NJ Driving Safety & Cataract Surgery

As one would expect, driving safety is impacted by the presence of cataracts as well as having cataract surgery-particularly with regard to differences between men and women. “An interesting study on cataract surgery and driving was reported in Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology whereby motor vehicle accidents involving men decreased by 15.3% in the 12 months following cataract surgery but the frequency of postoperative crashes didn't change significantly for women,” noted Cataract Surgeon Joel Confino, M.D. of The Eye Care & Surgery Center in Westfield, Warren & Iselin, NJ. “We know all too well that delaying cataract surgery often results in patients modifying their lifestyles and activities. This is especially the case as people restrict their driving in response to health and vision changes. We need to hear from patients about their driving habits and whether they have had to change them as their cataracts develop-then we can help,” said Dr. Confino.

If you or someone you know has a question about cataracts, cataract surgery, lens implants or driving please feel free to call The Eye Care & Surgery Center at 908-789-8999, visit The Eye Care & Surgery Center or facebook.com/eyecareandsurgerycenter to schedule an appointment.

Cataract Surgery & Preventing Hip Fracture

“What does cataract surgery have to do with preventing hip fractures?” asked Roslyn Stahl, M.D. a Cataract Surgeon at The Eye Care & Surgery Center. “What we know from recent studies is that cataract surgery may offer patients with cataracts a distinct advantage in preventing hip fractures according to a report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association,” said Dr. Stahl.

When looking at the risk of hip fracture among more than 1 million people on Medicare aged 65 with cataracts, researchers found people who had cataract surgery had a 16% lower risk of hip fracture one year after the procedure. Visual impairment from cataracts-whether from blurry vision, glare, halos or decreased contrast-is a known risk factor for falls. Thus when we improve vision for patients with cataracts, their mobility is typically improved as well as their confidence and the safety with which they navigate. A hip or pelvis fracture is the sentinel event that leads to a progressive decline in quality of life and usually signifies increased mortality and morbidity. Accidental falls and the resulting bone fractures are a major cause of disability and death among the elderly. “The key here is that there is a demonstrated need for timely cataract surgery for seniors in order to manage the risk of challenged mobility with resulting fractures. We are quite fortunate-and it is really rewarding-to be able to provide cataract patients with modern patient friendly cataract surgery on an outpatient basis that utilizes tiny incisions, eye drops for anesthesia and a quick visual recovery,” summarized Dr. Stahl.

If you or someone you know has questions about cataract, cataract surgery, lens implants or hip fracture prevention please feel free to call The Eye Care & Surgery Center at 908-789-8999, visit The Eye Care & Surgery Center or facebook.com/eyecareandsurgerycenter.

The Eye Care & Surgery Center is a leading New Jersey eye care practice with offices at 592 Springfield Avenue, Westfield, New Jersey 07090, 10 Mountain Boulevard, Warren, New Jersey 07059 and 517 Route One South, Suite 1100, Iselin, New Jersey 08830

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New Jersey Cataract Awareness Month

“While it used to be mainly New Jersey seniors interested in learning more about cataracts, cataract surgery and lens implants, today we spend time answering cataract questions from baby boomer patients aging and experiencing cataract related vision problems,” explained Cataract Surgeon Joel Confino, M.D. of The Eye Care & Surgery Center in Westfield, Warren & Iselin, NJ. ‘We are aware of data from Prevent Blindness America that indicates almost 25 million million people age 40 and older have cataracts-a 19 percent increase since the year 2000-and more than half of all Americans over 65 have some degree of cataract development. In fact cataracts are a leading cause of vision loss among seniors. Fortunately, with cataract surgery and lens implants we can readily help people achieve very good vision.”

Many patients do not actually know that a cataract is a clouding of the crystalline lens of the eye preventing light rays from passing through it easily. This results in a clouding and blurring of vision. Patients should understand that cataracts are not a growth or a film over the eye. For many patients cataracts start out slowly and have little effect on vision at first. But, as the cataract becomes denser, so does the impact on vision. The most common symptoms that bother patients with cataracts can include blurring of vision, sensitivity to light and glare, double vision in one eye, poor night vision, fading or yellowing of colors and frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescriptions.

