Nonsurgical Treatment Option for Cataracts

When the crystal lens of the eye has lost its clarity, how shall it be made clear again? And if it does not admit the light of the world, what good is it?

Traditionally, the only treatment available for the obscuring of the eye's lenses with cataracts was the removal of the lens. This procedure has been practiced in some form or another since the 5th century BC. Early cataract procedures merely pushed the lens out of the way using a stick, called "couching." This was later improved to breaking the lens up into smaller pieces so it could be absorbed. Finally in 1748, the first successful lens removal was performed, though anesthesia was not added to the procedure for another century. Since the 1960s the implantation of intraocular lenses to replace the removed lens has allowed people to have very good vision after cataract surgery, but there still exists no nonsurgical option for treating cataracts without removing the eye's clear lens.

Now, though, such a treatment may be on the horizon. Researchers at Glostrup Hospital of the University of Copenhagen have reported using femtosecond lasers in the infra-red range to bleach the cloudy lens of the eye. They reported that treated areas showed a lightening of cataracts and an increased transmission of light equivalent to an optical rejuvenation of 3 to 7 years.

Although the technology is a long way from seeing clinical application, the researchers imagine it could make a huge difference in parts of the world where access to cataract surgery is very limited. Treatments could be performed by a mobile automated cataract clinic that could travel to isolated villages to perform cataract surgery without the need for an extensive surgical suite, a skilled cataract surgeon, and support staff.

Until this procedure becomes available, though, cataract surgery remains the only viable treatment option for a cloudy lens. If your vision is being impacted by cataracts, you should talk to a local ophthalmologist to learn more about corrective surgery.

Study Shows Moderate Alcohol Consumption May Prevent Cataracts and Macular Degeneration

A study involving more than 3,600 Australians has demonstrated evidence supporting the positive effects of moderate alcohol consumption in relation to cataracts and macular degeneration.

When factors such as age, smoking, and diabetes were controlled for, people who consume one to two drinks daily were 50% less likely to require cataract surgery than both heavy drinkers and non-drinkers. Similarly, evidence indicated that one glass of red wine each day can help lower the risk of macular degeneration.

Cataracts are a clouding of your eye's lens. They develop gradually over time. At first, you may not notice a substantial difference in your vision. However, as the number of cataracts in your eye increases, you will start experiencing increasingly deteriorated vision. The condition is easily treated by cataract surgery, which involves removing your eye's clouded natural lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens.

Macular degeneration is caused by deterioration of the retina. Over time, it can result in significant vision impairment. While there is no cure for the condition, it can be treated with vitamins, laser therapy, and medication.

Please contact the LASIK Directory today to find an experienced ophthalmologist in your area.

Florence Henderson Takes on Task of Cataract Awareness

Florence Henderson, best known for her role as Carol Brady on the popular sitcom "The Brady Bunch," has recently teamed up with Bausch & Lomb to spread awareness of cataracts to elderly Americans. Henderson recently had cataract surgery performed, opting for the Crystalens accommodating intraocular lens (IOL). She plans to share her experiences with others in the hopes of creating a greater awareness of the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment methods available to cataracts patients.

Crystalens is the only accommodating IOL approved by the FDA. The primary advantage of an accommodating IOL is that it corrects a full range of vision issues. As a result, the patient is substantially less likely to need glasses following cataract surgery.

More than 20 million Americans over the age of 40 suffer from cataracts. It is one of the leading causes of blindness among elderly Americans. Cataracts are essentially a clouding of the eye's lens, which results in a diminished ability to see clearly.

Ms. Henderson has been thrilled with the results of her treatment: "I didn't realize what I had been missing before I had my Crystalens surgery. The colors of everything are so much brighter and the improved sharpness and clarity of my vision are very noticeable."

Please contact the LASIK Directory today to find an experienced ophthalmologist in your area.

Implantable Contact Lenses

Implantable contact lenses offer patients another option to correct refractive errors in their vision. The procedure is very safe and has been around for more than 15 years, although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only approved it for use in the United States a few years ago.

There are many people who are not ideal candidates for LASIK surgery due to overly thin corneas, abnormally shaped corneas, or having too strong of a prescription. Implantable contact lenses provide patients who cannot undergo LASIK with an ability to correct their vision and get rid of their glasses or contacts once and for all.

Implantable contact lenses are made from an organic collagen-based protein material called Collamer. They are thin, pliable, and undetectable to others once placed in your eye. Since they are permanently implanted in your eye, they reduce the risk of infection commonly associated with regular contact lenses.

The procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis and takes about 30 minutes to complete. It is similar to cataract surgery, except you will not have your natural lens removed. Patients are awake throughout the entire procedure and are given a topical anesthetic to numb the eye. Your ophthalmologist will make an incision three millimeters wide in your cornea. The implantable contact lens will then be inserted into your eye. It is placed behind the iris and in front of your eye's natural lens.

The healing process takes about a month. Patients generally see an improvement in their vision within a few hours. You will not require stitches for the incision, and you will be able to return to work the next day. You will need to use eye drops for approximately three weeks after having surgery.

You can use the links at the bottom of this page to find a qualified ophthalmologist in your area.

New Procedure Improves Effectiveness of Cataract Surgery

Cataracts are a common vision problem, affecting millions of Americans over the age of 50. Surgery is required to correct the issue, and if cataracts are left untreated, you run a serious risk of blindness. Approximately three million Americans undergo cataract surgery each year.

Unfortunately, traditional cataract surgery does not correct refractive errors that existed before your surgery. Almost two-thirds or cataract patients still require corrective lenses to see properly after their cataract surgery.

When you develop cataracts, your eye's lens becomes cloudy, impairing your vision. Over time, your vision will progressively deteriorate until you become blind. In traditional cataract surgery, a fixed intraocular lens is implanted into your eye to replace your natural lens that has started deteriorating. After the surgery, any refractive error you previously had will still exist.

Fortunately, there is a new procedure being clinically tested which can correct all of your vision problems during your cataract surgery. This new procedure uses a different type of intraocular lens that is made out of photosensitive silicone. The lens changes shape as light hits it, which helps to accommodate for any nearsightedness or farsightedness issues you may also experience. As a result, your refractive error can be corrected as part of the procedure.

The light adjustable lens can be custom-made for your eye, enabling you to get rid of your glasses or contacts after the procedure. Once approved by the FDA, this new lens may revolutionize cataract surgery.

You can use the links at the bottom of this page to find a qualified ophthalmologist in your area.