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Considering Cataract Surgery
Hello,
I am 42 years old and have congenital cataracts. Over the last year, night driving has become problematic and I was considering having the cataracts removed. I am active physically (I box, although not professionally) and have been told that I will not have to stop boxing after the eyes have healed. Night glare is the only symptom I have.
The night glare is a real problem, but it's not so bad yet the I cannot drive. I have heard that cataract surgery is generally safe and the results predictable. I have read about the multifocal lenses. Right now, I am inclined to get the best distance vision I can get and just wear glasses for reading (I wear glasses to read now anyway). I was hoping you could give me suggestions as to things I should consider in making the decision to have the surgery or not.
Thanks
Steve
I am 42 years old and have congenital cataracts. Over the last year, night driving has become problematic and I was considering having the cataracts removed. I am active physically (I box, although not professionally) and have been told that I will not have to stop boxing after the eyes have healed. Night glare is the only symptom I have.
The night glare is a real problem, but it's not so bad yet the I cannot drive. I have heard that cataract surgery is generally safe and the results predictable. I have read about the multifocal lenses. Right now, I am inclined to get the best distance vision I can get and just wear glasses for reading (I wear glasses to read now anyway). I was hoping you could give me suggestions as to things I should consider in making the decision to have the surgery or not.
Thanks
Steve
Thanks for your reply. It's true that even though my uncorrected vision is not that bad (20/50 and 20/80), I have never been able to be corrected to 20/20. 20/25 and 20/30 is the best I get.
I have always wondered if the cataract was the reason since I have friends with 20/200 who can be corrected to 20/20. Thanks for the input. Lots to think about and talk to my doctor about.
I have always wondered if the cataract was the reason since I have friends with 20/200 who can be corrected to 20/20. Thanks for the input. Lots to think about and talk to my doctor about.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Your problem is a little more problematical and a little less routine. Congenital cataracts can reduce the best correct vision by cause a degree of amblyopia. This its possible that your cataracts might be removed and you not see 20/20.
If I were your surgeon I would recommend you stop boxing if you have cataract surgery. Boxers have a higher rate of retinal detachement and cataract surgery increases the risk of surgery by a factor or 10X not 10 percent but ten times the risk before cataracts were removed.
Most people wait till the cataracts are a big problem not a little problem and that is generally good advise. I would advise monofocal IOLs. if you chose to have surgery.
JCH III MD
If I were your surgeon I would recommend you stop boxing if you have cataract surgery. Boxers have a higher rate of retinal detachement and cataract surgery increases the risk of surgery by a factor or 10X not 10 percent but ten times the risk before cataracts were removed.
Most people wait till the cataracts are a big problem not a little problem and that is generally good advise. I would advise monofocal IOLs. if you chose to have surgery.
JCH III MD
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