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Cataract Surgery Procedure
I needed to know if it is a customary procedure that when
you have your cataract evaluation exam, it is discovered that some other part of your eye is involved, would the lens replacement surgery take place first (since cataracts have reduced site considerably) and then be treated for whatever might be necessary? Thank you very much for your response.
you have your cataract evaluation exam, it is discovered that some other part of your eye is involved, would the lens replacement surgery take place first (since cataracts have reduced site considerably) and then be treated for whatever might be necessary? Thank you very much for your response.
This happened to my father. He has a cataract ready for removal, and the doctor also thinks he has an epiretinal membrane (ERM), which is a tissue layer growing across the retina at the back of the eye. It's in a totally different part of the eye than a cataract, which is clouding of the natural lens inside the eye (toward the front of the eye).
Both the cataract and the ERM can cause visual blurring. My dad also has distortion of straight lines, which the doctor is pretty sure is due to the ERM.
In his case, they are proceeding with cataract surgery first. Once this is done, the doctor can evaluate how much his vision improved with the cataract removal and IOL insertion.
If his vision is 'good enough' after cataract surgery, he will probably just be monitored unless the ERM causes vision problems severe enough to require ERM removal surgery.
In patients with very severe (dark/ripe) cataracts, it can be hard for the doctor to even see the retina directly. Although imaging techniques like OCT help a lot, sometimes a cataract must be removed before the doctor can literally see the retina to diagnose certain issues. This is not to say you have a retina problem, however!
If you have a cataract surgeon already, ask him/her if you should visit an ophthalmologist who is a retina specialist before your cataract surgery. If surgeons suspect any retina involvement, they often refer patients to a retina specialist just to check for any potential complications before scheduling the cataract surgery.
As an example, my dad was seen by a retina specialist at the request of his cataract surgeon. The retina guy gave the 'all-clear' for surgery and agreed removing the cataract first was the right choice (rather than doing anything for the ERM at this time). He also identified a small retina tear to the periphery of my dad's retina, which was 'tacked down' with a laser ahead of the cataract procedure, just to make the cataract procedure less likely to disturb the retina.
I hope your surgeon is able to help answer your question or provide a referral. If not, there are Internet resources to help you find a retina specialist if you want to see one before your surgery. Good luck.
Both the cataract and the ERM can cause visual blurring. My dad also has distortion of straight lines, which the doctor is pretty sure is due to the ERM.
In his case, they are proceeding with cataract surgery first. Once this is done, the doctor can evaluate how much his vision improved with the cataract removal and IOL insertion.
If his vision is 'good enough' after cataract surgery, he will probably just be monitored unless the ERM causes vision problems severe enough to require ERM removal surgery.
In patients with very severe (dark/ripe) cataracts, it can be hard for the doctor to even see the retina directly. Although imaging techniques like OCT help a lot, sometimes a cataract must be removed before the doctor can literally see the retina to diagnose certain issues. This is not to say you have a retina problem, however!
If you have a cataract surgeon already, ask him/her if you should visit an ophthalmologist who is a retina specialist before your cataract surgery. If surgeons suspect any retina involvement, they often refer patients to a retina specialist just to check for any potential complications before scheduling the cataract surgery.
As an example, my dad was seen by a retina specialist at the request of his cataract surgeon. The retina guy gave the 'all-clear' for surgery and agreed removing the cataract first was the right choice (rather than doing anything for the ERM at this time). He also identified a small retina tear to the periphery of my dad's retina, which was 'tacked down' with a laser ahead of the cataract procedure, just to make the cataract procedure less likely to disturb the retina.
I hope your surgeon is able to help answer your question or provide a referral. If not, there are Internet resources to help you find a retina specialist if you want to see one before your surgery. Good luck.
I'm not sure - there seems to be a darkened
diagonal line about 1/4" wide way to the outside
of my eye. I'm worried that it's going to interfere with the cataract surgery that I need to have very soon.
Thank you much, Dr. O.
diagonal line about 1/4" wide way to the outside
of my eye. I'm worried that it's going to interfere with the cataract surgery that I need to have very soon.
Thank you much, Dr. O.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Depends on the condition. What is the other problem?
Dr. O.
Dr. O.
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