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you didn't choose cataracts, but you still have choices
artificial lenses can correct other vision problems, and getting cataract surgery can have benefits beyond better eyesight
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this story was created by content works, postmedia’s commercial content division, on behalf of a client.
even the healthiest among us can expect to experience normal — albeit unwelcome — changes as we get older, such as more disrupted sleep and thinning skin. the same is true for cataracts, a common eye condition that comes on regardless of how well you take care of yourself. however, unlike those other natural hallmarks of healthy aging, cataracts aren’t just a nuisance: they can seriously impair your quality of life. “i tell my patients that cataracts are like white hair,” says dr. amrit rai*, an ophthalmologist at the university of toronto’s department of ophthalmology and vision sciences. “inevitably it happens to everybody, but for some people it happens in their 80s and 90s, and for others, it happens in their 50s and 60s.”
and, particularly in older adults, the resulting impaired vision, “can affect balance and depth perception, leading to an increased risk of falls and injuries,” says dr. rai.
according to the canadian national institute for the blind foundation (cnib), cataracts are our country’s leading cause of vision loss, affecting an estimated 3.5 million canadians. yet, while they are most commonly associated with aging, dr. rai notes that other factors contribute to developing cataracts, including diabetes, smoking, eye trauma and certain medications, like corticosteroids.
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what are cataracts?
so what is a cataract? “it’s a clouding of our natural crystalline lens inside the eye,” dr. rai explains. just like a pair of eyeglasses or contacts, the lens inside the eye bends and focuses light to form a clear image. as the lens becomes foggy, everyday activities such as nighttime driving, reading fine print or enjoying hobbies can become more challenging.
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but these problems may not be noticeable for some time since they — like cataracts themselves — tend to develop slowly. symptoms that can appear as the cataract progresses include blurred or dimmed vision, glare, halos around lights (especially at night), and frequent changes to prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses.
because people are often unaware their vision is declining, regular eye exams are crucial to detect cataracts, as well as other, even more potentially devastating eye diseases as early as possible. glaucoma, for instance, “is sometimes known as the silent thief of sight,” says dr. rai, since symptoms typically aren’t apparent until a significant, permanent loss of eyesight has already occurred.
“annual eye exams are essential for maintaining eye health,” dr. rai stresses. cataracts can be diagnosed during a regular visit to your optometrist, but corrective surgery can only be performed by an eye surgeon known as an ophthalmologist.
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what to expect from cataract surgery
the good news about cataracts is that the consequent vision loss can be corrected. surgery to remove the clouded natural lens and replace it with an artificial one, “is the only definitive treatment,” says dr. rai. each year, this procedure is performed more than 600,000 times — making it one of the most common surgeries in canada.
“advances in the past few decades have allowed cataract surgery to become highly refined, with a very high success rate and minimal complications,” says dr. rai. not only is the procedure quick — taking roughly 30 minutes — it is also relatively painless, thanks to a topical anesthetic gel.
“sedation ensures patient comfort throughout the surgery,” dr. rai explains. and all you see — if anything — is a colourful light show.
the technology behind artificial lenses — known as intraocular lenses — has also progressed tremendously in recent years. that means while you didn’t choose cataracts, you can choose the lens features that are most important to you.
artificial lenses can correct more than just cataracts
“today, we are fortunate to have many options,” says dr. rai. “while some intraocular lenses are designed to provide sharp vision at a single-focus distance (usually far vision), others can help patients see clearly at near, intermediate and far distances,” he adds. these trifocal lenses can help provide similarly clear vision for near tasks, like reading, intermediate tasks, such as computer work and far tasks, like driving.
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others can help address vision problems that were once correctable only with glasses or contacts, including astigmatism and presbyopia. “these lenses can provide a wider range of vision and reduce the need for glasses after surgery,” says dr. rai.
once in place, artificial lenses usually last a lifetime. “it’s very important that patients discuss all their options with their eye doctor to ensure they choose a lens that best suits their needs,” dr. rai emphasizes.
a cataract can’t regrow either, although some people develop clouding of the sac surrounding the lens, which is easily treated with an in-office laser procedure.
“following surgery, patients go home the same day, and typically use eye drops for about four weeks,” says dr. rai. “initially the eye can feel sore and vision might be blurry, but most patients will see an improvement in vision within 24 to 48 hours.”
that said, recovery times can vary. “some patients see clearly hours after surgery, and for others, it can take weeks for the vision to completely stabilize,” dr. rai explains.
and according to a growing body of evidence, the benefits of cataract surgery extend well beyond clear vision. studies show it reduces the risk of cognitive decline, falls, and hip fractures; and improves walking speed, sleep quality, and even happiness.
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all the more reason to schedule an eye exam every year — or earlier if you experience vision changes.
“if you think you may be developing a cataract, contact your eye doctor for an assessment,” rai urges.
to learn more about cataract treatment options, talk to your ophthalmologist, or visit seethefullpicture.ca.
*dr. rai is a consultant for alcon.
©2024 alcon inc. ca-clv-2400035
this story was created by content works, postmedia’s commercial content division, on behalf of alcon.
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