We perform cataract surgery and lens
implantation for more and more patients each year as cataracts continue to be a
leading cause of decreased vision, especially in seniors. Also very common
in the same age group of patients is dry eye
which can be caused by ocular surface disease, eyelid problems such as
meibomian gland disease and blepharitis, taking certain medications and many
other systemic conditions. When cataracts progress and blur vision enough to
interfere with convenience and safety of your daily activities, cataract
surgery can
be performed to significantly improve your vision and comfort. We expect, and
it is normal, sometimes for postoperative cataract surgery patients to complain
of dry eye symptoms. These symptoms may
include a dry, foreign body sensation and fluctuating blurriness if the tears
are inadequate or unstable. From our experience, often patients may blame the
cataract surgery for the apparently “new” development of dry eye symptoms. Patients generally do not realize that their
dry eye problem stems from pre-existing ocular surface disease or other causes
rather than the cataract surgery itself.
Patients who experience dry eye symptoms after cataract surgery should
be reassured that their symptoms will diminishes over time, and there are
multiple treatment options available to help reduce any discomfort from the dry
eye condition. Both prescription and nonprescription eye drops as well as other
treatment options may be necessary.
If you or someone you know is experiencing
cataract symptoms such as cloudy foggy vision, glare or difficult night driving
and would like to learn more about cataract surgery & lens implants
schedule an appointment at Alabama Eye & Cataract Center, P.C. in Birmingham
at 205-930-0930, visit Alabama Eye & Cataract Center, Google+ or www.facebook.com/alabamaeyeandcataractcenter.
Michelson Laser Vision, Inc. and Alabama Eye
& Cataract Center, P.C. are leading eye care centers in Birmingham located
at UAB-Highlands, 1201 11th Avenue S, Suite 501, Birmingham, Alabama 35205 and
staffed by UAB Medicine eye doctors and eye specialists.
