OPHTHALMOLOGY

Gregory Eippert, MD

Q: I have a three-part question: Are cataracts preventable? Do I really need to have cataract surgery? What will happen if I don’t have cataract surgery? A: Cataracts are a clouding of the lens in your eye that affects your vision. The most common form of cataracts, that which occurs as a natural part of aging, is not preventable. Most people will develop some degree of cataract as they become older. Visual symptoms of cataracts include blurry vision, difficulty reading in dim light, poor vision at night, and glare or halos around lights. The only treatment for cataracts that significantly impair your vision is surgery. Simply having a cataract however does not always require surgery. Sometimes a change in eyeglasses or contact lens prescription is enough to restore adequate vision. When a cataract becomes visually significant by making it difficult to participate in normal activities such as reading, driving, working, and other things important to you, may be the time to consider and discuss cataract surgery with your eye doctor. Without cataract surgery, as your vision declines, your participation in day-to-day activities may be affected. Keep in mind however that cataracts usually develop slowly so there is generally no need to rush into a decision about surgery. If you are not bothered by the symptoms of cataracts and they don’t interfere with your activities, you may choose to wait for cataract surgery. If you are concerned about cataracts, contact your eye doctor for a complete, dilated eye exam during which your cataracts can be assessed. Your eye doctor can also discuss with you all latest cataract surgery options. Modern cataract surgery is one of the safest, most frequent, and most successful procedures done in the world today and can have a profound impact on your life. Gregory Eippert, MD 9485 Mentor Ave., #110, Mentor 44060 440-255-1115 www.opivision.com