$Unique_ID{BRK01045} $Pretitle{} $Title{What are the Chances for a Good Result From Cataract Surgery?} $Subject{eye eyes cataracts surgery Sense senses sight see seeing operation surgical operations surgeries lens lenses replacement replacements vision cataract} $Volume{F-21} $Log{ Normal vs. Cataracted Eyes*0003101.scf Blurred Retinal Image*0003102.scf Clear vs. Cloudy Vision*0003103.scf} Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc. What are the Chances for a Good Result From Cataract Surgery? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ QUESTION: I'm always nervous when it comes to my health, more so these days as I await the day for my cataract surgery. My doctor has been very accommodating, and explained about the insertion of a new lens. I am going to have a new lens put in, but I would like the truth about my chances for a good result. Would you please oblige me with one of your clear explanations? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANSWER: You probably have no reason to be nervous about the operation because cataract surgery is currently the most common major surgical procedure performed on people over 65 years old who are on Medicare. Most of the operations are very successful and a very high percentage of those who have lens implantation report a big improvement in their vision. In one study I found researching your question's answer, the results of cataract surgery with lens replacement on patients between the ages of 70 and 95 years old were reported. Before the operation 91 percent of the participants rated their own vision as fair or poor. Four months after the surgery, 66 percent of the cataract patients rated their vision as excellent or good. On a more scientific level, the doctors also noted a significant improvement in the participants' vision: using a more precise means of measuring vision, doctors found that visual acuity after surgery improved from about 20/100 before the operation to 20/40 four months afterwards. With this recovered vision, your daily chores will be more easily accomplished, and you can return to the joys of reading which you mentioned in your letter as being so important to your mental stimulation. Good luck, and please let me know how your surgery turned out. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.