“What many people do not realize is that the poor vision in seniors is often associated with premature or accelerated mental decline. Further, the challenges reduced vision creates in terms of mobility and safety can also put patients at increased risk for orthopedic injury-especially hip fracture. So, helping seniors restore vision with cataract surgery has an important place in securing senior health, well being, mobility, safety and mental state,” said Dr. Confino.

“When cataracts begin to interfere with daily activities or with patient comfort, mobility and safety, they can be treated surgically. Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most frequently performed surgeries in the United States. Today, we have a full range of lens implants available that allow us to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and even near vision problems after cataract surgery, as well as distance vision, without requiring bifocals or reading glasses for the vast majority of patients,” explained Dr. Confino.

If you or someone you know has questions about cataract, cataract surgery or lens implants please feel free to call The Eye Care & Surgery Center at 908-789-8999, visit The Eye Care & Surgery Center or facebook.com/eyecareandsurgerycenter to schedule an appointment.

The Eye Care & Surgery Center is staffed by a team of Board Certified NJ Ophthalmologists who are subspecialty Fellowship trained New Jersey eye surgeons, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, surgery for cataracts, intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration (AMD) and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma, reconstructive and cosmetic facial surgery including eyelid surgery and facial and skin rejuvenation as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services.

With locations in Westfield and Warren and Iselin, The Eye Care & Surgery Center is a leading NJ eye care practice serving the central and northern New Jersey including Old Bridge, East Brunswick, Sayreville, Milltown, North Brunswick, Kendall Park, Somerset, Dunellen, Bridgewater, Manville, Bound Brook, Raritan, Edison, Colonia, Woodbridge, Metuchen, Avenel, Carteret, Piscataway, Middlesex, Somerville, South Plainfield, North Plainfield, Roselle Park, Garwood, Clark, Kenilworth, Cranford, Gillette, Berkeley Heights, Stirling, Scotch Plains, Summit, Chatham, Watchung, Pluckemin, Rahway, Plainfield, Mountainside, Springfield, New Providence, Basking Ridge, Bedminster, Bernardsville, Millington, Union, Elizabeth, Linden, Jersey City, Irvington, Orange, West Orange, Livingston, Short Hills, Florham Park, Madison, Bloomfield, Montclair, Clifton, Garfield, Wayne, Parsippany, Troy Hills and Paramus, New Jersey.

NJ Cataract Surgeon on Waiting for Cataract Surgery

NJ Cataract Surgeon Ivan Jacobs, M.D. of The Eye Care & Surgery Center in Westfield, Warren & Iselin, New Jersey shared thoughts about waiting too long to have cataract surgery and lens implants. “The decision of when to have a cataract removed and replaced with lens implants is really a very personal decision,” said Dr. Jacobs. “Some of my cataract patients are just not happy with the slightest degree of blurry vision or glare sensitivity, whereas others surprise me with how tolerant they are. So, I generally tell patients that their cataracts should be removed when they feel that they have visual discomfort or inconvenience-or any safety issues with navigating each day’s activities with confidence,” Dr. Jacobs explained. 

What patients should know though is that waiting too long for cataract surgery can result is some unintended consequences and possible risks. “For example, as a cataract matures, it does become denser and somewhat more difficult to remove. This requires more energy and may lead to prolonged inflammation or even intraoperative complications,” stated Dr. Jacobs. “For sure we don’t want the cataract to become so dense, swollen and cloudy that it causes a type of glaucoma or impair our view of the retina,” Dr. Jacobs stressed. “In these instances your cataract surgeon is likely to recommend proceeding with cataract removal even though you may not think you are quite ready.” 

If you or someone you know has a cataract or is need of cataract surgery and lens implants please feel free to call The Eye Care & Surgery Center at 908-789-8999, visit The Eye Care & Surgery Center or facebook.com/eyecareandsurgerycenter to schedule an appointment. 

The Eye Care & Surgery Center is staffed by a team of Board Certified NJ Ophthalmologists who are subspecialty Fellowship trained New Jersey eye surgeons, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, surgery for cataracts, intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration (AMD) and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma, reconstructive and cosmetic facial surgery including eyelid surgery and facial and skin rejuvenation as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services. 

