Cataract

Question: Cataract...? In ophthalmology, a cataract is known as the opacity of the eye lens: 1. Who are the people who ever did the first cataract operation? 2. How was it done? 3. What is the natural phenomena? PS: people who are biased, aggressive and use foul language are jackasses. So choose what you want to be!

Answer: 1. Medical practitioners in Egypt and ancient Greece before the time of Christ. 2. Using a needle to push the lens aside, so that the light could pass to the retina. This was called "couching". 3. The clouding of the lens is due to the precipitation of the lens proteins. This may be due to heating (IR or microwave), UV damage, infection, physical trauma, and diabetes.

Question: My golden retriever has a cataract on her right eye. Should she have surgery to remove it? My golden is 8 years old and has had the cataract for the past few years. Just recently it started getting bigger and I'm concerned her vision has been affected. Are cataract surgeries on dogs effective?

Answer: No. Use the drops. A large majority of post surgical animals end up with a luxated lens within 3 years of the surgery. It is very, very common. At that time, sight is lost forever with no hope of help. Use the drops. Use the drops. Use the drops. They never cause a luxation. Don't just listen to one vet trying to sell you a surgery. Look it up on the web. It is a very common problem. And why spend $3500, cause the dog pain, then have her end up blind in 2-3 years. Just use the drops to preserve what sight you can.

Question: How many cataract operations before an ophthalmologist can be considered "experienced"? My opthamologist is a young man who has performed "only" 160 cataract operations. I am worried that that might not be sufficient experience to do an operation on my eye since I am almost 88 years old.

Answer: You may find the Cataract Free America "50 Tough Questions For Your Cataract Doctor" helpful. http://www.cataractfreeamerica.org/catar…

Question: What is cataract and what form does the removal operation takes? If someone has been operated upon for cataract, can he see properly thereafter? Will there be a scar on the eye or around it?

Answer: A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens, the part of the eye responsible for focusing light and producing clear, sharp images. The lens is contained in a sealed bag or capsule. As old cells die they become trapped within the capsule. Over time, the cells accumulate causing the lens to cloud, making images look blurred or fuzzy. For most people, cataracts are a natural result of aging. In fact, they are the leading cause of visual loss among adults 55 and older. Eye injuries, certain medications, and diseases such as diabetes and alcoholism have also been known to cause cataracts. Not all cataracts impair vision or affect daily living. For those that do, common symptoms include: Cloudy, fuzzy, foggy, or filmy vision. Glare from lamps or the sun, which may be severe. Difficulty driving at night due to glare from headlights. Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription. Double vision. Second sight. Difficulty performing daily activities because of vision problems. Presently, there is no medication, eye drops, exercises or glasses to cure or prevent cataracts. Cataract surgery is the only way to remove a cataract. Cataract treatment is one of the safest and most common types of surgery. *Cataracts cannot be removed with a laser, but only through surgical incision. * In cataract surgery the cloudy lens is removed from the eye. The focusing power of the removed lens is achieved by replacing it with a permanent intraocular lens implant (IOL), which has been selected to suit the specific eye measurements of each patient. All questions for detailed information should be obtained from your doctor or ophthalmic specialist. Hope this helps Matador 89

Question: Has anybody undergone cataract surgery and replaced the lens with accommodative IOL.How do you feel the result? I intend to do cataract surgery in my left eye. I need advice from actual people who had used accommodative lens.

Answer: IOL implantation has revolutionised cataract surgery which has totally replaced the previous intra capsular extraction. You may certainly under go the IOL surgery on your ophthalmologist advice who may decide the type of lens to be used after performing all necessary tests including 'A' scan etc., when he may decide about the use of a flexible IOL or otherwise in your case! Now a days even advanced cataract operations like Phacolysis etc., also available which may be advised by your consulting ophthalmologist.

Question: How long after cataract surgery before you can see how corrected your vision is? I had a vitrectomy/cataract op 2 days ago and my vision in that eye is really fuzzy. My other eye was operated on and right after the patch came off I could see well in that eye, but with this one everything is fuzzy, a lot worse than the other eye. How long did it take for you guys to see as good as it was gonna ge?

Answer: I've had cataract surgery in both eyes. The improvement in my vision was immediate. You should speak with your doc.

