Monday, May 19, 2014

Cataract Surgery: Best Results when Both Eyes Done

The best results from cataract surgery are generally achieved when both eyes have cataract surgery. It is also important to know that having cataract surgery in one eye is likely to improve vision and visual functioning, however the most significant improvements are found in patients who undergo second eye cataract surgery. Francis D’Ambrosio Jr., M.D. commented, “Having a cataract in one or both eyes often causes blurry, cloudy or dimming of vision but more importantly it can cause a real decrease in overall visual functioning that impacts daily activities and lifestyle-especially mobility and navigating safely.” In general it is well known that the presence of a cataract negatively affects both subjective quality of life and objective performance measures.

Researchers reporting in the journal Ophthalmology studied the impact that cataract and cataract surgery have on clinical measurements of vision, reading speed, objective mobility performance and subjective visual functioning. In this study, 29 participants had cataract surgery on both eyes, 90 participants had cataract surgery in one eye and 1620 participants had no cataract surgery. The results showed that patients who had the cataract surgery in both eyes demonstrated better visual performance, better mobility-based task performance and even scored better on the Activities of Daily Vision Scale (ADVS). Thus, even though patients might find a great improvement after having cataract surgery in only one eye, the data indicate that having cataract surgery on both eyes provides the best visual functioning.

If you or someone you know is concerned cataracts or has questions about cataracts, cataract surgery and lens implants they are encouraged to schedule an eye examination at D’Ambrosio Eye Care by calling us at 800-325-3937, visiting D’Ambrosio Eye Care or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare so that we can help recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

D'Ambrosio Eye Care is a leading eye and LASIK care practice with office locations at 479 Old Union Turnpike, Lancaster, Massachusetts 01523, 100 Powder Mill Road, Acton, Massachusetts 01720, 413 Main Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331 and 74 Main Street, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440 that serve the greater Boston and central Massachusetts area.