Cloudy with a Chance of Cataracts
Courtesy RGB Eye Associates, Texoma LIVING WELL Magazine
Just because cataracts are common, affecting about 20.5 million Americans over the age of 40, doesn’t mean you have to live with the symptoms. They won’t magically disappear, but most often, cataracts can be removed, improving vision in 95% of patients.
You might be surprised to learn that unlike glaucoma, a cataract isn’t an actual eye disease. It’s an eye condition that results in a clouding of the lens in your eye. Some people try to deal with early symptoms by wearing dark sunglasses or using a magnifier to read. That can work for a time, but as the cataract grows it may become increasingly difficult to see clearly. If untreated, progressive cataracts can cause blindness. Fortunately, treatment with advanced surgical techniques is effective in restoring clear vision in the majority of cases where no other eye diseases are present.
The main risk factor for cataracts is simply getting older, although trauma to the eye and other problems can also cause them. Women develop cataracts more frequently than men. You might suspect cataracts if your vision is cloudy, if you are having difficulty seeing well at night, if you experience double vision, if you see “halos” around lights, if you have sensitivity to light, or if colors look faded. Some people find it increasingly difficult to drive or read or even see detailed images well. Vision problems can affect more than eyesight, diminishing independence, and along with that, a person’s confidence.
You should know that some cataracts progress to a certain point and then stop growing. Some develop so slowly that vision isn’t affected for a long time. The physicians at RGB Eye Associates in Sherman encourage you to see your eye care professional annually. It’s the only way to accurately assess your situation and determine what options are best for you.
Cataract surgery is the most common eye surgery performed by the ophthalmologists at RGB Eye Associates in Sherman, where the latest microsurgery techniques are utilized, dissolving the cataract and implanting a new intraocular lens through a self-sealing incision that doesn’t require stitches. Anesthesia relieves any discomfort, but you remain awake during the procedure.
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 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.
Cataract removal is an outpatient surgery performed at RGB Eye Associates’ North Travis Ambulatory Surgery Center in Sherman, giving patients the option of exceptional care without the expense or inconvenience of driving to Dallas or Oklahoma City.
Obviously, trust is important where you eye health is concerned. You may be interested to know that all three ophthalmologists at RGB Eye Associates are family men who live in Texoma. Each practices medicine with a sense of gratitude for his ability to help patients and families with what are sometimes troubling symptoms. You can be assured that Dr. Burlingame, Dr. Plauche and Dr. Bossen will recommend only those procedures and treatments that are necessary to maintain your good health, offering options whenever possible. Additionally, the three physicians are men of faith, with a commitment to their communities and those they are privileged to serve.
RGB Eye Associates would like the opportunity to answer your questions about cataracts. You’ll want to know whether you have cataracts and if so, whether they are the cause of any current vision problems. You’ll want to be advised about treatment options and receive detailed information about whatever choice is best for you.
Our physicians and staff believe that knowing your situation is such an important first step that we offer a complimentary cataract screening. Call RGB Eye Associates at 903-892-3282 to schedule your appointment today.
RGB Eye Associates is located at 133 N. Travis Street in Sherman, TX. You may also visit their website at www.rgbeyeassociates.com.
