Making the right decision

March 27, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: This is a follow-up to your Q&A on cataracts that I read with interest. During the past two weeks, I had cataracts removed from both eyes and intraocular lenses implanted at the same time — with no waiting. I had two other lens choices, neither covered by Medicare. Those were lenses enabling me to see without glasses at all, at several thousand dollars. For about $600, I could have chosen lenses that would require glasses for reading only; however, the main issue was the fact that there is no waiting for lens implant after removal of cataracts.

DEAR DR. GOTT: I read your column advising surgery for cataracts. I was told several years ago that I would soon need cataract surgery. I’m a wimp and don’t want to even think about surgery! I Googled cataract eyedrops and found a supplier. I’ve been using the drops for several years, and my doctor no longer even mentions surgery to me. He just says “keep on eating those carrots.” Used in Russia and China, eyedrops are effective 80 percent of the time.
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Update in the treatment of cataracts

March 2, 2011 By

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...]

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To see or not to see

February 20, 2011 By

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?
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Daily Column

July 5, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
My eye specialist recently told me that I need cataract surgery. My reaction was negative because I have ALWAYS been allergic to anything and everything in or around my eyes. I have never even been able to wear any kind of makeup. I can’t wear contact lenses because it was found I was allergic to the lenses themselves. I tried twice but not through this doctor.

DEAR READER:
A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens situated behind the iris and pupil. The condition is common in the elderly and affects about 70% of those over 75 years of age.

Allergies of the eye are no different than allergies affecting the lungs, nose and sinuses. In the case of cataract surgery, adverse reactions to anesthetic periocular (eye numbing) injections can cause hypersensitivity either from the compound itself or from the mechanical manipulation of the needle. [Read more...]

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