With locations in Westfield and Warren and Iselin, The Eye Care & Surgery Center is a leading NJ eye care practice serving the central and northern New Jersey including Old Bridge, East Brunswick, Sayreville, Milltown, North Brunswick, Kendall Park, Somerset, Dunellen, Bridgewater, Manville, Bound Brook, Raritan, Edison, Colonia, Woodbridge, Metuchen, Avenel, Carteret, Piscataway, Middlesex, Somerville, South Plainfield, North Plainfield, Roselle Park, Garwood, Clark, Kenilworth, Cranford, Gillette, Berkeley Heights, Stirling, Scotch Plains, Summit, Chatham, Watchung, Pluckemin, Rahway, Plainfield, Mountainside, Springfield, New Providence, Basking Ridge, Bedminster, Bernardsville, Millington, Union, Elizabeth, Linden, Jersey City, Irvington, Orange, West Orange, Livingston, Short Hills, Florham Park, Madison, Bloomfield, Montclair, Clifton, Garfield, Wayne, Parsippany, Troy Hills and Paramus, New Jersey.

Flying & Air Travel after Cataract Surgery

“My cataract patients-especially as they seem to be getting younger-are continuing very active lifestyles-including air travel and flying shortly after their cataract surgery and lens implant operation. Often they need to get on an airplane or take advantage of air travel arrangements after cataract surgery and don’t want to be hindered,” stated NJ Cataract Surgeon Joel Confino, M.D. of The Eye Care & Surgery Center in Westfield, Warren & Iselin, New Jersey.

Most cataract surgeons require their patients to be examined the first day after cataract surgery and again at about 5-8 days after a cataract operation. This is the period of time where rare, but potentially serious, complications would likely be detected, if they were to occur. Beyond this period of time it is more a matter of making sure that you have access to continued follow up care at your cataract surgeon’s direction. If you are contemplating a trip after your cataract surgery you should discuss this with your cataract surgeon and we can give you any additional advice you might need regarding air travel as it would apply to your post operative instructions.

If you or someone you know has questions or concerns about cataract surgery, air travel and flying please feel free to call The Eye Care & Surgery Center at 908-789-8999, visit The Eye Care & Surgery Center or facebook.com/eyecareandsurgerycenter.

The Eye Care & Surgery Center is staffed by a team of Board Certified NJ Ophthalmologists who are subspecialty Fellowship trained New Jersey eye surgeons, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, surgery for cataracts, intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration (AMD) and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma, reconstructive and cosmetic facial surgery including eyelid surgery and facial and skin rejuvenation as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services.

With locations in Westfield and Warren and Iselin, The Eye Care & Surgery Center is a leading NJ eye care practice serving the central and northern New Jersey including Old Bridge, East Brunswick, Sayreville, Milltown, North Brunswick, Kendall Park, Somerset, Dunellen, Bridgewater, Manville, Bound Brook, Raritan, Edison, Colonia, Woodbridge, Metuchen, Avenel, Carteret, Piscataway, Middlesex, Somerville, South Plainfield, North Plainfield, Roselle Park, Garwood, Clark, Kenilworth, Cranford, Gillette, Berkeley Heights, Stirling, Scotch Plains, Summit, Chatham, Watchung, Pluckemin, Rahway, Plainfield, Mountainside, Springfield, New Providence, Basking Ridge, Bedminster, Bernardsville, Millington, Union, Elizabeth, Linden, Jersey City, Irvington, Orange, West Orange, Livingston, Short Hills, Florham Park, Madison, Bloomfield, Montclair, Clifton, Garfield, Wayne, Parsippany, Troy Hills and Paramus, New Jersey.

NJ Surgeon on Cataract Lens Implants for Astigmatism

NJ Cataract Surgeon & Corneal Specialist Joel Confino, M.D. commented on correcting astigmatism after cataract surgery with toric lens implants. “Almost all of my cataract patients know from their eye exams or eyeglass prescriptions whether they have astigmatism. Sometimes they don’t realize that it may be necessary for their cataract surgeon to correct that astigmatism in order to get the best visual results after cataract surgery,” explained Dr. Confino.

