Cataracts Surgery

Your Doctor of Optometry provides referrals to secondary specialists, such as ophthalmologists, for treatment of systemic diseases or eye surgery when necessary. Doctors of Optometry also co-manage the treatment of ocular diseases and pre- and post-surgical patient care with ophthalmologists.

Cataract surgery is a very safe and effective procedure to remove the cloudy crystalline lens from the eye and replace it with a clear implant. However, there are risks and limitations that need to be discussed with a Doctor of Optometry or ophthalmologist prior to undergoing the procedure. With improved technology, options now exist when it comes to selecting the proper lens implant for your eyes.

When the normally clear lens within your eye becomes cloudy and opaque, it is called a cataract. Cataracts vary from extremely small areas of cloudiness to large opaque areas that cause a noticeable reduction in vision.

Cataracts are a function of aging and are most often found in people over the age of 60, although cataracts are also occasionally found in younger people. If a child is born with a cataract it is referred to as a congenital cataract.

Some indications that a cataract may be forming include blurred or hazy vision that cannot be corrected by changing the glasses prescription, or the feeling of having a film over the eyes that does not go away with blinking. A temporary change in distance and/or near vision may also occur. An increased sensitivity to glare, especially at night, may be experienced. Cataracts develop without pain or redness.

A comprehensive eye examination by a Doctor of Optometry can determine if you have a cataract forming. Cataracts may develop slowly over many years or they may form rapidly in a matter of months. Some cataracts never progress to the point that they need to be removed. When a change in glasses can no longer provide functional vision and the cataract is starting to interfere with your daily activities, your Doctor of Optometry will arrange a consultation with a cataract surgeon.

During cataract surgery, the old cloudy lens is removed and an intraocular lens implants, inserted in your eye at the time of surgery, serve as a new lens. Sometimes the lens implant can give you good enough distance vision that you may not need glasses. Your near vision will still be blurred however, so you will likely still require glasses to read. Your Doctor of Optometry will prescribe new lenses for your glasses about four weeks after surgery to maximize your distance and near vision.

For more information or to book an appointment today, please visit us online at www.visionsourcenw.com.

Extreme Close-Up Photos of Human Eyes

Our eyes are beautiful and fascinating organs! These extreme close ups of eyes by photographer Suren Manvelyan "take on an almost otherworldly quality".

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TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR EYES DURING THE WINTER MONTHS

With Winter here, it means many British Columbians are hitting the slopes! While many love the thrill of flying downhill, optometrists don’t want your eye health to do the same. As a B.C. Doctor of Optometry, I see many patients with eye health issues that could easily be prevented with proper eye protection. To help protect your eyes from the great outdoors, be sure to take the appropriate eye-health precautions. Below are some tips to help you separate the eye protection facts from fauxs:

UV protection is important

Wear eye goggles and/or sunglasses to block damaging UV rays. UV rays are strongest when you are at the highest altitude of a mountain, which is often where you’re skiing or snowboarding. Don’t forget that the highest exposure to UV rays is at mid-day and the reflection of sunlight from the snow into your eyes can have damaging long-term effects to your vision such as cataracts or macular retinopathies. Don’t be fooled by the clouds – you’re still at risk!

Know your lenses

When purchasing your eye goggles it’s important to understand that different tints are meant for different weather conditions. Purchasing goggles with interchangeable lenses is your safest option. Be sure to consult your BC Doctor of Optometry to select suitable eyewear and to ensure they are the correct prescription (if needed) for your eyes.

Say goodbye to dry eye

During the winter, dry air and low temperatures are two of the causes of dry eyes – your eyes may feel extremely irritated and red. To help with these symptoms, you may try artificial tears or increase your intake of Omega 3. If your symptoms continue to persist, have a dry eye evaluation with your Doctor of Optometry. They will have different options to treat your dry eyes.

Take action

If you experience any severe symptoms such as blurry vision, sore eyes, sensitivity to light, or redness, visit your local Doctor of Optometry as soon as possible. Visit us online at www.visionsourcenw.com.

Be proactive with your eye health this winter to help prevent any potentially harmful effects to your vision. Remember, the most important thing that you can do for your eyes is to get regular eye exams from your Doctor of Optometry. We recommend infants have their first eye exam between six and nine months of age. Children should have at least one eye exam between the ages of two and five, and yearly after starting school. Adults should have an eye exam every two years and seniors annually.

Stay safe this winter!

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