Lakewood, NJ - Have you ever been
bothered by light or glare? Has your vision become
blurred? Do colors seem less vivid than they once were? If
so, you could have the beginnings of cataracts.
“Cataracts are a cloudy or opaque formation in the
lens of the eye,” explains Edward Hedaya, MD, a board-certified
ophthalmologist on staff at Kimball Medical Center. “The
lens, which is normally transparent, helps our eyes focus
light and the images we see on the retina – the light-sensitive
tissue at the back of the eye.” In a normal eye, according
to Dr. Hedaya, light passes through the transparent lens
to the retina where it is transformed into nerve signals
that are sent to the brain. “The lens needs to be clear
in order for the retina to receive a sharp image. If it’s
clouded by a cataract, the image you see will be blurred
or fuzzy – kind of like seeing through frosted glass,” he
explains.
In addition to blurred vision, difficulty with color differentiation
and poor night vision, cataracts can also affect the ability
to distinguish between light and dark. Other symptoms can
include a frequent need for stronger eyeglass prescriptions,
light or glare sensitivity, increased nearsightedness, or
distorted images in one or both eyes.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, more
than 20 million people over the age of 40 have cataracts. “In
addition to age,” explains Dr. Hedaya, “family
history can also play a role in cataract development. Cataracts
can also develop as a result of eye injuries, diseases such
as diabetes, certain medications, and long-term exposure
to sunlight and damaging UV rays,” he adds. Cataracts
may also develop more quickly in the presence of some environmental
factors, such as smoking or exposure to other toxic substances,
according to Dr. Hedaya.
“Wearing sunglasses or a hat that shades the
sun from your eyes is good practice to reduce your eyes’ exposure
to UV light,” suggests Dr. Hedaya. “Always
wear protective eyewear when engaging in activities such
as mowing the lawn, painting or cleaning with harsh chemicals
to reduce the risk of eye injury or damage, which can increase
your risk for developing cataracts,” he advises.
There are no medications, eye drops, exercises, or glasses
that have been proven to make cataracts disappear or prevent
their formation. Cataract surgery – now one of the
most common operations performed in this country – is
currently the only way to treat a cataract and restore your
sight.
Until recently, cataract surgery was delayed as long as
possible. The clouded lens was left to “ripen” resulting
in severely impaired vision prior to surgery. That’s
all changed though, according to Dr. Hedaya. “We now
have all sorts of new options in artificial intraocular lens
implants. They have revolutionized cataract surgery,” he
says. “People no longer have to wait until their vision
is really terrible before they can proceed with surgery.
Today, if the feeling is that an individual’s vision
can be improved, we do it. And now, we can not only remove
the cataract, but also improve the patient’s vision
so that they no longer need glasses – for distance
or for reading. It’s the first time in the history
of mankind,” he jokes, “that we can make parents
see better than children!”
At Kimball Medical Center, Dr. Hedaya performs cataract
surgery in the hospital’s same day surgery unit. “State-of-the-art
computer technology uses the measurements of the eye to compute
the power of the artificial lens we implant, to ensure the
greatest vision improvement,” he explains.
During the procedure, a technique known as phacoemulsification
is used to remove the cataract. The technique, according
to Dr. Hedaya, uses ultrasonic vibrations or high frequency
sound waves to gently break the lens into microscopic pieces,
which are then removed from the eye through a tiny incision. “The
natural lens is then replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL)
implant. There are several different types of great
intraocular lenses on the market today including ReSTOR,
ReZoom and Crystalens. They type of IOL used is determined
by each individual’s visual needs,” he adds.
The incisions, notes Dr. Hedaya, are so small that sutures
are not necessary. In fact, he says the entire procedure
requires no injections, needles or suturing. This may account,
in part, for the fast recovery time. “The actual outpatient
procedure usually takes about 15 minutes to complete, and
while healing varies from person to person, in general it
takes anywhere from a few hours to several days.” In
fact, many people go home seeing clearly the same day they
have cataract surgery.
“This is truly a life-changing procedure,” says
Dr. Hedaya. “While we can’t guarantee perfect
sight, we’ve restored lost sight to thousands of patients,
dramatically improving their vision and enhancing the quality
of their life.” The doctor stresses that it’s
important for patient to carefully follow postoperative instructions
to help prevent complications, which, while rare, can occur.
Regular eye exams can help prevent unnecessary vision loss.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that adults
with no signs or risk factors for eye disease get a baseline
eye disease screening at age 40 – the time when early
signs of disease and changes in vision may start to occur. “The
older you get, the more frequently you should have your eyes
checked,” advises Dr. Hedaya. He recommends every few
years after age 50 and annual visits to the eye doctor by
age 65, more often if you have a family history of eye disease.
“It’s also important to be aware of changes
in your vision and to see your eye doctor if you notice anything
different in regards to your sight,” advises Dr. Hedaya.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Edward Hedaya or another
ophthalmologist on staff at Kimball Medical Center, please
call
1-888-SBHS-123 (888-724-7123).
Date: July 23, 2009
CONTACT: Carrie Cristello
Director, Public Relations
732-923-6552
ccristello@sbhcs.com
[ top ] [ Back
to News Index ] |
|
|
