sight: like trying to look through a waterfall.

What age do cataracts appear?

Cataracts are usually an age-related condition. They first appear in the 40s or 50s, but may not affect vision until much later. Some cataracts are caused by an injury to the eye, long-term diabetes, the use of corticosteroid medications, or radiation treatment.

How do you know if you have cataracts?

Cataracts typically do not cause any symptoms until they have grown large enough to interfere with vision. Symptoms include: 1 cloudy or blurry vision 2 double vision 3 colors appear faded 4 seeing halos around lights 5 increased sensitivity to glare

Does cataract surgery help with vision?

Cataract surgery improves the vision of most — but not all — people who have it. In some people, the surgery causes posterior capsule opacification, in which the part of the eye behind the artificial lens becomes cloudy. This can be corrected with laser surgery.

Can cataracts be corrected with glasses?

People with cataracts can use eyeglasses, magnifying lenses, or stronger lighting to help improve their vision. But the only way to cure a cataract is with surgery. Before going ahead with surgery, it's important to weigh how bad your vision is against the small risk of surgery and the likelihood that it will improve your vision.

How to slow down cataracts?

One of the simplest ways to slow down cataract development is to quit smoking. It isn’t easy, but quitting can be very beneficial for your eye health — and overall health. All forms of smoking or ingesting tobacco apply, including things like vape pens and chewing tobacco.

What is the IOL lens?

This new lens — called an intraocular lens (IOL) — will usually provide you the same clear vision you had before cataracts developed. Fortunately, modern forms of cataract surgery have a low risk of complications. In addition to traditional procedures, laser cataract surgery can further improve upon success rates.

Can glasses help with cataracts?

Glasses for cataracts. Glasses can’t treat a cataract itself, but they can help ease some of your symptoms in the meantime. One type of cataract can make people more nearsighted, regardless of whether they were already nearsighted or not. The primary symptom is blurry vision when you’re looking at something far away.

Is cataract surgery the only treatment?

Cataract surgery. Surgery is currently the only method of cataract treatment. In the U.S. alone, millions of patients undergo successful cataract surgeries every year. In the early stages of cataracts, you may experience mild blurry vision or cloudiness. These effects slowly worsen as a cataract progresses over time.

Can cataracts worsen over time?

These effects slowly worsen as a cataract progresses over time. Once cataracts have a significant impact on your vision, an eye doctor will likely recommend surgery as the next step. Cataract surgery replaces the cloudy lens inside your eye with a clear, artificial lens.

Can cataract surgery be done?

Surgery is the only way to medically remove a cataract and treat the effect on your eyesight. But there are ways you can treat the symptoms of cataracts, especially during the early stages of development. While non-surgical “treatments” won’t remove a cataract, they may be able to improve your visual comfort and quality of life for a period ...

Does laser cataract surgery hurt?

In addition to traditional procedures, laser cataract surgery can further improve upon success rates. A patient is completely relaxed and does not feel pain during any of these outpatient procedures. SEE RELATED: Learn more about cataract surgery.

What is laser cataract surgery?

Laser cataract surgery is an outpatient surgical procedure in which a cataract—a cloudy lens in the eye—is removed and replaced with an artificial lens to restore clear vision. There are several steps in this procedure, and they are all done with a laser device:

How long does it take to recover from cataract surgery?

Recovery. Generally, healing after laser cataract surgery takes several weeks, but you may be able to see clearly within a few days after your procedure. You might be able to drive within the first week, but wait for your doctor to give you the green light before getting behind the wheel.

Where do you make a small incision for cataract surgery?

Your ophthalmologist will make a small incision in the periphery of your cornea with the laser.

Can cataract surgery cause eye damage?

Adverse effects of surgery include bleeding, swelling, infection, or damage to the eye. Vision can be permanently affected if these complications are not effectively and promptly treated. Sometimes, a secondary cataract can develop several months after cataract surgery, potentially requiring treatment.

Can you get cataracts in your other eye?

You can develop a cataract in your other eye or you can develop a different type of recurrent cataract in your surgical eye called a secondary cataract. If that happens, you would have to discuss your treatment options with your doctor.

Can you have cataract surgery with laser?

You can't have laser-assisted cataract surgery if you have had previous corneal or glaucoma surgery. 3. Likewise, you cannot have laser-assisted cataract surgery if you have scarring in your eyes or problems with the function of your pupils .

Does multifocal lens surgery reduce the need for corrective eyeglasses?

This reduces the risk of complications, such as damage to the capsule, bleeding, or retinal detachment. 3 . Multifocal lens implants may lessen the dependence on corrective eyeglasses after surgery. The selection of a laser method instead of a traditional method is not always obvious.

Why do cataracts occur?

They can also occur because of blunt trauma or as a complication of diabetes mellitus.

What is the best way to detect cataracts?

Yearly eye examinations. Independent of any risk factors, evidence-based practice suggests that yearly eye exams are the best way to detect developing cataracts and other areas of concern. John, a 50-year-old male, arrives at the clinic for a vision screening.

