Cataracts Archives

Do I Really Need Cataract Surgery?

Paul Stubenbordt on September 11, 2019

Cataracts affect a large percentage of adults over the age of 40. Many of these people may have cataracts and don’t even notice it at first.

But if you find it difficult to see, your doctor may recommend cataract surgery. It is an elective procedure, so you may be wondering if it’s completely necessary.

The truth is, it’s the most effective treatment for cataracts. It’s also the only way to restore your vision. Keep reading to learn more about treating cataracts and when to have surgery!

Is There an Alternative Treatment?

There is no way to fully treat cataracts besides having cataract surgery. Cataract surgery only becomes necessary if cataracts impact your vision.

Even if you have cataracts, you may not need treatment. Some people with cataracts never experience symptoms severe enough to warrant surgery.

Since cataracts develop over time, there are people who never develop cataract symptoms. If you have cataracts that aren’t harming your vision, there’s no need to get them treated.

But when your doctor recommends surgery, that means your cataracts affect your vision.

Severity of Symptoms

For many people, they may not notice having cataracts at first. Common symptoms include blurry vision, light sensitivity, and poor night vision.

These symptoms may even be present without the patient noticing. Often, blurry vision may be mistaken for presbyopia. This is also associated with getting older.

The difference is, stronger glasses won’t improve your vision if it’s because of cataracts.

When cataract symptoms become obvious and severe, it’s a good time to consider surgery.

Quality of Life

Doctors recommend cataract surgery when cataracts affect the patient’s quality of life. This means that if you can’t see well enough to perform everyday tasks as normal, you should get surgery.

Cataracts may develop slowly enough to never be a problem. This is why cataract surgery isn’t always recommended at diagnosis.

But left untreated, they can get much worse. You can even go blind if your cataracts get more and more opaque.

The good news is, blindness by cataracts is reversible when you get cataract surgery. But you don’t want to wait until you’ve gone blind to get treated!

It’s much easier to get surgery at the point that your cataracts start to cause you trouble when completing tasks. It’s also helpful to get frequent eye exams so you can be diagnosed with cataracts as early as possible.

That way, your doctor can watch their progression and recommend treatment. If you do need cataract surgery, know that there’s nothing to be afraid of!

It’s one of the most common procedures performed around the world. If you have questions or concerns, talk to your doctor. They can answer any of your questions and set your mind at ease.

Think it’s time for you or a loved one to get cataract surgery? Contact Berg Feinfield in Sherman Oaks, CA to schedule a cataract screening! Don’t let your diminished vision from cataracts stand in your way of clear vision any longer! Isn’t it time to see the world with the clarity you’ve been waiting for?

4 Reasons Why Cataract Surgery Isn’t Scary

Paul Stubenbordt on July 24, 2019

Cataracts can be a real pain. They’re a very common condition, especially in patients over the age of 40.

Some people are lucky enough to have cataracts that don’t impede their vision. But for some cataracts cause major visual problems or even blindness.

If you have cataracts and you find yourself unable to perform daily tasks because of them, it’s time to get them out. There’s only one treatment option for cataracts, and it’s cataract surgery.

Being told you need any kind of surgery can be a little scary, but cataract surgery is nothing to fear. Here are a few reasons why:

It’s A Safe, Low-Risk Surgery

Any surgery carries some risk, and cataract surgery is no different. As far as surgeries go, cataract surgery is very low-risk. A small percentage of patients will experience complications.

An even smaller percentage experience serious complications. Almost all risks from cataract surgery are avoidable!

This is by caring for your eyes during recovery. You also need to take all prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops.

It’s A Common Procedure

Cataract surgery is one of the most common medical procedures in the country. This actually isn’t that surprising considering how common cataracts are.

Lots of people get cataracts so lots of people need them treated at some point. But because cataract surgery is so common, the procedure is routine for most surgeons.

Your surgeon will know exactly what they’re doing. This means this is a surgery they’ve performed hundreds or thousands of times.

It’s Quick and Painless

Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure, meaning you’ll be able to go home the same day. Not only that, but the surgery itself will only take about 30 minutes.

You will be awake for the surgery, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be any anesthetic. All that’s needed for the surgery are eye drops that numb the surface of the eye.

The surgeon applies the drops, and once the patient blinks, the drops are spread over the eye. This is what numbs the eye during the procedure.

To help the patient relax, most surgeons also will give a mild sedative. This means you won’t feel any pain and you’ll be very relaxed!

It Will Let You See Again

Not only is cataract surgery safe, fast, and painless, but it’s well worth it. Cataract surgery works.

