The Joy of Seeing Well
Courtesy RGB Eye Associates, Texoma LIVING WELL Magazine
We’ve all heard the adage that seeing is believing. At RGB Eye Associates in Sherman, we believe seeing well enhances quality of life. For many patients, cataract surgery gives them a chance to see well, with better vision than they have enjoyed for many years. When they talk about the experience, some patients characterize it as life changing, saying they wish they had made the decision to have the procedure done sooner.
If you’ve been putting off having any vision problems checked, now is the time to make an appointment with the ophthalmologists at RGB Eye Associates. Symptoms like cloudy vision, difficulty seeing at night, double vision, “halos” around light, sensitivity to light, or colors that seem dull or faded may indicate cataracts.
Cataracts are quite common, affecting about 20.5 million Americans over the age of 40, although they occur most often in people over 60. One or both eyes may be affected. Cataracts may progress to a certain point and then stop growing. Others develop so slowly that vision isn’t affected for a long time. Your cataracts may or may not need immediate treatment. They won’t magically disappear, but most often, cataracts can be removed, improving vision in 95% of patients.
Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective surgical procedures available today. In fact, it’s the most common eye surgery performed by the ophthalmologists at RGB Eye Associates, where the latest microsurgery techniques are utilized, dissolving the cataract and implanting a new lens through a self-sealing incision that doesn’t require stitches. With the latest technological advancements, you can elect to have an intraocular lens implant, which offers vision correction properties. Depending on the type of replacement lens selected, you may be able to see near, far and everything in between with less reliance on glasses or contacts.
One option may restore vision clarity similar to what you experienced at a younger age, with greater freedom from glasses or contact lenses. Another option may provide you with excellent distance vision, although reading glasses may still be required for close work. Still others correct moderate to severe degrees of astigmatism, previously only correctable with thick glasses or contact lenses. Additionally, many patients opt for monovision––one eye focusing at near for reading and the other eye focusing at distance, for driving, allowing the brain to select which type of vision it needs for a specific activity.
Patients appreciate that with no-stitch cataract removal, there is frequently no need to wear an eye patch following surgery, that there is a significantly reduced surgery time and a dramatically shorter recovery time. You’re able to return to most of your daily activities––with few restrictions––by the very next day. There is less discomfort following surgery and fewer post-surgical problems or side effects than with previous methods of cataract removal. Of course, the most obvious advantage is the ability to see well again. Most patients report that their vision is restored in a brief period of time.
Of course, everyone’s eyes are different and outcomes vary. You’ll want to make an informed decision after talking with your ophthalmologist about what choices are available to you. Because the board-certified physicians at RGB Eye Associates are committed to your comfort and safety, we’ll talk with you about any recommended procedure, answering your questions and providing you with detailed information. All surgeries include some risk, so it’s important to read the material you will be given prior to treatment and address any concerns. We want to ensure that you have the most current, accurate information about possible indications, limitations and risks, as well as expected benefits.
You’ll appreciate that Dr. Burlingame, Dr. Plauche and Dr. Bossen are all experienced in performing cataract procedures. They and their team are committed to providing you with the safest, most advanced techniques available. Cataract surgeries are done on an out-patient basis in Sherman, saving you the time and expense of travelling to Dallas or Oklahoma City.
Call RGB Eye Associates at 903-892-3282 to schedule your appointment. We want you to see well.
