Pardes Magazine Feb, 2014 | Page 62

PARDES What is a cataract and what is cataract surgery? Cataracts are the most common cause of vision loss in people over 40. Today cataracts affect more than 22 million Americans age 40 and older. At some point in our life, we will all develop a cataract. Cataracts are the natural clouding of the lens in the eye. As we age, proteins in the lens of the eye become altered and lose their transparency. Symptoms that cataract patients generally describe include blurred vision, seeing halos or starbursts at night, difficulty reading, needing more and more light to read and frequent changes in their glasses prescription. The treatment for cataracts involves a painless, 10-minute surgery to remove the “clouded lens” or “cataract” and replace it with a manmade intraocular lens implant. It is the most common surgical procedure in the United States and around the world and is considered to be an extremely safe procedure with a success rate approaching 99.5%. What are the benefits of laser cataract surgery? • • • • • A highly customized treatment A treatment with little or no discomfort A more precise and predictable treatment Gentler and easier cataract removal Generally, a more rapid visual recovery, due to reduced inflammation • The opportunity to receive tailored treatment with advanced technology multi-focal lenses, which may reduce the need for glasses or contacts after surgery Am I a suitable candidate for laser cataract surgery? Your surgeon and you will decide whether you are a suitable