Suitable cataract candidates and conservative approach

Intro on what is cataracts (link to previous article) 

As mentioned in the previous article here(link) cataracts are another cause of vision impairment amongst the elderly. Cataracts appear as protein in the eye starts to degenerate due to age, which causes a cloudy appearance,  due to a protein deficiency in the eye which causes a cloudy or foggy appearance. This obstructs the vision of the person. 

How does cataract surgery work

A cataract surgery is basically extracting the bad part, the cataract, and inserting a new artificial lens. The way it works is a simple process. 

Step 1 – The ophthalmologist will use a laser called a LenSx to make an incision in the cornea(transparent part of the eye that covers the front). 

Step 2 – After making the incision in the cornea, the LenSx will make a circular opening in the front of the lens. 

Step 3 – Next the LenSx breaks apart the cataract into smaller pieces. This is to aid with the removal. 

Step 4 – The surgeon will then proceed to remove the cataract with an ultrasonic probe via suction. 

Step 5 – Thereafter the ophthalmologist inserts a new lens through the micro-incision. The lens to be inserted will either be a monofocal or multifocal IOL. 

Step 6 – when the surgery is completed the surgeon will check the focus on the retina to insure the focus is clear. 

Who are suitable and not suitable candidates 

In order to determine whether you are eligible for a cataract surgery you would need to be examined by a certified ophthalmologist. But even before that if you suspect you might suffer from cataracts you could check to see how many the following are applicable to you:

• Are you over the age of 40; and
• Do you have double vision in one eye
• Do you see colors as being very faded 
• Are you sensitive to light?
• Do you have poor night vision?

If some of these are present you might need to see a doctor. 

Unfortunately not everyone will be able to get cataract surgery as some people might be disqualified due to a variety of reasons:

• Individuals with pre-existing eye conditions 
• Advanced diabetes 
• Corneal diseases 
• Glaucoma
• Macular degeneration 

Conservative approach

Even though no current preventive treatment for cataracts exists and surgery being the only option, a conservative approach to cataracts is still advised. A conservative approach to cataracts means that ophthalmologists will make absolutely sure that a candidate is eligible for and absolutely needs to have surgical intervention.

Ophthalmologists will run a series of extensive tests. The first test will be conducted to determine the presence of pre-existing conditions or comorbidities that might hamper the final outcome. In some cases the ophthalmologists might determine that a patient is too young and might need to wait some more time in order to have the cataract removed for optimal results.