It’s the most effective treatment for cataracts. Cataract surgery works because the entire lens gets removed from the eye. The lens is then replaced by an artificial lens or IOL.

It’s this IOL that allows the patient to see again. If you’ve gotten to the point where cataracts have impeded your vision, it’s time for surgery.

You can even see better than before if you get a premium IOL! There are many IOL options to choose from, so discuss these with your doctor before cataract surgery!

Concerned that you need cataract surgery? Contact Berg Feinfield in South Pasadena, CA to schedule a cataract screening with us! Haven’t you waited long enough to see well again? It’s time to see clearly!

What Is The Perfect IOL?

Paul Stubenbordt on May 6, 2019

If you have cataracts, your doctor may have recommended cataract surgery. This surgery removes your cataracts.

But with this choice to have cataract surgery comes another choice– what kind of IOL should you get? An IOL, or intraocular lens, is an artificial lens that replaces your natural lens.

There are many kinds of IOLs, which leads many patients to ask “which one is the best?” The answer isn’t straightforward, as no IOL is perfect for every single patient.

It depends on what your vision is like, what your needs are, and how much you’re willing to spend. Keep reading to learn some tips on choosing the right IOL for you!

Cataract Surgery

So why do you need an IOL at all? Well, to remove your cataracts, your natural lens has to be removed as well.

Cataracts form when the crystalline lens becomes clouded. This is usually a natural side effect of aging.

During cataract surgery, the surgeon makes a small incision in the eye. They then use ultrasonic waves to break up the lens and remove it.

This leaves the patient without a natural lens. You need a lens to see, so it’s replaced with an artificial lens.

The IOL is first inserted through the same small incision made to remove the lens. Once inserted, the IOL unfolds and takes over as the lens.

Available Options

There are several different kinds of IOLs. These include:

The Monofocal IOL, a standard lens that has only one focusing distance. You will still need glasses with this IOL.

The Multifocal IOL, a premium lens that has rings set to different focusing distances. This allows the eye to look through different rings to see up close and far away,

The Accommodative IOL, a premium lens that thickens and flattens accordingly. This happens when the eye is focusing on nearby objects and flattens when looking far away.

This allows you to see far away and up close. Compared to the multifocal lens, you have less up close focusing power.

The Toric IOL, a premium lens designed to correct astigmatism. Toric IOLs also allow users to both up close and far away.

If you decide to get a premium lens, know that they aren’t usually covered by insurance. You should expect to pay out of pocket if you buy a premium lens. For many people, a premium IOL is worth the extra cost to not wear glasses.

Choosing the Right IOL for You

With so many different IOLs to choose from, it can be hard to decide what to get. There is no kind of IOL that’s “the best,” but there is the best option for you.

If you don’t want to spend the money on a premium IOL, monofocal lenses may work fine. If you have cataracts in both eyes, you can have a monofocal lens put in each eye.

Each monofocal lens is then set to an opposite focusing distance. This is monovision, and it allows you to see well at most distances. It’s not as powerful as a premium IOL, so you may still need reading glasses.

If you don’t want to worry about wearing reading glasses, a multifocal IOL may be best for you. If you want better vision without the strength of a multifocal, try an accommodative lens.

Wondering which IOL may be right for you? Contact Berg Feinfield in Burbank, CA to schedule a cataract appointment today!

5 Questions About Cataract Surgery Answered

Paul Stubenbordt on March 8, 2019

If you or someone you know has cataracts, you’ve heard of cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is an elective procedure and the only way to treat cataracts.

Any surgery can feel daunting, cataract surgery included. You may have lots of questions and no answers about the procedure. Keep reading for 5 common questions asked about cataract surgery!

Do I Need Cataract Surgery If I Have Cataracts?

Not always. The answer to this question depends on if your cataract is affecting your life. It is possible to have a cataract and not experience any vision loss at all.

Cataract surgery only becomes necessary if your vision deteriorates because of a cataract. A cataract that isn’t bothering you now could over time worsen as well.

How Serious is Cataract Surgery?

Any surgery, including cataract surgery, should be something you take seriously. Although cataract surgery is effective and reliable, it still comes with its own set of risks.

As a whole, cataract surgery is a low-risk procedure. In fact, it’s actually the procedure performed most in the country.

Surgeons who perform cataract surgery perform it on a regular basis. This makes it one of the safest procedures to undergo!

How Is Cataract Surgery Performed?

Cataract surgery involves removing the cataract and the natural lens. Once these have been removed, they are then replaced with an IOL.

To remove the cataract and lens, the surgeon makes a small incision into your eye. Then, the lens and cataract get broken up using an ultrasonic device.

The broken pieces of the lens and cataract get sucked out of the eye using a small vacuum. The final step is inserting the IOL.