Question: What causes a cataract? Is there any way to get rid of it without eye surgery? I heard that a cataract is a preventable disease. Now that I already have it, is it too late for me to do anything to get rid of it without eye surgery? Is there any alternative medicine for treating cataracts?

Answer: A cataract is a clouding of the whole or part of the lens inside the eye, resulting in blurred or distorted vision. It may be caused by normal aging (age-related), exposure to the sun's ultraviolet radiation over many years, injury (traumatic) or disease (secondary). Most cataracts occur and develop after age 55 slowly but some babies are born with cataracts (congenital). In general, there is no way to prevent age-related cataracts. If you have eyeglasses or contact lenses, make sure they're the most accurate prescription possible. Limit your night driving. When you go outside during the day, wear sunglasses to reduce glare.

Question: What symptoms develop when you have a cataract in your eye? My eye doctor says I was born with cataracts, they were little but the one in my left eye seems to be getting bigger. I am VERY near sighted with astigatisim and now need bifocals. I see just fine when I wear my glasses. But aside from doctor doing more tests (which I really can't afford) What happens when the cataract gets too large?

Answer: Just a little info: It shouldn't cost too much for an optometrist to check and see if your cataracts are bad. They would need to dilate your eyes, which should run about 15. They also might do a visual fields test, which is just meant to determine if the cataracts (or anything else) are causing you to have blind spots. It will check your periferal vision and everything. The cost for this too will vary, but where I work, it's a package deal with the third thing you would need, which is having photos taken of your eyes. They use a special camera, while your eyes are dilated, and they actually take a photo of your retinas and the surrounding area of your eyes. This will actually let the doctor keep a record of the health of your eyes, so that at your next visit he/she will be able to tell exactly how much the cataract or whatever has changed. These two tests, the visual fields and the photos, are 30 for both where I work. So for 45 bucks, you could have your answer for sure. Good luck.

Question: How can you remove a cataract without having to undergo surgery? Please, there has to be a way to remove a cataract without surgery. Thank you very much in advance!

Answer: nope. surgery. if there was another way, we wouldn't need the surgery.

Question: How to heal the eye after cataract surgery did not go well? Using nutrition to get rid of remaining cataract and heal the eye and build pressure back in the other eye.

Answer: I am way out of my league here, but I do want to tell you that Similysan makes eye drops that are specific for cataracts. It is homeopathic and I believe you'll find it at most health food stores. Also found this reference: "My father-in-law knew people who had been cured [of cataracts] by steeping Wild Burdock burrs and taking a small drink 3-4 times a day." (John Tobe, in "Cataract, Glaucoma and Other Eye Disorders") Dr. Thomas Bartram recommends a lacto-vegetarian diet, carrot juice, brewer's yeast, yellow-green vegetables, spinach and apple cider vinegar (2 teaspoons to a glass of water, sip throughout the day).

Question: How can I find a doctor who can diagnose cataract and charge reasonable? My mom has no insurance, under 65. I want to take my mom to a eye exam to diagnose cataract. Should we visit ophthalmologists,Optometrists or Opticians? How I can find a doctor charge reasonable price for eye exam to diagnose cataract? How much will this cost?

Answer: To be diagnosed correctly you need to go to an eye dr that is an md.

Question: What is cataract? How does a diet that is deficient in vitamin A affect vision? What is cataract? How does a diet that is deficient in vitamin A affect vision?

Answer: Night blindness is one of the first signs of vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A deficiency contributes to blindness by making the cornea very dry and damaging the retina and cornea. Vitamin A deficiency also diminishes the ability to fight infections. Vitamin A Deficiency Info. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_A_d… A cataract is a clouding that develops in the crystalline lens of the eye or in its envelope, varying in degree from slight to complete opacity and obstructing the passage of light. Early in the development of age-related cataract the power of the lens may be increased, causing near-sightedness (myopia), and the gradual yellowing and opacification of the lens may reduce the perception of blue colours. Cataracts typically progress slowly to cause vision loss and are potentially blinding if untreated. Cataract Info. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cataracts

Question: How much does cataract surgery for dogs cost? My dog is 12 years old and her eyes are looking pretty cloudy lately. It seems like she can see fine, but there's not really any way to know. I'm thinking about asking the vet about cataract surgery and was just wondering how much it costs roughly.

