Cataracts

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Robert11 - 18 Oct 2006 13:13 GMT

Hello:

Regarding treatment(s) for Cataracts:

I always thought that laser treatment to remove cataracts is the state of
the art.

But I have recently seen articles where lasers are not even mentioned;
rather
surgery to replace the entire lens.

For "mild" cataracts, which is the most common procedure these days ?
Why ?

Thanks,
Bob

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Dr Judy - 18 Oct 2006 14:08 GMT

> Hello:
>
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
> For "mild" cataracts, which is the most common procedure these days ?
> Why ?

Lasers have never been used to remove cataract, ultrasound extracapular
extraction is the common procedure for cataract, whether mild or
severe. For description see link

http://www.westtexaseye.com/cataract.htm

Following surgery, a small percentage of patients will develop
opacification of the lens capsule. A laser is used to treat this.

Dr Judy

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Irv Arons - 18 Oct 2006 18:48 GMT

Dr. Judy,

That's not exactly right. Back in 2002, after the first laser for laser
phaco was approved, I wrote about it in an ophthalmic journal. I have
posted the article (and the reference to where it was published) on my
web Journal. The reference is:

http://irvaronsjournal.blogspot.com/2006/01/spotlight-laser-phaco-overview.html

I agree, laser phaco is not commonly done, but it is available in some
areas.

Irv Arons

> > Hello:
> >
[quoted text clipped - 20 lines]
>
> Dr Judy

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Dan Abel - 18 Oct 2006 20:48 GMT

> Hello:
>
> Regarding treatment(s) for Cataracts:
>
> I always thought that laser treatment to remove cataracts is the state of
> the art.

No.

> But I have recently seen articles where lasers are not even mentioned;
> rather
> surgery to replace the entire lens.

The doctor puts a vacuum cleaner inside the lens and takes out the
insides, leaving the outside of the lens intact. The lens then fills
with fluid. Since there is no difference in the index of refraction
between the inside of the eye and the inside of the lens, no refraction
occurs. Generally, a folded plastic lens is inserted into the lens to
compensate for that.

> For "mild" cataracts, which is the most common procedure these days ?

Leave it alone.

> Why ?

Eye surgery has risks, and many doctors feel that a little cataract
doesn't justify the surgical risk. Cataracts almost always progress,
and surgery will be justified at some point.

[note: I am not a doctor or any kind of vision professional, but have
had cataract and cataract surgery in both eyes]

Signature

Dan Abel
dabel@sonic.net
Petaluma, California, USA

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CatmanX - 18 Oct 2006 22:39 GMT

Sorry, but this myth is perpetuated by doctors to make themselves sound
better in many cases. It tends to come from the laser surgeons who tout
for the cataract market as weel, " come to Dr Smith's Laser Clinic for
a free cataract evaluation......".

These guys want the public to think they have the best equipment, even
though they do the same procedure as everyone else.

dr grant

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