University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center | 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 | 734.763.8122
Copyright © Regents of the University of Michigan
|
|||
|
|
 |
|||||||||||||||||||
| Seeing Clearly after Cataract Surgery  Cataracts affect half of Americans over the age of 65; by the age of 75, almost everyone will have a cataract in one or both eyes. When John and Patricia Lukina—a charming and vibrant “70-something” couple from Plymouth—realized that reduced vision was seriously impeding their quality of life, they decided to have surgery to remove their cataracts. “I made Pat go through with it first!” says John. “Seeing her quick recovery, I thought I’d give it a shot myself.” Pat agrees, “I couldn’t believe what a simple procedure it was!”What Is a Cataract? Kellogg ophthalmologist Jerome Finkelstein, M.D., performed the cataract surgeries on Mr. and Mrs. Lukina. Dr. Finkelstein explains, “The lens in your eye is normally transparent. When a cataract forms, the clear lens becomes clouded, and light can no longer pass through easily. This causes vision to be blurred.” A cataract develops very slowly over many years. Because there is no “cure” and no way to prevent one from forming, surgery is the only way to improve sight. The Procedure Cataract surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, and requires a local anesthetic. In John’s case “It was only three hours for the entire process, from walking in the door until ‘OJ-and-muffin’ at the end.” The procedure used most frequently to remove a cataract is called phacoemulsification. A small incision is made in the eye and an ultrasound device is used to break up and emulsify the cloudy lens and then remove the particles. A plastic lens is then placed inside the eye to replace the natural lens. The incision is closed, and there is usually no need for stitches. Many people have cataracts in both eyes. When that is the case, the eye with the poorer vision is operated on first. Both eyes are never operated on at the same time. Once the first eye has healed, the physician and patient can discuss the vision in the better eye to determine whether surgery is necessary and, if so, when it might be scheduled. The Recovery Recovery from cataract surgery is usually very quick, with patients returning to normal activities within days. Pat explained, “The day after surgery, a family member brings you back for a follow-up appointment. By the third day, you can drive again.” Patients wear an eye patch for the first day after surgery and then at night for a week and use various eye drops for a brief time. Pat found the recovery to be “very quick and natural” with no pain or unpleasant after-effects. According to John, “I asked Dr. Finkelstein how soon I could return to golf after surgery. He replied, ‘Is tomorrow soon enough?’” What Are the Risks? As with every surgical procedure, there is some element of risk. However, the techniques for removing cataracts continue to improve and the level of risk is very small. The success rate for cataract surgery is now 97%. Dr. Finkelstein explained, “Earlier, patients wouldn’t come in for cataract treatment until they could hardly see their hand in front of their face. The surgery then was riskier and involved a very large opening in the eye to remove the lens. Today the incision is one quarter the size of what it used to be.” Because of the large incision, the risk of infection was greater and the healing process took longer. Now that the procedures are safer and the recovery quicker, patients come in for surgery sooner rather than later. As a result, cataract surgery has become the most common outpatient surgery in the U.S. When to Have Surgery? Cataract surgery should be considered when loss of vision interferes with daily activities. John had noticed severe glare when driving at night, and Pat had trouble distinguishing colors when looking at traffic lights. “We were starting to limit our night-time outings,” says Pat. Dr. Finkelstein commented, “I explain all the options to patients, but it’s ultimately up to them to decide whether to have the surgery and when to have it.” Less Dependent on Glasses There is an added bonus to cataract surgery. Not only does the patient get rid of the cataract, but the artificial lens inserted during surgery can improve vision. The surgeon can select a lens power to correct for nearsightedness or farsightedness, helping to reduce dependence upon glasses or contact lenses after surgery. Both Lukinas now enjoy driving without glasses. In addition, Pat stated, “My reading improved, and all my vision improved! I can read the fine print in my church newsletter and menus at restaurants!” Right in the Neighborhood The Lukinas had their cataract surgery at the Kellogg clinic at the U-M Center for Specialty Care in Livonia. Pat said, “We liked the relaxed atmosphere and were pleased at the convenient location.” Every step of the cataract procedure from the pre-screening appointment to surgery and recovery, to follow-up took place in the Livonia facility. Dr. Finkelstein practices in Kellogg’s Livonia location with another U-M ophthalmologist, Dr. Susan Thoms. Together, they perform over 300 cataract surgeries per year and offer a full range of comprehensive eye care services, including routine vision screening, evaluation of diabetic retinopathy, and LASIK procedures. On Tuesdays and Thursdays Dr. Thoms and Dr. Finkelstein are joined by Dr. Bradley Taylor, a Kellogg optometrist who specializes in low vision as well as in fitting contact lenses. Pat commented, “The staff at the Livonia clinic were all so professional while still being personal. They genuinely seemed glad to see us, and made us feel at ease.” Quality of Life With cataract surgery behind them, the Lukinas enjoy an active lifestyle that includes golf, walking, travel, and playing with their grandchildren. John is pleased with the results. “It’s amazing what cataract surgery has done for me.” Pat concurred, “Don’t put it off, you’ll be amazed at the results.” “When patients come in they have a lot of concerns about their cataracts,” says Dr. Finkelstein. “Surgery is always serious business and it’s my job to make sure patients understand the pros and cons. It is gratifying to see them after surgery with a whole new outlook on life.” Answers to Your Questions You’ll certainly have many questions if you are considering cataract surgery. The staff at the Kellogg Eye Center will be happy to schedule an appointment for you. Please call (734) 763-1415. |
|
University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center | 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 | 734.763.8122
Copyright © Regents of the University of Michigan |