Second of two parts

When should you have surgery for cataracts?

Most eye doctors suggest considering cataract surgery when your cataracts begin to interfere with your ability to perform normal daily activities, such as reading or driving at night.

The operation usually lasts less than one hour and is almost painless.

After the operation, a patch may be placed over the eye. Most people who have cataract surgery can go home the same day. In most cases, healing will be complete within eight weeks.

Like every surgery, there are risks to cataract surgery such as infection and bleeding. Serious infection can diminish vision.

Cataract surgery slightly increases your risk of retinal detachment, a serious condition that demands emergency treatment to prevent permanent impairment or even blindness. The retina is a light-sensitive membrane lining the inner eyeball. It is connected to the brain by the optic nerve.

For many years, artificial lenses corrected only nearsightedness and farsightedness. They didn’t do much for presbyopia (difficulty focusing up close) or astigmatism (blurring caused by a misshapen cornea or lens). Most people who needed prescription glasses before cataract surgery still needed them after surgery.

In 1998, the first artificial lens to correct astigmatism allowed patients to rely less on their prescription glasses, but many still needed over-the-counter reading glasses.

About a decade ago, the first multifocal lenses aimed at correcting presbyopia arrived. Like bifocals and trifocals, part of each lens corrected for distance, while part corrected for near vision. Multifocal-lens implants can reduce your need for reading glasses, but they can produce glare that affects night vision.

A lens approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2016 is delivering better results. Symfony® lenses correct the presbyopia that often requires reading glasses as you age. Some also correct astigmatism.

One type of Symfony lens can help correct presbyopia and astigmatism at the same time. The majority of people who choose this lens have excellent vision for reading, computer work and driving, all without the need for glasses. Most have improved night vision without significant glare or halos. The procedure to insert the new lens is the same as any other cataract surgery.

There is an additional out-of-pocket charge for the Symfony lens because Medicare and health insurance plans cover only the traditional replacement lens.

Have a question? Email: fred@healthygeezer.com. Order “How To Be A Healthy Geezer,” 218-page compilation of columns: healthygeezer.com

All Rights Reserved &Copy; 2021 Fred Cicetti

The Times News, Inc., and affiliates (Lehigh Valley Press) do not endorse or recommend any medical products, processes, or services or provide medical advice. The views of the columnist and column do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Lehigh Valley Press. The article content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, or other qualified health-care provider, with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.