BCHS ophthalmologist to discuss 'premium
lens choices for cataract surgery'
Cataracts, a clouding of the normal eye lens, are a
normal part of growing older, about half of Americans
older than 65 have them. That cloudiness keeps light
from entering the eye properly, which reduces the quality
of vision. Last year approximately 2.7 million Americans
underwent cataract surgery. 
Paul H. Ernest, M.D an ophthalmologist will review the
corrective lens options for cataract surgery based on
your lifestyle needs and the unique characteristics of
your eye on Wednesday, May 6 at Burnham Brook. Dr. Ernest
will discuss common causes of cataracts and the newer
advancements and technology in treatment options offered
through premium lens implants.
The program, which is free to the public, is sponsored
through Senior Health Partners in coordination with Battle
Creek Health System. A lunch will be served at 11:30
a.m. followed by Dr. Ernest 's presentation at noon.
Seating is limited. Reservations can be made by calling
the class/seminar registration line at (877) GO2-BCHS
(877-462-2247).
Symptoms of a cataract can be any of the following;
blurred vision, light sensitivity
including a glare or halos, colors that seem faded and
poor night vision to name a few.
Once a cataract has formed the only way to restore clear
vision is to remove the clouded lens and replace it with
a clear, permanent implant called an intraocular lens
(IOL).
"Today, there is no reason to let cataracts interfere
with your life or wait to have them removed," says
Dr. Ernest. "Cataract surgery is a safe, painless,
and relatively short outpatient surgical procedure. For
most patients, cataract surgery provides a level of vision
that is actually better than before they developed cataracts,
allowing them to enjoy their lives with clear vision."
A cataract forms when the natural crystalline lens of
the eye becomes cloudy. The lens is an onion-like structure
behind the pupil with a skin (capsule), concentric layer
of pulp (cortex), and a more compact or firm inner portion
(nucleus). Normally it is optically clear and focuses
light on the back of the eye to provide clear vision.
When any part of this lens becomes cloudy it is called
a cataract.
It is believed that if we live to be old enough, everyone
will develop a cataract as a normal part of the aging
process. The age at which the cloudiness interferes significantly
with vision is, however, variable. The genes we get from
parents play some role. There is also evidence that ultraviolet
rays, a lack of adequate vitamin intake, severe dehydration,
smoking, diabetes, inflammatory eye disease, the chronic
use of certain drugs (primarily steroids), direct trauma
to the eye, and other chemical imbalances can promote
cataracts at an early age. In addition to age, cigarette
smoking and exposure to the sun's UV rays can increase
the risk of developing cataracts.
Surgery, the only current treatment to clear the clouded
visual pathway, is appropriate when poor vision interferes
with lifestyle sufficiently to warrant the small statistical
risk of surgery.
A man-made lens is used to replace the cloudy cataract.
If you are over the age of 65, Medicare will typically
cover the cost of cataract surgery along with a conventional
monofocal IOL. Monofocal IOLs typically have both eyes
corrected for clear distance vision, so you may have
to rely on readers or bifocal glasses for intermediate
and near vision. Blended monofocal vision, where one
eye sees better in the distance without glasses and one
eye sees better at arm's length, involves implanting
a lens in one eye that provides near vision and an IOL
in the other eye that provides distance vision. Usually
people can adjust to this. Another problem is that depth
perception may decrease because there is less binocular
vision - your eyes are not working together as they once
did.
Beyond the monofocal implants, fully covered by insurance,
there are premium lenses, which are designed to offer
more solutions for patients who want to reduce their
dependence on glasses. Eye surgeons were among the first
to practice refractive surgery to reduce dependence on
glasses and contacts both after cataract surgery and
as a refractive technique for older patients without
cataracts. Patients are now given the choice of driving
without glasses, reading without them and even, with
the advent of cataract surgery.
Senior Health Partners, a community partnership of Battle
Creek Health System, CentraCare, Region 3B Area Agency
on Aging, and Summit Pointe, works to expand wellness
and educational offerings to senior citizens in Calhoun
and surrounding counties.
Battle Creek Health System, sponsored by two parent
organizations--Trinity Health (the fourth largest Catholic
health system in the U.S. with 21 hospitals, 9 nursing
homes, 19 senior house facilities, 8 home health care
agencies, and 4 hospices in Michigan alone) and BCHS
Community Partners, is accredited by the Joint Commission
on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Battle
Creek Health System is a recipient of the 2008 HealthGrades
Orthopaedic Surgery Excellence Award(tm). HealthGrades
is a leading health care information company that provides
objective 'report card' ratings nationwide. BCHS provides
excellent health care for the community and promotes
wellness for the whole person with access and compassion
for all. For the latest medical information, visit the
BCHS web site at www.bchealth.com or call the BCHS Marketing
Department at (269) 966-8132.
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About the Presenter:
Paul H. Ernest, M.D., founded TLC Eye Care of Michigan
in 1978 and is world renowned and respected for his
contributions to ophthalmology. He is a cornea specialist
who invented the current no-stitch technique in cataract
surgery that is widely used today. Dr. Ernest is actively
involved in several areas of ophthalmic research, has
written dozens of articles and papers, and is a much
sought after lecturer both nationally and internationally
on conditions and diseases of the eye. He has performed
cataract surgery on over 60,000 patients.
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