Macular Degeneration and Cataracts- Treatment Options
Macular degeneration and cataracts are some of the commonly diagnosed eye conditions in Australia.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is an eye disease that if not treated properly can cause blindness and low vision in sufferers. Typically this eye disease occurs in people over the age of 50 years. There are two main types of macular degeneration:
- Dry macular degeneration- deterioration of the centre of the retina
- Wet macular degeneration- growth of leaky blood vessels under the retina
Patients with macular degeneration typically have a yellow coloured spot in the centre of the retina. This part of the retina is actually responsible for central vision, allowing one to focus on fine details. Currently there is no treatment to completely reverse macular degenration; however, surgery is a useful tool used to restore vision in patients.
Cataracts
A cataract where the natural lens of the eye increasingly becomes cloudy. This cloudiness is seen as a spot inside the eye and acts as a barrier to light passing from the front of the eye to the retina, causing poor vision. Cataracts can grow and completely block the retina if not treated properly. Normally, these are more common in the older population; however, some younger people may be born with cataracts.
Symptoms include blurred vision and sensitivity to bright light
In order to protect one's vision and begin treatment for these conditions as soon as possible, one should see a cataract doctor. These specialists are professionals in their field who have the qualifications and experience to deal with patients with cataracts and macular degeneration. Cataract doctors will decide whether the vision can be corrected through glasses, bifocals or other visual aids. In advanced cases, the doctor will recommend surgery to completely remove the cataract and restore vision.
What happens during an appointment?
When a patient visits a cataract doctor, the first thing the doctor performs is a cataract assessment. This is basically where the doctor decides how advanced the cataract is by checking the patient's vision issues (e.g., long- or short- sightedness). The doctor then takes a photo of the cataract and discuss treatment options with their patient. If the patient does need to have surgery, they may need to undergo further eye tests such as an eye ultrasound. They will then use all the information gathered to perform surgery.
Recovery from the surgery is swift, and the patient is required to attend follow-up visits to ensure everything is going well. If you are having cataract issues, you should not delay in making an appointment with a cataract doctor.