Patients remain awake during cataract surgery but under mild sedation. The eyes are also completely numbed, so there’s no pain felt during the procedure!

After Surgery, Will I Still Need Glasses?

In the past, cataract surgery involved only removing the lens. There was no artificial intraocular lens inserted to replace the lens. As a result, after cataract surgery patients had to wear thick glasses to see.

Nowadays, patients receive an artificial implant called an intraocular lens (IOL). IOLs allow patients to see, although they may still need reading glasses.

When picking an IOL, it’s important to make the choice based on your lifestyle. Depending on the IOL you choose, you may be able to live without wearing any glasses!

Make sure to talk to your cataract surgeon about what kinds of IOLs there are. You should also discuss if a premium IOL would be right for you.

How Much Does Cataract Surgery Cost?

While cataract surgery is elective, it’s almost always covered by insurance. This is because it’s usually performed to prevent or reverse blindness.

But insurance only tends to cover the cost of surgery and a standard IOL. If you want a premium IOL, you’ll have to pay out of pocket.

Premium IOLs can get a little price and often cost a few thousand dollars per eye. The IOL is permanent and never needs replacing, making the cost reasonable. But many people are happy sticking with standard IOLs.

Considering cataract surgery for yourself or a loved one? Schedule a cataract screening at Berg-Feinfield in Beverly Hills today!

How Do You Know If You Have Cataracts?

Paul Stubenbordt on January 9, 2019

Cataracts are an extremely common condition. Almost half of the population will have had at least one cataract by the age of seventy.

But cataracts can affect your vision at any age. Age-related cataracts are an issue for many people in their forties. They form when the crystalline lens in your eye becomes clouded.

This clouding can happen over many years, or it can develop faster over a period of only a few months. But aside from assessment by your eye doctor, how do you know you have them? There are a few key signs you should watch out for.

Blurry Vision

When you have cataracts, it’s like everything you see is through a foggy window. Since your lens is clouded, seeing through it can be difficult. It may seem like everything you’re seeing is blurry, out of focus, or obscured.

Blurry vision may also be a sign that you need a stronger prescription. If you find you need stronger and stronger prescriptions, it’s likely you have cataracts.

Trouble Reading or Working Up Close

People with cataracts often have trouble reading or completing activities that need focus. This may be simple presbyopia, which also occurs in patients over the age of forty.

Presbyopia causes issues with near focus. But with cataracts, the trouble is usually due to a lack of light. Cataracts make it difficult to see contrast in low light. If you need a lot of light to read or do other up close tasks, you may have cataracts.

Sensitivity to Light

Cataracts often intensify glare, making it difficult to look at anything bright. They can also cause you to see halos around light sources.

If you see halos and your eyes are more sensitive to light, it could very well be because of cataracts. The excessive glare can also make it difficult to drive at night. This is because glare is worse in low light situations.

Poor Vision at Night

Having trouble seeing contrast in low light can make it very difficult to see at night. Again, this can make it difficult to drive, especially compounded with excessive glare.

If you find your night vision is worse than it used to be, it could mean you have cataracts. If you struggle to drive at night due to glare sensitivity, you may need cataract surgery.

Cataract Surgery

The only way to treat cataracts is to have them removed. This can only happen by getting cataract surgery. During cataract surgery, your cataract is broken up into smaller pieces. It is then removed, along with your natural lens.

Your lens is then replaced with an artificial one. Cataract surgery is one of the most performed of all medical procedures. It is safe and effective! If cataracts are affecting your quality of life, talk to your doctor. It may be time for cataract surgery!

If you’re looking for a cataract evaluation, try Berg Feinfield Vision Correction. You can contact us today to request an appointment at one of our locations like Burbank or Sherman Oaks.

How To Recover From Cataract Surgery

Paul Stubenbordt on October 11, 2018

Cataract surgery is a very common and safe procedure. But it still means that you’ll need to spend time allowing your eyes to recover. It’s important to care for yourself properly after cataract surgery so your eyes heal.

During surgery, a small incision is made in the eye. This incision is then left to heal on its own without sutures. The eye is self-healing, making this the most effective method. While your eye is healing, you have to make sure nothing gets in your eye.

After cataract surgery, your eyes will be more likely to get infected. Worried about cataract surgery? Keep reading to learn some things to keep in mind while you’re recovering!

Don’t Drive

On the day of your surgery and the day after, do not drive yourself. This is to let the effects of anesthesia completely wear off and also give your eyes some rest.

The first couple days after surgery, your eyes may be sensitive to light, so driving can be difficult. It’s best to wait to drive until your eye doctor has cleared you.

