A major cause of blurred vision in the elderly is cataracts. A normal condition in old age, it results in the clouding of the lens which can ultimately affect vision.
Other causes of blurred vision in the elderly include age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and increasingly, diabetic retinopathy.
Many members of the public may not know much about what comes next after discovering that an elderly loved one has blurred vision, what other complications can arise.
Cataract surgery has a high success rate
Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed eye surgeries. After the procedure, patients usually have their vision restored and their cataract problems permanently sorted out.
Depending on the patient’s eye condition, and the type of intraocular lens that is implanted, it is possible to gain spectacles independence after surgery. [1]
However, complications are possible
As with any surgery, there are some risks. Serious complications such as infections are possible but extremely rare, with rates as low as 0.01%. [2]
Yes, there is a slight possibility of going blind after cataract surgery
There is a chance that patients can go blind from cataract surgery. However, the likelihood of losing your eyesight is very low. [3]
Sometimes, vision issues might occur after surgery
Occasionally, a layer of cells can grow on the back surface of the lens implants sometime after the surgery and this can affect vision. Patients may think that the cataract has returned but this is actually an easily solved condition known as posterior capsular opacification. [4]
Multifocal lens implants are a key advancement in cataract surgery
When asked about key advancements, it noted that multifocal lens implants have helped patients in their later years experience spectacles independence for near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and presbyopia. [5]
The monofocal lens is still effective but spectacles may be required
In comparison, monofocal lens application is still a good choice for sight restoration, but patients will still need spectacles. The multifocal lens offers the possibility to be free from spectacles. [6]
Introducing antibiotics to reduce post-surgery infection
Aside from lens implants, the practice of introducing antibiotics into the eye during cataract surgery has greatly reduced the risk of post-surgery infections. [7]
What is the most common type of cataract surgery in Singapore?
Phacoemulsification (a modern cataract surgery which involves the use of ultrasonic technology) is more common than the alternative femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS). [8]
Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) is costly and not as effective for everybody
The reason why people opt for phacoemulsification over femtosecond surgery is that femtosecond surgery has yet to show superior post-operative results. In addition, the femtosecond method involves significantly higher costs. [9]
However, femtosecond cataract surgery is useful in complicated cases
Despite not being the most popular type of procedure, surgeons have found Femtosecond surgery to be a useful tool in certain complicated cases. [10]
Ultimately, cataracts are a common condition and treatment is extremely safe. If you are interested in undergoing cataract surgery, do consult your doctor for a full assessment of your vision history and let him or her know if you have had any prior eye procedures done before making any decisions.
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