Timing Cataract Surgery
Although it's only January I can already predict with confidence that cataract surgery will be the #1 most commonly performed surgery in the United States during 2006. Two million or more procedures will be performed, far more than hernia repairs, tonsillectomies, even hysterectomies.
The reasons eye surgeons are kept so busy are pretty obvious: America has a maturing population (some baby boomers have already reached their 60th birthday) and both eyes eventually need cataract removal.
Patients and families often ask, "When is it the right time to have cataract surgery?" Because of the superior technology available today cataract surgery is very effective and carries a low (maybe 1%) potential risk of long-term complications. Forty years ago cataract surgery was feared because one-third of all cataract surgery patients ended up worse after their operation.
Cataract surgery should be considered when the cataract interferes with daily activities like reading and driving. The eye surgeon first needs to be sure there are no other active eye conditions that need attention.
There is no hurry to operate on both eyes. Symptomatic cataract in one eye often advances faster than the fellow eye. Many people function very well after having the first cataract removed and can wait months or years before returning for more surgery.
So, cataract removal will be number one in 2006. Check back with me in December and see if I'm right!
Related Topics: Cataract Surgery: The Innovations Continue, Eyes and Age
The reasons eye surgeons are kept so busy are pretty obvious: America has a maturing population (some baby boomers have already reached their 60th birthday) and both eyes eventually need cataract removal.
Patients and families often ask, "When is it the right time to have cataract surgery?" Because of the superior technology available today cataract surgery is very effective and carries a low (maybe 1%) potential risk of long-term complications. Forty years ago cataract surgery was feared because one-third of all cataract surgery patients ended up worse after their operation.
Cataract surgery should be considered when the cataract interferes with daily activities like reading and driving. The eye surgeon first needs to be sure there are no other active eye conditions that need attention.
There is no hurry to operate on both eyes. Symptomatic cataract in one eye often advances faster than the fellow eye. Many people function very well after having the first cataract removed and can wait months or years before returning for more surgery.
So, cataract removal will be number one in 2006. Check back with me in December and see if I'm right!
Related Topics: Cataract Surgery: The Innovations Continue, Eyes and Age
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