Above all, don’t drive if you don’t feel comfortable! It may take several days before you feel confident behind the wheel.

Limit Physical Activity

The first few weeks after surgery, you should avoid any kind of strenuous activity. If you perform activities that are too physical, you run the risk of bumping into something.

If you injure your eye while it is still healing, you could suffer from serious complications. Use your recovery time to take it easy and give your body time to heal, inside and out. If there are activities that need to completed, ask a family member or friend for help.

Avoid Eye Irritants

Make sure you keep your eyes away from anything that can get in them, including water. When showering, avoid getting water near your eyes. Did you know that water can carry bacteria? If you accidentally get water in your eyes, you could get an infection.

When outside, be sure to wear sunglasses, and when you sleep your doctor may want you to wear an eye shield. The most crucial thing to remember is do not rub your eyes!

By rubbing your eyes, you could introduce bacteria into them and get an infection. The key while recovering from cataract surgery is to be extra careful. After all, you’re better off safe than sorry!

Use Eye Drops

Take eye drops on a regular basis to prevent infection. Your doctor will give you anti-inflammatory or antibiotic drops to use after surgery. Make sure you use them as prescribed. Missing a dosage or two can leave your eyes at greater risk for infection, so stick to a consistent schedule.

Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions

Whatever your doctor tells you to do after surgery, you should follow their advice. They will be able to tell you when you can get back to regular activity and when you can stop taking eye drops.

Each patient is different, so make sure to follow up regularly with your doctor after surgery. This will help your doctor see if your eyes are healing properly. If there are complications, having regular appointments with your eye doctor will help.

Want to learn more about cataracts or cataract surgery? Contact Berg Feinfield Vision Correction today to schedule an appointment.

Why You Shouldn’t Fear Cataract Surgery

Paul Stubenbordt on August 7, 2018

If your cataracts have progressed to a point where they interfere with your daily life, it may be time to get them removed. The most effective and permanent way to treat cataracts is through removal via cataract surgery. The procedure is relatively simple and involves breaking up the cataract, removing it, and replacing your lens with an artificial one. Even though the procedure is simple, you may be a little worried— after all, any surgery, even elective surgeries can be a little scary. Cataract surgery is nothing to be afraid of, and here’s why:

It’s Extremely Common

Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the United States, if not the most commonly performed surgery. This makes sense when you consider that virtually everyone who lives past seventy-five will develop cataracts at some point in their life. A large number of people get cataracts, so it makes sense that a lot of people need to be treated. Since cataract surgery is the most effective treatment, cataract surgery is an extremely popular procedure. Because it’s so common, most doctors who perform the procedure have performed it hundreds of times. This makes cataract surgery a routine operation and your doctor will know exactly what to do and will be able to perform the procedure safely and effectively.

It’s An Outpatient Procedure

Many elective surgeries involve a hospital stay. This is not the case for cataract surgery— the procedure is performed in one day, and you will go home that same day. The surgery itself doesn’t even last too long, and you won’t be put under anesthesia for it. During cataract surgery, you will be awake, although your doctor may give you a sedative to help you relax. The procedure is quick and painless, and recovery is short. This means that you’ll be able to recover from the comfort of your own home.

It Carries Few Risks

Because of how common cataract surgery is, there aren’t many risks, and most risks are fairly minimal. Chances are, if you’re in good health besides your cataracts and your doctor has evaluated you and recommended surgery, you won’t have any complications.

It Can Significantly Improve Your Quality Of Life

The main reason you should consider cataract surgery is if your cataracts affect your ability to live your daily life. Not being able to see correctly can be debilitating. Cataract surgery gives you back your vision. Any other worries or concerns you have about surgery pale in comparison with the benefits of being able to see again. If you can’t see well and are hampered by cloudy vision and excessive glare, having your cataracts removed is the best option available. There’s no reason to be afraid— get your vision back with cataract surgery!

Want to learn more about cataracts? Think you might have them? Want to learn more about cataract surgery? Contact Berg-Feinfield Vision Correction today to schedule an appointment today and start your vision journey with us!

5 Ways To Prepare For Cataract Surgery

Paul Stubenbordt on June 22, 2018

Cataract surgery is a common and effective method for treating cataracts. The surgery itself is not overly complicated and is done as an outpatient procedure— meaning you’ll be able to go home after the surgery without any kind of hospital stay. There are a few things to keep in mind to prepare for your surgery to make sure it goes as smoothly as possible.

