Q.How often can laser surgery be performed on the eye to lower ocular pressure due to glaucoma? Is this repeated procedure dangerous to the eye?
A.Argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) is done to lower intra-ocular pressure in those patients with open angle glaucoma who are not adequately controlled on maximum tolerated medical therapy. This may be performed in one or two stages in which half of the drainage system is
treated at a time. Repeat ALT is generally not effective for long-term intra-ocular pressure control. Only about 20% of patients have a second pressure lowering response lasting at least one year.
Q.How long is the average recovery period for cataract surgery?
A. The length of the recovery period following cataract surgery is dependent on the size of the surgical incision. Using modern techniques, incisions should be self-sealing and are one-eighth inch long. This allows the implantation of a foldable intra-ocular lens. No stitches are used.
When this procedure is performed, there are very few limitations in activity post-operatively. Full activity may be resumed with no restrictions in one week. New eye glasses may be prescribed in two weeks.
Q.I had sudden double vision in 1995. I am told the only thing that can help me is prisms in my glasses. I have had them made stronger 4 times. Can anything be done before there is no help?
A. Double vision due to a muscle imbalance in an adult is usually corrected with prisms in eyeglasses. If this does not correct the problem though, surgical correction may be indicated, depending on the cause of the muscle problem.
Q.Can a cataract be removed by laser surgery?
A. No. It is a widespread, almost universal, misconception that modern cataract surgery is performed using a laser. Today’s cataract extraction involves forming a small (about 1/8 inch) incision into the eye. Through this opening, the cataract is broken into pieces and aspirated (phacoemulcification). An intra-ocular lens is then folded in half and inserted into the eye. No stitched are required.
Q.I had cataract surgery 4 weeks ago and my vision is still blurred. Should I be concerned?
A.Little or no improvement following cataract surgery is always a concern. There are many reasons for this outcome, ranging from pre-existing conditions to complications at the time of, or after, the surgery. Your prognosis will depend on the cause. Your surgeon is most likely aware of the cause and should be willing to discuss the situation with you.
Q.I was recently told I had early cataracts forming with “spokes” forming in both eyes. How long before my vision will be impaired?
A.It is impossible to exactly predict the progression of most types of cataracts, since they are caused by the aging process of the lens. However, some types of cataracts which are caused by other factors, such as medication, may progress rapidly unless the causative factor is removed.
Q.Cataracts, what are they, why and what can I do to help sight?
A.A cataract is an opacification of the crystalline lens of the eye. When the transparency of the lens decreases enough to disturb vision, a clinically significant cataract exists. At this point, surgical removal of the cataract is necessary to restore visual acuity.
Q.How long does it take an eye to heal after cataract surgery?
A.There are numerous factors which affect the healing time following cataract surgery. They include: The type of procedure and intra-operative complications.
However, assuming that a small incision procedure is performed and there are no significant complications, useful vision may be achieved when the eye dressing is removed on the day after surgery. Vision usually stabilizes in one to three weeks, at which time an eyeglass prescription may be required. Also, by this time, there is usually no need for further medication.
Q.I have Ischemic Optic Neuropathy in one eye. What are the chances of this condition developing in my other eye? Will taking one aspirin a day help prevent that outcome?
A.Ischemic optic neuropathy results from the death of the optic nerve fibers which are within the eye. This is caused by occlusion of arteries that supply these fibers.
The most common cause of this is arteriosclerosis. Two less frequent causes are giant-cell arteries and clots from coronary by-pass surgery. There is no therapy for anterior ischemic optic neuropathy when the cause is arteriosclerosis. Also, there is about a 50% chance that it may occur in the second eye. Aspirin may prevent clot formation and is your best hedge against this.
This general Information is not intended to provide individual advice. Please make an appointment with a physician to discuss you particular situation and needs.
