The specialist eye doctors at
Alabama Eye & Cataract Center shared information about waiting too long to
have cataract
surgery. ‘I always explain to patients that the decision of when to have a
cataract removed and replaced with lens implants is really a very personal
decision,” said Birmingham Cataract Surgeon & Corneal Specialist Marc
Michelson, M.D. “Some of my cataract patients are just not comfortable with the
slightest degree of blurry vision or glare sensitivity. Yet, others surprise me
with how tolerant they are. So, I generally tell patients that their cataracts
should be removed when they feel that they have visual discomfort or
inconvenience-or if they have any safety issues with navigating each day’s
activities with confidence,” Dr Michelson explained.
What patients should know though
is that waiting too long for cataract surgery can result is some unintended
consequences and possible risks. “For example, as a cataract
matures, it does become denser and somewhat more difficult to remove. This
requires more energy to be delivered through the microscopic instruments we use
to remove the cataract and may lead to prolonged inflammation or even intraoperative
complications,” stated Dr. Michelson.
“For certain we don’t want the cataract to become so dense, swollen and
cloudy that it causes a type of glaucoma or impair our view of the retina,” Dr.
Michelson stressed. “In these instances your cataract surgeon is likely to
recommend proceeding with cataract removal even though you may not think you
are quite ready.”
If you or someone you know has a
cataract or is need of cataract surgery and lens implants please feel free
schedule an eye exam in Birmingham at Alabama Eye & Cataract Center by
calling 205-930-0930, visiting Alabama Eye &
Cataract Center or facebook.com/michelsonlaservision.
Michelson Laser Vision are leading Birmingham eye care practices with offices at 327 Summit Boulevard, Birmingham, Alabama 35243, and Alabama Eye & Cataract Center, 1201 11th Avenue S., Suite 501, Birmingham, Alabama 35205.