Ask Your Doctor Any Questions You Have About the Procedure

Before you go under the knife, you’ll want to know what exactly your doctor is going to be doing to your eyes. They will likely explain the procedure, which involves a small incision in the eye, breaking up and removing the cataract, and replacing the clouded lens with an artificial one. If you have any questions about this process and what to do beforehand and afterward, ask your doctor well in advance of your surgery date. Knowing how to care for yourself before and after the surgery is vital, and if anything is unclear to you, ask for clarification. Your cataract surgeon wants to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible before your procedure.

Tell Your Doctor What Medications You Take

It’s important for the doctor performing your surgery to know what medications you take regularly, as some can interfere with the procedure. Your doctor may ask you not to take a certain medication the day before or the day of surgery. Follow whatever instructions your doctor gives you about the medication you are taking. This is important and will reduce complications!

Take the Eye Drops Prescribed to You

Before cataract surgery, your doctor will likely prescribe eye drops to take in order to prep your eyes for surgery. Be sure to use these drops as frequently as your doctor tells you to. These drops are to prevent potential infection from the surgery, so it is very important to take them as infection can be a pain to deal with!

Arrange Transportation

It is not advisable to drive yourself to and from the procedure. Normally a numbing agent is applied to the eyes to prevent any pain during surgery, but your doctor can give you a relaxant as well. After surgery, you may not be functioning at full capacity, and the eye that has been treated will be covered and unable to see. Be sure to arrange your ride well before the surgery date so you won’t have to find someone last minute. You’ll want to relax and not worry about how you’ll get home after your surgery.

Eat and Get a Good Night’s Sleep the Night Before

Your doctor may not want you to eat up to six hours before the procedure. If the procedure is early in the day, this will mean no breakfast. It is important to eat a good meal the day before. It’s critical to get a good night’s sleep— being too sleepy the day of the procedure may make things difficult for both you and the doctor performing the procedure.

If you’re looking to have cataract surgery, contact Berg-Feinfield Vision Correction for a consultation!

How Smoking Is Negatively Impacting Your Vision

Paul Stubenbordt on August 25, 2017

It is well known that smoking is the leading cause of serious health conditions that affect your lungs, heart, and much more. What most people don’t know is how smoking negatively impacts your eyes and puts you at an increased risk of developing cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and dry eye syndrome. Read more about how smoking increases the risks of developing these conditions.

Cataracts is an eye disease that causes your natural lens to cloud. Studies have shown that smoking doubles your chances of developing cataracts. These chances continue to rise as you smoke more and more. Right now Cataracts is the leading cause of blindness in the world and smoking only continues to put you at a higher risk of developing a Cataract.

Diabetic Retinopathy is a condition that occurs when there is damage to the blood vessels in the tissue at the retina. This disease occurs in people who suffer from diabetes and is the leading cause of vision loss in people who are dealing with diabetes. By smoking, you’re twice as likely to develop diabetes which puts you at risk for Diabetic Retinopathy, as well as numerous other diabetes complications.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is when your macula, the small center of the retina starts to deteriorate. When this part of your eye starts to deteriorate you start to lose your sharp, central vision making it difficult to do everyday tasks. Smoking puts you at three times the risk of developing Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Dry Eye Syndrome occurs when your eyes aren’t producing enough tears to lubricate the eye. Smoking cigarettes is known to cause dry eye because the smoke is a well-known eye irritant. When your eyes are exposed to tobacco smoke it increases your symptoms of Dry Eye which include eye redness and itchiness.

It is important to know the risks that are associated with smoking when it comes to your total health, including your eyes. By quitting smoking you can help reduce your risks of developing one of these eye conditions!

4 Things You Should Know About Cataracts

Paul Stubenbordt on June 15, 2017

Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world: Currently, cataracts affect more than 22 million people in the United States that are above the age of 40. Worldwide there are more cataract cases than macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy combined according to Prevent Blindness America (BPA).

There are several symptoms of cataracts: When you first start experiencing the symptoms of cataracts they may only be affecting a small portion of your lens causing you to be unaware of the vision loss that you are incurring. As the cataract increases in size, this may result in side effects such as:

• Blurry, clouded vision
• Difficulty with night vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Seeing bright colors as faded or yellow
• Seeing double of things

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above it is important to take the first step and schedule an appointment for an eye exam.

Surgery is the only proven treatment for cataract: As of right now, the only way to treat a cataract is by surgery. During this procedure, your natural, cloudy lens will be removed and replaced with an artificial, clear lens. The good news with this is that cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure. After surgery, you will be in a recovery area for around 30 minutes and then you will be released and able to return home the same day.

Cataracts surgery is extremely effective: Although surgery is currently the only option to treat cataracts, it was reported by the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) that the overall success rate of this procedure is 98 percent with over 3 million people undergoing this procedure every year.