Are there risks in cataract surgery for older patients?

There are many surgeries where the risks increase significantly for older patients. Cataract surgery is not one of them. The eye is anatomically isolated and we are fortunate that health problems elsewhere in the body have so little effect on cataract surgery.

How is the recovery time for cataract surgery shortened?

Cataract surgery recovery time is shortened considerably if performed with the use of a laser, like the Femtosecond Laser. Also, no stitches or large incisions are required; pain is minimal; vision is restored faster. Chances of getting a cataract increase with age.

When is the best time to have cataract surgery?

Surgery for cataracts is only recommended when vision becomes impaired due to the cataract. Normal timeframe for uncomplicated cataract surgery is around 10 minutes, but you will have to remain in a recovery area after surgery as you will be under sedation and feeling groggy.

How many people in the US have cataract surgery?

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 20.5 million (17.2 percent) Americans aged 40 years and older have cataract in one or both eyes, and 6.1 million (5.1 percent) have had their lens removed operatively. The total number of people who have cataracts is estimated to increase to 30.1 million by 2020.

How old was my mom when she got her cataract fixed?

This field is required. Mom was 85, with CHF, A-fib and cataracts plus glaucoma. She got one cataract fixed, but the surgery aggravated the glaucoma and the glaucoma blew a hole in the retina. Retinal surgery followed, also not successful. They made lots of money on the surgeries; she is now blind in that eye. This field is required.

Is there an age limit for cataract surgery?

Unlike laser eye surgery, cataract removal is not an elective procedure and should only be carried out if deemed necessary by you and your surgeon. For example, if reading has become difficult, driving is impossible, and quality of life is impaired, these are all reasons for considering having cataract surgery.

What kind of laser is used for cataract surgery?

The doctor uses a laser to make a tiny hole in the eye tissue behind the lens to let light pass through. This outpatient procedure is called a YAG laser capsulotomy. It is painless and rarely results in increased eye pressure or other eye problems.

Are there any risks to laser assisted cataract surgery?

Likewise, you cannot have laser-assisted cataract surgery if you have scarring in your eyes or problems with the function of your pupils . There are some risks associated with this procedure. Adverse effects of surgery include bleeding, swelling, infection, or damage to the eye.

When to have cataract surgery on both eyes?

If you are suffering loss of vision in both eyes, then surgery will usually be carried out on both eyes, several weeks apart. This is because of the risk associated with any surgical procedure. By keeping the operations apart, the risk of problems or infection are significantly reduced. However, risks are minimal with this common procedure.

Is there any non-surgical treatment for cataracts?

In fact, successful cataract operations have been carried out on patients as old as 109, with good results. So what are the primary considerations for removing a cataract? There is no non-surgical treatment for cataracts. The only option to restore sight is to remove and replace the natural lens.

Is it safe to recover from cataract surgery?

For the most part, cataract surgery is safe and uncomplicated, so you shouldn’t experience too many problems during the recovery period. Emily Lunardo studied medical sociology at York University with a strong focus on the social determinants of health and mental illness.