Astigmatism is a common refractive eye condition that that is most often due to an uneven curvature of the cornea. If the cornea were perfectly shaped, it would have a spherical round even shape, like a basketball. In eyes that have astigmatism, the cornea is typically curved more like an oblong, football-like shape, similar to the shape of the back of a teaspoon. “Depending on the degree and orientation of the unequal curvatures, astigmatism can cause mild or even severe blurry vision,” explained Dr. Confino.

Patients with cataracts and who are in need of cataract surgery have three choices when considering how to correct their astigmatism.

First, patients can simply choose to be dependent on wearing eyeglasses after cataract surgery in order to correct astigmatism.

Second, if appropriate, some patients may opt to have an additional surgical procedure called Limbal Relaxing Incisions (LRI).

Third, patients can elect have an astigmatism correcting toric lens implant in which the astigmatism correction is incorporated into the lens prescription just as in eyeglasses. “Toric lens implants are placed in the eye in exactly the same manner as ordinary lens implants at the time of cataract surgery and correct the astigmatism as part of the cataract surgery operation,” further explained Dr. Confino.

If you or someone you know has cataracts or is considering cataract surgery and has astigmatism please feel free to learn more about astigmatism correction after cataract surgery by calling The Eye Care & Surgery Center at 908-789-8999, visiting The Eye Care & Surgery Center or facebook.com/eyecareandsurgerycenter to schedule an appointment.

The Eye Care & Surgery Center is staffed by a team of Board Certified NJ Ophthalmologists who are subspecialty Fellowship trained New Jersey eye surgeons, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, surgery for cataracts, intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration (AMD) and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma, reconstructive and cosmetic facial surgery including eyelid surgery and facial and skin rejuvenation as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services.

With locations in Westfield and Warren and Iselin, The Eye Care & Surgery Center is a leading NJ eye care practice serving the central and northern New Jersey including Old Bridge, East Brunswick, Sayreville, Milltown, North Brunswick, Kendall Park, Somerset, Dunellen, Bridgewater, Manville, Bound Brook, Raritan, Edison, Colonia, Woodbridge, Metuchen, Avenel, Carteret, Piscataway, Middlesex, Somerville, South Plainfield, North Plainfield, Roselle Park, Garwood, Clark, Kenilworth, Cranford, Gillette, Berkeley Heights, Stirling, Scotch Plains, Summit, Chatham, Watchung, Pluckemin, Rahway, Plainfield, Mountainside, Springfield, New Providence, Basking Ridge, Bedminster, Bernardsville, Millington, Union, Elizabeth, Linden, Jersey City, Irvington, Orange, West Orange, Livingston, Short Hills, Florham Park, Madison, Bloomfield, Montclair, Clifton, Garfield, Wayne, Parsippany, Troy Hills and Paramus, New Jersey.

Cataract Surgery

Happy New Year All! To begin 2011, i would like to address some frequently asked questions about cataracts and cataract surgery. For the next six days, I will unwrap the the mysteries surrounding 6 Main concerns when considering Cataract Procedures:

1. What complications can arise from having Cataract Surgery?
2. What is the recovery time
3. Are there lens implants that correct for Astigmatism?
4. Post-operative expectations
5. Will I still need glasses after cataract surgery?
6. Lens implant cost and insurance

