Cataract surgery San Diego
There are a number of reasons to address cataracts. They can cause a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. A recent study adds another reason to have cataract surgery when it’s time: you’ll be safer on the road.
Study shows driving performance improves after cataract surgery
For the study, a group of Australian researchers tested the performance of cataract patients in a driving simulator. The patients were tested at baseline (before any cataract treatment), then again after having the lens replaced in their first eye, and finally after having the lens replaced in their second eye.
The results were striking. After the first surgery, the number of crashes and near misses decreased by 35%. After having the second eye also corrected, the number decreased even more, to 48% below the baseline level. That means that almost half of the driving incidents were avoided after having cataract surgery on both eyes! If this finding translates to real-world driving performance (and there’s no reason to expect that it wouldn’t), then it means that addressing cataracts could save lives.
How are cataracts corrected?
Correcting cataracts involves removing the eye’s damaged natural lens and replacing it with an artificial lens (konwn as an intraocular lens, or IOL). We generally accomplish this through a procedure known as phacoemulsification. It requires only a tiny incision in the edge of the cornea; an ultrasonic probe is used to break up the old cloudy lens so that its removal is easy. The new lens can then be implanted. The procedure doesn’t require general anesthesia. Instead, local anesthesia is used, along with a sedative medication if needed to help you feel comfortable.
Unfortunately, many people don’t realize how impaired they are by their cataracts. They may put off having cataract surgery, because they believe that they aren’t all that impaired. The study discussed here gives a strong indication that putting off cataract surgery could be dangerous.
Cataract surgery San Diego
If you or someone you love has cataracts and is considering getting cataract surgery, we invite you to visit our office for a consultation. Along with the basic lens, we offer a variety of premium IOLs in our office, with features that may help to reduce or even eliminate your need for glasses after the surgery.