There are many causes of visual difficulties in people over the age of 55.
Writer: Dr Farokh Irani MBBS (melb), Dip Anat, FRANZCO – ophthalmic surgeon – Eye Surgeons Bendigo
The most common visual problem and easiest to correct is blur caused by refractive error. This is a focusing problem of the eye.The main types are myopia (short sight), hyperopia (long sight) and astigmatism. Often glasses or contact lenses will restore good vision. Surgery is also available as a permanent fix.
The other causes of visual blur are due to diseases of the eye. Glasses and other optical devices will not correct these conditions. The main ones are cataract, macular degeneration, glaucoma and complications of diabetes.
In this issue we will concentrate on cataracts.
Cataracts are very common. Nearly every aging eye will develop some form of opacity in the normally crystal clear lens inside the eye. This lens is situated behind the pupil. When the opacity attains a certain density or cloudiness, visual symptoms ensue. These could be as benign as needing a frequent change of glasses. Initially, by doing this, vision is restored back to before. Gradually however, even glasses will not correct the lost vision and manifestations of this include difficulty seeing fine print, reading street signs, enjoying clarity on television, glare, problems with night driving, noticing drab colours and diminished brightness. As the cataracts worsen, the vision drops and in very advanced cataracts there is near total loss of sight.
Cataract surgery is the remedy for this. Thisis perhaps the most frequently performed operation in the entire world. It has stunning success in removing the clouds and restoring clear vision, colour and brightness. The best vision possible may still mean needing to wear glasses afterwards. In some cases no glasses are needed at all. An increasing number of procedures are done on eyes with clear lenses, where there is minimal or no cataract, as a means of reducing dependence or dispensing with spectacles altogether.
The cataract surgical procedure is same-day with no overnight stay. A local anaesthetic is used and there is no need to be put to sleep. Often, no needles are required around the eye, so called topical anaesthesia.
The cloudy lens, or cataract, is removedthrough a micro incision as small as 2.2mm. An artificial lens or intraocular lens implant is then put into the eye, in the same place as where the cataract was. This artificial lens does not need to be secured but simply sits in a pouch called the capsular bag, which is prepared by the surgeon after the cataract is removed. The prosthetic lens stays inside the
eye forever and will never degrade. It needs no maintenance or replacement.
At the conclusion of the surgery no sutures are needed. The micro incision simply selfseals. Recovery is very fast. Improved vision is often noted the next day (in some cases that very same day). There are minimal restrictions. Nearly everything from walking, bending, gardening, recreational activities, television and the like can be started within 24 hours.
If you'd like to know more please CONTACT US