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.
