Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
Farrell C. Tyson, MD, FACS
Are activities you once enjoyed becoming less frequent? Have routine tasks become more challenging, such as night time driving? Are once vibrant colors and visual contrast now dull and muted? If you can relate to any of these questions, cataracts may be affecting your personal safety and quality of life. Recent studies have shown that people who undergo cataract surgery have a lower risk of health conditions as well as a longer life compared to people living with cataracts.
In people over the age of 40, cataracts are the most common form of vision loss. Cataracts are formed by the clouding of the lens within the eye. Many factors contribute to the gradual development of cataracts with age but some of the most well known influences are exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun, smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, prolonged use of corticosteroids, and family history.
A 20 year study with over 74,000 cataract patients age 65 and older found that having cataract surgery results in a 60 percent reduction of death from accidents as well as reduced the risks of cancer, neurological, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and infectious diseases. The study also showed drastic lifestyle improvements in surgical participant in forms of increase in exercise levels as well as locating and taking medications became easier. Due to improved visual clarity, the risks of falling and driving accidents were also reduced. This study was conducted by Dr. Anne L. Coleman, MD, PhD and colleagues, it was published by JAMA Ophthalmology and reported by the New York Times in December of 2017.
Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures in the United States. The Prevent Blindness America organization reports more than 3 million Americans have cataract surgery each year. Over 95 percent of cataract surgery instances are complication free, making cataract surgery one of the safest surgical procedures. Technology advancements such as the LENSAR laser system, reduces stress to the eye during cataract extraction, improves outcomes and shortens recovery time. In many cases, procedures correcting astigmatism and treating glaucoma can be performed simultaneously. Along with technology advancements in procedures, many artificial lens options are available to benefit one’s personal lifestyle.
At Tyson Eye, we pride ourselves on continuously providing the best for our patients. As an industry leader in the ophthalmic community, we participate in numerous clinical studies to find the most advanced and best lens options available for our patients. Dr. Tyson became one of the first cataract surgeons in the country to implant the new PanOptix Trifocal Intraocular Lens. This single trifocal lens design delivers PanOptix patients an exceptional combination of near, intermediate and distance vision which substantially reduces the need for glasses. The results also showed high patient satisfaction with more than ninety-nine percent of PanOptix patients saying they would choose the same lens again. This is one of the better lens options for patients wanting glasses independence.
Prior to cataract surgery, addressing dry eye symptoms affecting the cornea may be beneficial for many patients. According to the American Optometric Association, approximately 20% of seniors suffer from dry eyes and it is more commonly found in women. Dry eye syndrome can cause eye discomfort and decrease the clarity of vision. The cornea is thought of as the windshield of the eye. Restoring vision by removing a cataract is more effective if the windshield (Cornea) is clear and clean. The cause of one’s dry eye condition will determine the best treatment option.
We enjoy taking a personal interest in each of our patients and are always available for your questions. From our receptionists to our team of board certified doctors, we are committed to your health, comfort, safety, and ultimately your complete satisfaction.
“We offer our patients the most advanced technology available in the market for their cataract surgical experience. Achieving the best visual outcomes for our patient’s vision is priceless”
-Farrell C. Tyson, MD, FACS
Tyson Eye
239-542-2020 | www.tysoneye.com
