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Home > Eye Conditions & Diseases > Archive by category 'Cataracts'

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    • Canadian Association of Optometrists

    Ontario Coverage for Cataract Surgery with Astigmatism

    Posted on May 2, 2012, 11:06 am by Canadian Association of Optometrists
    Posted in Astigmatism, Cataracts

    Liz wrote:

    My 84 year-old mother needs surgery to correct cataracts but she also has astigmatism. She has been told that there are 2 options 1) new lenses implanted to correct the cataract problem 2) new lenses that will correct both problems at the same time. The problem is that the second option is not covered by OHIP and she will need to pay the Herzig Inst. $3000 to have it done privately. My questions: 1. Is this true – lenses/procedures to handle both are not covered…? 1. If she elects to have it done, what are her options. Is the only option an Institute like Herzig or can she not work directly with an ophthalmologist at a Toronto hospital? Many thanks.

    Canadian Association of Optometrists's response:

    Your mother has a range of options to deal with her current situation.  Most ophthalmologists offer the ability for their patients to have surgery done through their local hospital.  In this scenario, OHIP would cover the cost of a conventional intra-ocular lens implant, as well as most of the expenses involved with the surgical procedure.  There may be incidental costs for supplement testing that will give the surgeon valuable information about your mother’s eyes to enable them to maximize the chance of success.  For a patient with a high amount of astigmatism though, a conventional implant would likely not correct her entire prescription.  She would likely have to wear glasses afterwards to fine tune her distance & close vision.  If your mother wanted to reduce her dependence on glasses as much as possible, she would have to opt for a premium lens that would be specially designed to try to treat the astigmatism.  These types of lenses are not currently covered by OHIP, so the patient would have to cover the difference themselves.  There are some surgeons who offer these premium lenses at the hospital.  Other surgeons, such as the ones at Herzig, do the surgery in their independent clinic.

    You may wish to consult your local optometrist to determine the most suitable option for your mother.  There needs to be an important discussion with your mother about her expectations regarding this surgery, as well as her current visual demands.  If her visual demands are modest and she doesn’t mind wearing glasses afterwards, perhaps a conventional lens implant would be sufficient.  If she is particularly active and would prefer to have increased freedom from glasses, then the added expense of a premium lens implant would need to be considered.  A local optometrist would also be familiar with other surgeons in your area, if you choose to consider other alternatives.

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    Dr. Sally Aldayeh

    Does Not Want Cataract Surgery

    Posted on January 24, 2012, 1:41 pm by Dr. Sally Aldayeh
    Posted in Cataracts

    Edo wrote:

    i am 68, i have congenital cataracts; according to the optometrist, my vision has changed little and he did not think it necessary to give me a new prescription for stronger lenses and referred me to an ophthalmologist. i know eventually i will need cataract surgery. my reading eyesight has deteriorated and i read with my prescription glasses coupled with an enlarging glass. i know there are reading glasses that are stronger than mine. why can i not get them prescribed so i can read without having the cataract surgery done? i do not want the surgery at this time - or ever. and i know, i have read and heard so many people tell me there is nothing to it. but i still will have to set foot in a hospital and that is where you pick up all this weird stuff. (i used to work there and also i was a member of the local hospital board years ago)

    Dr. Sally Aldayeh's response:

    Hi Edo,
    Your cataracts are causing you problems reading at near, Reading glasses (magnifiers) are limited, eventually you will have to couple it with a magnifier. But even reading glasses plus a magnifier can eventually ONLY do so much. Cataracts are a blinding condition, which can only be treated with surgery. Good luck Edo

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    Cataracts

    What is a cataract?

    When the normally clear lens within your eye becomes cloudy and opaque, it is called a cataract. Cataracts vary from extremely small areas of cloudiness to large opaque areas that cause a noticeable loss of vision.

    Who gets cataracts?

    Cataracts are most often found in persons over the age of 60, but they are also occasionally found in younger people, including newborns.

    What causes cataracts?

    No one knows exactly what causes cataracts. It is known that a chemical change occurs within your eye that causes the lens to become cloudy. This may be due to advancing age or it may be the result of heredity, an injury or a disease. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation present in sunlight, cigarette smoking or the use of certain medications are also risk factors for the development of cataracts. Cataracts usually develop in both eyes, but often at different rates.

    Can cataracts be prevented?

    Currently, there is no proven method to prevent cataracts from forming. Wearing sunglasses is a tremendous benefit as they protect your lens from harmful UV rays, which can speed up cataract formation. A diet rich in antioxidants (such as Vitamins A, C, E, Zinc Selenium & Magnesium) is seemingly also beneficial.

    What are the signs / symptoms of cataracts?

    Cataracts develop without pain or redness, some indications that a cataract may be forming include blurred or hazy vision, the appearance of spots in front of the eyes, or the feeling of having a film over the eyes. A temporary improvement in near vision may also occur and increased sensitivity to glare, especially at night may be experienced.

    How are cataracts diagnosed?

    A comprehensive eye examination by a Doctor of Optometry can determine if you have a cataract forming.How are cataracts treated?

    In the early stages of a cataract, where vision is only minimally affected, your optometrist can prescribe new lenses for your glasses to give you the sharpest vision possible. When the cataracts start to interfere with your daily activities and glasses cannot improve this vision, your optometrist will refer you to an eye surgeon who may recommend the surgical removal of the cataracts. The surgery is relatively uncomplicated and has a success rate of at least 95 percent.

    When will I need to have cataracts removed?

    Cataracts may develop slowly over many years or they may form rapidly in a matter of months. Some cataracts never progress to the point that they need to be removed. When a change in glasses can no longer provide functional vision, your optometrist will arrange a consultation with a cataract surgeon.

    What happens after cataract surgery?

    Intraocular lens implants, inserted in your eye at the time of surgery, serve as a “new lens” and sometimes give you good distance vision without glasses. Your near vision will still be blurred. Your Doctor of Optometry will prescribe new lenses for your glasses about 4 weeks after surgery to maximize your distance and near vision.

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