Answer: I don't know an answer to how much. You should just take your dog into a vet for a visit. There are ways of knowing how much your dog can see. Does she walk into things? Can she follow a light in the dark? Can she move around obstacles in the light and the dark? If it ends up being cataracts which they can see with an opthalmoscope, then your vet can give you an estimate on surgery before anything is done or your vet may need to refer you to someone who does those kinds of surgeries.

Question: How do you tell the difference between a cataract and a reflection? Canines and Felines get that glow from their eyes when theres a light pointed at them. Well how can you tell the difference between that and a cataract? Just curious.

Answer: A tapetal reflection is what you call it when an animal's eye "glows". It is caused by light reflecting off the colored tissue on the back of the eye, known as the tapetal fundus. A cataract is a condition that affects the lens fibers or capsule of the eye. This disruption results in the loss of transparency and the resultant reduction in vision. When light passes through the pupil there will be noticable obscurites in the tapetal reflection and a cloudiness of the pupil depending on the stage of the cataract. (In mature cataracts there is no tapetal reflection at all and solid opacity of the entire lense). With regular checkups your veternarian will most likely catch a cataract at it's earliest stages and will generally be removed.

Question: How much pain is there involved with cataract removal surgery? I'm 39 and have cataracts in both eyes. Yes, I know that it is a young age to have them. My ophthalmologist has scheduled me for surgery on April 15th for my left eye and the 29th for my right. Why not do them at the same time? My left eye is a lazy eye, but my right eye has more of a cataract in it. What a mess!! LOL! I go back for measurements this week. Just wondering. Thanks!

Answer: during the surgery you should feel no pain. whether you stay wake or opt to be put alseep they will numb your eye so you won't feel any pain. after surgery you eye will be sore. it shouldn't be a horrible pain more like a dull and annoying pain. that should only last a couple days. the reason they don't do both eyes at the same time is then you would have an eye sheild on both eyes and would be unable to see anything. and your eyesight will be quite bad for the first couple days until your eye starts to heal. you wouldn't want to not be able to see at all so they do one eye and wait a couple weeks then do the other eye.

Question: I just have my cataract removed and replaced the lens, is it bad to play computer? Lens extracted due to cataract, replaced, with 5 stitches on my right eye.

Answer: you can work or play on computer 3 days after surgery

Question: What are the different techniques used in cataract surgery? I am in the process of designing a website with videos about certain techniques in cataract surgery. The client gave these "categories", but I feel they're not very organized and consistent. Some seem like conditions, some are actual techniques. Can anyone help with a more logical/generic way of organizing these terms, thereby reducing the number of final categories? Astigmatism Management Capsulorhexis IOL Insertion Irrigation & Aspiration Pediatric Cataracts Phacoemulsification Postoperative Complications Weak Zonules Wound Construction Because I need to break down cataract surgery into categories. I'm asking for suggestions of broader topics of techniques within cataract surgery

Answer: Why not just start the web site as - "Eyes - Cataracts" and other eye related issues. Specializing in Cataract surgery and other and other eye care alternatives. For Adults and Childlren.

Question: What is the difference between a cataract and short-sightedness? When does the problem change from being short-sighted and needing glasses to having a cataract!

Answer: Hi there. Short sight is when the lens of the eye cannot focus incoming light properly, giving a blurry image. A catatract is when part of the lens stops being transparent, so light cannot get through at all. There is no direct connection between the two conditions, you can have either or both. these days they often remove the lens when cataracts form, then replace it with an artificial one - which can cure any short-sight as a side-effect, they usually set the new lens to be a bit long-sighted! Cheers, Steve.

Question: What are the signs that you may have a cataract? I'm in my late forties and haven't seen the eye doctor in about six years. I'm going within the month and am concerned about having cataracts because my grandparents always had them. What are the signs or symptoms of a cataract?

Answer: Reduced clarity at night especially, and halos around lights are the most common first symptoms.

Question: How does marijuana affect cataract surgery? How long before cataract surgery should someone stop smoking marijuana? How would the ingestion of marijuana (before the surgery) affect the actual cataract surgery?

Answer: Marijuana will not effect it at all. If you're worried because you have heard marijuana is linked with eye health, know this- marijuana is good for eye health. For over a decade researchers have known that the active ingredient in marijuana (THC) can lead to a pressure reduction in the eye. Only things you really don't want to take are things that will thin your blood (aspirin, ibuprofen, etc). THC will not do this. I'd probably smoke before heading to the hospital just to calm my nerves. :)