Prevention of Blindness Society...

MACULAR DEGENERATION NETWORK NEWS

DECEMBER 1999

Cataracts

Attendees at Virginia’s Older Eye Network, held at the Fairfax County Government Center, on November 11^th received a thorough discussion of cataracts by Drs. Mark and Richard Falls.

Richard Falls, M.D. stated that there are 1.3 million cataract treatments performed each year. If we all live long enough, we will have cataracts. Aging is a cause of cataracts, along with metabolic changes (diabetes), injury, family history, and previous surgery. To lower your risk of cataracts, always wear sunglasses while outside. Sun is a big factor in cataract development.

Mark Falls, M.D. explained that cataracts are NOT cancer, nor a film on the eye, nor caused from straining. Cataracts are similar to having frost on a windshield. It clouds vision, so when it becomes difficult to live with, cataract treatment is in order. Each patient’s indication for surgery is different.

The treatment is done as an outpatient, using local anesthesia, but it is still a surgery. It is usually a highly successful one—97-98% see better after cataract surgery.

The incision in the eye continues to get smaller. Currently, a 3mm incision is made to insert a foldable lens, 6mm in size, to replace the clouded lens. The smaller the incision, the faster the recovery and less trauma. Thirty-five percent will see a haze after having cataract surgery. A YAG laser will correct this.

© 2000 Prevention of Blindness Society of the Metropolitan Area, Washington, DC. All Rights Reserved.