Key Takeaways
Cataracts can be likened to looking through a cloudy window. Vision becomes blurry and the brilliance of colors muted and dulled because the natural eye lens becomes calcified and rigid over time. Cataracts can prove bothersome and affect daily activities. When the clarity and crispness of your vision become compromised, it warrants a visit to an eye specialist to examine your eyesight.
Which Age Group Experiences Cataracts?
Typically, cataracts are often seen in patients in their 60's or older. However, there are other causes of cataracts unrelated to the natural aging process. Some factors that increase the risk of developing cataracts are genetic anomalies, eye injuries, exposure to UV light especially in tropical areas, diabetes, use of certain medications such as steroids, obesity, and uveitis.
Often patients are uncertain if they are candidates for LASIK at various ages. Can a 60-year-old patient have LASIK? Yes, provided the patient does not have a cataract. Age is not a factor as much as ensuring the natural eye lens is clear of cataracts. LASIK contours the corneal surface, but if there is a cataract causing blurry vision, LASIK will not clear the blurriness or cloudiness of the eye lens. The cataract would first need to be removed, which we can handle with our Cataract Surgery in San Antonio here at San Antonio Eye Specialists.
Cataract Surgery vs LASIK
If cataracts are not deemed significant for surgical removal or covered by medical insurance, then a viable surgical option may be Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) also known as Clear Lens Exchange (CLE). The benefit for an RLE is that the natural eye lens is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens that is customized to correct the vision like LASIK. RLE is also permanent, and the quality of vision of the new intraocular lens is superior to the aged lens that has been replaced.
Trust San Antonio Eye Specialists for Cataract Surgery in San Antonio, TX
Dr. Iskander personally meets his patients prior to any refractive surgical intervention. Come consult with Dr. Iskander about your visual options for a customized treatment plan including LASIK in San Antonio and the surrounding area.
