Update in the treatment of cataracts

DEAR DR. GOTT: I recently read somewhere that there is a new cataract treatment that uses an infrared laser to bleach the age-induced yellowing of the lens — as opposed to lens-replacement surgery. Would you please discuss this in your column?

DEAR READER: In March 2010, The New York Times science section discussed this very subject. Cataracts are commonly treated by removing the damaged lens and replacing it with a synthetic version; however, the procedure is invasive and costly. As an alternative, an ophthalmologist and his colleagues at the Glostrup Hospital at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark came up with what they believe is a promising alternative — bleaching the yellowed lens with a laser. [Read more...]

To see or not to see

DEAR DR. GOTT: I’ve been seeing an optometrist for several years now, and even though he says I don’t need a new prescription and he has diagnosed me with the beginning of cataracts, I don’t feel I can see as well as I once did. So I made an appointment yesterday with my ophthalmologist, who told me I have bilateral cataracts that have advanced to the point of requiring surgical removal.

Now comes the hard part. My ophthalmologist indicates my risk of retinal detachment will increase. Can this be repaired if it happens? Perhaps I should suffer with poor vision rather than take the chance. What’s your take on the matter?
[Read more...]