CATARACT SURGERY AND POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS:
Cataract Surgery complications and problems after Cataract removal are generally pretty rare and are usually less than 5% in an otherwise healthy group of patients. In patients with additional eye diseases such as Glaucoma or Diabetic Retinopathy the complication rate may increase. Nonetheless the overall success rate for Cataract Surgery is generally regarded as being between 85-92% with overall patient satisfaction being in the 95% range. As with any surgery, patients should be familiar with possible complications so that they can bring any unusual symptoms or signs to the attention of their Cataract Surgeon in order to help avoid potential complications of Cataract Surgery, Cataract Surgery problems or unusual side effects after Cataract removal.
Some short term Cataract Surgery problems and complications are those that we will define as occurring during or very soon after the actual surgical procedure-perhaps within the first 24 hours after surgery.
For the vast majority of patients the tiny incision placed during Cataract Surgery is self sealing. Sometimes the Corneal incision does not seal properly and may require the surgeon to apply a contact lens or a pressure bandage or in certain cases place a stitch in order to help the incision seal.
Though quite rare as there are no blood vessels in the clear portion of the cornea where the incision is made,some slight bleeding may occur in the front of the eye at which time your surgeon can easily cauterize it and stop it immediately.
If it was necessary to use an injection around your eye in addition to or in place of anesthetic eye drops due to some factor regarding your overall health, you may experience some temporary bruising around your eye. Although unusual, it does happen from time to time.
Inner Eye Infection after Cataract Surgery is extremely rare occurring in one out of several thousand Cataract Surgery procedures. To prevent infection, Cataract Surgeons typically have patients use antibiotic eye drops a day before and for a week after surgery. Antibiotics are also administered before during and after the actual procedure.
During your Cataract Surgery the cloudy or opacified lens material is removed from your eye. The membrane that surrounds the lens is left in place to support the Intraocular Lens Implant. Occasionally it is possible that the posterior lens capsule will tear or rupture during your surgery. If this happens the surgeon will alter his placement of the lens so that the IOL can be properly set into position.
Retinal Detachment after Cataract Surgery is unusual. However if you are extremely nearsighted you may be at greater risk for Retinal Detachment in general and especially when you have any type of eye surgery including Cataract Surgery. The symptoms of Retinal Detachment include floaters, flashing lights, a shadow in your vision, a bubble or curve in your vision, a sensation that a curtain or a veil is being pulled in front of your vision and a possible loss of your vision. If you experience ANY of these symptoms after Cataract Surgery you should call your Cataract Surgeon immediately.
In general secondary Glaucoma after Cataract Surgery is very unusual. However if there is other bleeding or inflammation it can predispose you to developing secondary Glaucoma after Cataract Surgery. In most instances Secondary Glaucoma after Cataract Surgery is temporary and can be treated with eye drops, laser treatment or a combination of both.
In the event the surgeon finds it necessary to use sutures or stitches,it is possible to distort the shape of the Cornea and induce astigmatism. Sometimes swelling of the Cornea alone can cause astigmatism to be induced. If swelling alone caused the induced astigmatism then it will gradually go away as the swelling diminishes. If the astigmatism was caused by the use of stitches, then once they are removed it is likely that the Cornea will return to its original shape.

Long term Cataract Surgery problems and complications are those that we will define as occurring from one week to as long as six months after Cataract Surgery.

While it is very rare, the artificial Lens Implant (IOL) used to correct your vision after Cataract Surgery can move slightly becoming decentered or move a greater amount and become dislocated. A decentered or dislocated Lens Implant (IOL) may cause you to experience blurry vision, haloes, glare, double vision, fading vision, fluctuating and varying vision or shimmering vision. If this should occur your Cataract Surgeon will most likely reposition the Lens Implant (IOL) or replace it with a different Lens Implant.
During the first three months or so after Cataract Surgery it is possible for the Macula, the visual center of the Retina, to be susceptible to microscopic swelling. Swelling of the Macula is likely to cause you to experience a decrease or blurring of your central or straight ahead vision. This can be mild or it can be significant. In most cases, Cystoid Macular Edema is treated with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication given as an oral and/or eye drop prescription.
The most common complication of Cataract Surgery is opacification of the posterior lens capsule resulting in the formation of a Secondary or After Cataract, which occurs after as many as 30% of Cataract Surgery procedures. When this occurs you will experience a gradual blurring of your vision. Fortunately your surgeon is able to use a YAG Laser to perform a quick painless procedure called a YAG Laser Capsulotomy in which a small opening is created in the cloudy membrane allowing your vision to be restored.
Problems and complications of Cataract Surgery are unusual if not rare. The overall success rate and patient satisfaction with Cataract Surgery make it a very safe and effective treatment for Cataracts.