What is the position of the head of the bed during cataract surgery?

He or she also positions the head of the bed at a 30 to 45 degree angle and places the patient on his or her back. This positioning promotes drainage to prevent any increase in intraocular pressure.

What medication is used to dilate Tom's eye?

In preparation for surgical correction of Tom's cataract, the healthcare provider orders a medication that will help dilate the eye. Mydriatic. Mydriatic medications help to dilate the eye. It is Tom's understanding that he will receive eye drops to paralyze the ciliary muscles so the eye will remain dilated.

Why do you wear an eye patch after a cataract surgery?

After the procedure, the patient will wear an eye patch to provide protection, minimize eye movement, and decrease discomfort. The nurse will teach the patient how to administer postoperative eyedrops, making sure to demonstrate sterile technique.

How long after cataract surgery can you sneeze?

The patient will receive detailed postoperative instructions for the 24 to 48 hour period following the surgery. These usually include not rubbing or touching the eye, avoiding eye strain, preventing constipation, and avoiding sneezing, coughing, bending over, vomiting, or lifting objects heavier than 5 pounds.

Can cataracts cause blurred vision?

They may have difficulty with regular daily activities because of these effects on vision. In order to determine whether a cataract is present, the nurse should assess the patient's visual acuity as well as his or her reports of blurred vision, double vision in one eye, and/or difficulty with night vision.

What are the effects of cataract surgery?

Many cataract patients experience “unwanted visual images” after surgery, also known as dyphotopsia. Glare, halos and streaks of light are examples of positive dysphotopsia. They occur more frequently at night or in dim lighting, and are more common with multifocal lenses. These effects can be more noticeable in between surgery on the first and second eye. Residual refractive error can also cause positive dysphotopsia, and the right glasses prescription will correct it. Other times, PCO can be the culprit, and YAG laser treatment can resolve the issue.

How long does it take for a cataract to heal?

This is a normal sensation caused by the small incision in your eye, and it should heal within a week or so. If you have dry eye, the discomfort may last longer—up to three months. Some cataract patients require a stitch or suture in the eye during surgery. This shouldn’t bother you, but occasionally the suture needs to be removed after surgery.

Why is my vision blurry after cataract surgery?

Sometimes blurry vision is caused by PCO, a fairly common complication that can occur weeks, months or (more frequently) years after cataract surgery. It happens when the lens capsule, the membrane that holds your new, intraocular lens in place, becomes hazy or wrinkled and starts to cloud vision.

Why do my eyes squint after cataract surgery?

But if your eyes reflexively squint or close with light exposure, it could be a signal of inflammation in the eye, or iritis.

How long does it take for a tear to heal after cataract surgery?

The nerves generally will heal in about three months, but until then, your eye may not feel when it is dry and decrease tear production. If you had dry eye before your surgery, you may experience even more dryness afterward. Dry eye can cause discomfort, light sensitivity and/or blurry vision.

How many people have cataract surgery each year?

Serious complications are rare among the 4 million U.S. cataract patients who have surgery each year. Although the recovery process is different for everyone, there are some issues that people commonly encounter in the days after surgery, as the eyes heal. Here are 10 problems you might experience after cataract surgery, ...

What causes blurry vision?

Other causes of ongoing blurry vision include residual refractive error (your eyes still need some additional correction with glasses), dry eye or Posterior capsule opacity (PCO).

Overview

Why It's Done

Risks

How You Prepare

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Sanyukta Joshi
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Cataracts can be removed completely through surgery.
Procedures

Cataract surgery: Replacing the natural lens of the eye with an artificial lens or intraocular lens (IOL).

Nutrition

There are no specific foods proven to help cataract but certain foods can help maintain general eye health.

Foods to eat:

  • Beta - carotene containing foods such as carrots
  • Vitamin C containing foods such as oranges, mangoes, lemons and grapefruit
  • Vitamin A rich foods such as spinach, green vegetables

Foods to avoid:

  • NA

Specialist to consult

Ophthalmologist
Specializes in the medical and surgical care of the eyes.

What You Can Expect

Image
Cataract surgery is a procedure to remove the lens of your eye and, in most cases, replace it with an artificial lens. Normally, the lens of your eye is clear. A cataract causes the lens to become cloudy, which eventually affects your vision. Cataract surgery is performed by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) on an outpatient basis, …
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Results

  • Cataract surgery is performed to treat cataracts. Cataracts can cause blurry vision and increase the glare from lights. If a cataract makes it difficult for you to carry out your normal activities, your doctor may suggest cataract surgery. When a cataract interferes with the treatment of another eye problem, cataract surgery may be recommended. For example, doctors may recommend cat…
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Clinical Trials

  • Complications after cataract surgery are uncommon, and most can be treated successfully. Cataract surgery risks include: 1. Inflammation 2. Infection 3. Bleeding 4. Swelling 5. Drooping eyelid 6. Dislocation of artificial lens 7. Retinal detachment 8. Glaucoma 9. Secondary cataract 10. Loss of vision Your risk of complications is greater if you have another eye disease or a serious …
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