New Laser and Artificial Lens Options Mean More Choices for Cataract Surgery Patients

May 31, 2012 (PRLEAP.COM) Health News
Should your doctor use a laser to assist with your cataract surgery? And when your eye's natural lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens, should it be a lens that helps restore your lost ability to see at both near and far distances? To help answer these key questions, cataract patients can learn about some of the latest advancements in cataract surgery on AllAboutVision.com.

Today, cataract surgery can not only fix cataracts – a clouding of the eye's natural lens – but simultaneously correct presbyopia – the age-related loss of the ability to focus near and far, often experienced as trouble reading small print. Multifocal and accommodating intraocular lenses that are implanted after cataract surgery function much like progressive eyeglasses, providing a greater range of vision.

In addition to understanding intraocular lens options, cataract patients can read about the role of lasers in cataract surgery, discussed in AllAboutVision.com's newest article. This relatively recent development was partly driven by the need for more precise surgical techniques to maximize the benefits of sophisticated intraocular lenses.

According to current statistics, nearly 20.5 million Americans over age 40 have a cataract in one or both eyes, and cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective surgical procedures performed in the United States.

"As more and more Americans are reaching retirement age, the number of cataracts and cataract surgeries in the United States continue to rise," said Gary Heiting, OD, AllAboutVision.com associate editor.

"All About Vision is dedicated to helping consumers gain a better understanding of cataract surgery at their own pace with clear, concise and up-to-date information so they can better discuss the procedure in detail with their eye doctor," said Dr. Heiting.

The site's cataract surgery information includes a video overview and procedure illustrations, as well as complementary articles about cataract surgery cost, recovery, potential complications and types of intraocular lenses. One of the most popular articles in the section is a narration of a cataract surgeon's own experience with cataract surgery.

Online since 2000, AllAboutVision.com is an independent resource providing consumers with hundreds of pages of trustworthy, up-to-date information on vision correction and eye health. The site is a National Gold Sponsor of Optometry Giving Sight and is certified by the Health on the Net Foundation. It is expected to serve more than 16 million unique visitors this year.