1.) Is there an age limit for cataract surgery?
The short answer is No. We at Kameen Eye Associates have removed cataracts on patients ranging from 30-100! As long as the health of the eye is good and the benefits outweigh the risks, age is not an issue.
2.) Do I need clearance from a medical physician to have a cataract surgery, Phakic IOL or RLE?
Yes. These procedures are performed in an outpatient surgical center and short physicals are required. Our surgical coordinator will assist you in arranging for this physical.
3.) How do you determine which Intraocular Lens (IOL) to use?
A combination of measurements that include corneal shape, corneal thickness, distance from cornea to lens, and lens to retina, as well as a variety of other computerized calculations give us that information. Dr. Kameen and his staff will then sit down with you and help you make the best decision as it pertains to you.
4.) Will I need glasses after my cataracts are removed?
Our goal at Kameen Eye Associates is to improve your vision to the degree that you will be as independent of eyeglasses and contact lenses as absolutely possible.
5.) What are the risks of cataract surgery?
Though rare, there are possible risks with any surgical procedure. Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgical procedure and, obviously, we make every attempt to minimize the risk. Please read the cataract consent form for a complete list, but the most worrisome risks would be infection, retinal detachment and bleeding.
6.) What is an advanced technology or specialty IOL?
These terms are all the same terminology that refer to Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (ATIOL's). ATIOL's are state of the art implants that provide a full range of vision (from distance to near) after cataract or RLE surgery, thus significantly reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses.
7.) What makes ATIOL's different from Standard IOL’s?
A standard IOL is called a monofocal lens and just corrects the vision at one point (typically distance). The Crystalens ® is an ATIOL - that is designed to be focused by the eye’s natural muscles. The Restore®, Rezoom and Technis®, lenses all incorporate a surface design that gives them “multi-focality” which allows for both distance and near vision without eyeglasses in most cases.
8.) Do ATIOL's provide 20/20 vision for both reading and distance?
ATIOL's are intended to provide a full range of uncorrected vision, from distance to near. Some patients, however, will not see 20/20 through that full range of vision, so all patients should expect to need a thin pair of eyeglasses, typically for reading fineprint.
9.) Will cataract surgery cause glare, night driving problems, and light sensitivity?
Well, if you have a cataracts, you are probably having all of these complaints already! The removal of cataracts should,generally, drastically improve night vision. Any glare or light sensitivity that is associated with the IOL should be adjusted for by your brain (neuro-adaptation) within a week or two of surgery.
10.) How soon after lens implant surgery will I be able to resume normal activities?
Most patients only need a few days to resume to normal activities. Driving and returning to work usually occurs on day 2 or 3. Careful showering and shampooing are permitted. Any make-up around the eyes should be avoided for about a week. Swimming and hot tubs are off limits for about 1-2 weeks. Airplane travel should wait about a week as well.
11.) How often do I need to have my eyes checked after surgery?
Dr. Kameen will check your eyes the day after surgery, then again in about 2-4 weeks and 3-6 months. After that, annual eye exams are recommended.
12.) Will I have to have cataract surgery again?
The IOL placed in your eye is permanent and should last the rest of your life without deterioration. Some patients experience a subtle clouding of the membrane that holds the IOL in place(called the capsular bag). If this occurs, a routine office laser procedure (called a YAG Laser Capsultomy) is performed. This is a one time procedure and is quick and painless.
13.) Does the presence of an IOL rule out other eye surgery?
Once healing is complete (within 1-3 months) then other surgeries can be performed as necessary. Procedures such as Botox, Juvaderm, LASIK, PRK, eyelid surgery, Latisse and others, are all fine.
14.) Will removal of cataracts have an effect on Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome is unrelated to your natural lens, so there should be little to no change in dry eye.
15.) Will security eye scanning be a problem after cataract or RLE surgery?
No. These devices do not pick up the lens material.
16.) How can I be sure my surgeon is qualified to perform my ATIOL surgery?
As always, check you surgeons references and ask friends, neighbors and family members. Your family doctor is a good resource too. The companies that manufacture the ATIOL's are very careful to make sure the surgeons who use them are thoroughly trained and are already busy experienced cataract surgeons. Ultimately, it will be your choice, and that should involve a face-to-face consultation with your surgeon.