5 Common Reasons For Cataract Surgery

Cataracts is a common eye disorder that occurs when a cloudy patch develops in the lens of the eye. According to the National Eye Institute, more than 50% of the US population develops cataracts, or undergoes cataract surgery by 80 years of age. Here are five factors that could lead to cataract surgery:

1. Diabetes

People with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts over time compared to non-diabetics, according to the American Optometric Association (AOA). Medical experts refer to cataracts caused by another medical condition as secondary cataracts.

2. Prescription Drugs

Continuous use of certain medications can lead to the development of cataracts. Some of the medications associated with this disease include corticosteroids such as prednisone and phenothiazine-based drugs such as chlorpromazine. In the medical field, this type of cataracts is referred to as toxic, and usually requires cataract surgery to remove them.

3. Age…

Age is by far the leading global cause of needing cataract surgery. In fact, the risk of developing age-related cataracts increases substantially after the age of 60.

4. Nutritional deficiency…

Poor nutrition could lead to the development of cataracts at an early age. In fact, a scientific article published by AOA states that clinical studies have shown a correlation between low levels of antioxidants and cataracts. In addition, other studies found that antioxidants reduce the risk of development leading to a need for cataract surgery.

5. Alcohol consumption and smoking…

People who consume high amounts of alcohol have a higher risk of developing cataracts compared to people who consume alcohol moderately or sparsely. Furthermore, smoking is associated with an increased risk of eye lens cloudiness.

Conclusion

Some of the reasons leading to a need for cataract surgery include age, poor nutrition, excess consumption of alcohol, smoking, diabetes mellitus, and certain prescribed medications. Luckily, small-incision or extracapsular surgery can correct this eye problem provided one seeks medical attention early. Learn More about cataract surgery.

3 Cool Facts About The Cornea

Unless you have visited a cornea specialist lately, you can be forgiven for overlooking the importance of this vital eye part. Corneas appear transparent, so they are harder to see than the iris, sclera, or pupil. Nonetheless, they serve multiple important purposes. These interesting facts highlight some noteworthy information about the cornea and the reasons why it exists:

1. Although complete eye transplants remain impossible, this is the one part of an eye that can be transplanted. The first operation of this kind was completed by a new-found cornea specialist over a century ago. Sharks have corneas resembling those in human eyes, so doctors have sometimes utilized the shark cornea in human operations. Most organ donors can contribute eyes, even if they were blind or suffered from cancer.
2. Cornea tissue performs two major tasks. In combination with the eye lens, it helps refract light and enables people to see. Corneas also protect eyes from harm. However, blindness may occur if this protective layer suffers heavy damage as a result of injury or illness. This problem causes about 1 out of 10 instances of blindness. A cornea specialist will examine your eyes and check visual health.
3. The cornea seems simple because it looks clear and lacks blood vessels. However, it actually consists of five major layers. They achieve a variety of goals, such as conducting light, healing damage, and collecting nutrients. One layer is devoted to keeping germs and dust out of the eye, while another portion protects it from injury.

Unfortunately, this part of the eye can experience several different disorders. They include things like infections, allergic reactions, abnormal dryness and trauma-related damage. A cornea specialist can correct many problems by performing surgery. These professionals even have the ability to reverse corneal blindness with transplants. As always, be sure to speak to a doctor if your vision changes or you undergo significant amounts of eye discomfort. Read more about cornea specialists.

Is There An Age Limit For LASIK Surgery?

LASIK surgery is one of those surgeries where age does not play a large factor when it comes to the suitability of the patient as a candidate. The main consideration is whether or not the patient has a healthy eye. Doctors also consider someone who is generally healthy, with no serious underlying medical conditions that could affect the outcome of the surgery.

General Considerations

A good candidate for LASIK surgery is someone who otherwise has healthy vision. According to doctors, the lens has to be clear and the patient must understand that LASIK surgery cannot prevent cataract development in the future. According to one eye specialist, the ideal candidates are those with hyperopia or myopia, and who also have astigmatism, but whose eyes need little correction.

Over 50

Pre-existing diseases are common in middle-aged and senior patients. This is the reason why LASIK candidates who are over 40 or 50 are considered on a case-to-case basis. Doctors will look for signs of macular degeneration and basement membrane abnormalities; as well as a history of corneal disorders, glaucoma or diabetes. Doctors will also likely look at the medications taken by older patients to see if these pose potential side effects.

Under 18

Most eye doctors will not perform LASIK on patients who are under 18 years old. This is because the eye has not yet fully matured, and surgery done could affect the normal growth of eye tissue. In most cases, candidates are advised to wait until they reach 24 or older to have the procedure. However, doctors can perform the surgery on young patients under exceptional circumstances, such as those with severe eye problems that do not respond to conventional treatments. 

There are no set rules on the age spectrum allowed for LASIK surgery; thus, it’s not really about age as much as it is about the effectiveness of the procedure for each patient- especially those over 50. Experts usually look at industry practices, experience, and each patient’s personal framework to determine who is a good candidate for LASIK surgery, and who is not. If LASIK is right for you, find out now.

3 Benefits Of Seeing An Eye Specialist

The eyes they say are the windows to the soul. They can also tell a lot about your body and the manner in which it is functioning. Some diseases, such as, diabetes and high blood pressure, can be detected when an eye specialist examines your eyes.

What To Expect During Your Eye Specialist Consultation

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regular eye exams are necessary because they enable early detection of visual medical conditions such as, glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration.

Finding The Right LASIK Surgeon In Houston

If you have decided to have laser eye surgery, you know that a Houston LASIK surgeon is right for you. Now all you have to do is find that surgeon. Bad eye procedures can affect the rest of your life in a very negative manner.

Three Ways LASIK Can Improve Your Vision And Your Life

Patients considering LASIK surgery already know that the procedure will give them better eyesight; sometimes even better than 20/20 vision. What many people don't realize is that this procedure has unexpected and lasting benefits that go beyond seeing more clearly.