| What are cataracts? Cataracts affects the lens | | | | dissolving cataract. LASEK and LASIK processes |
| of the eye causing clouding of the vision. Once | | | | fall in laser surgery category. |
| cataracts have set in, light is scattered or is fully | | | | In LASEK or laser epithelial keratomileusis, the |
| or partially blocked out. This clouding impairs the | | | | cornea's surface layer will be treated with alcohol |
| vision of the person with cataract. | | | | and peeled back to reshape the layer underneath. |
| Though cataracts are an abnormality in vision, it is | | | | The process prevents complications associated |
| a normal occurrence in aging. More than 90% | | | | with cataract. |
| persons older than 75 years old have cataract. | | | | In LASIK or laser in situ keratomileusis, the |
| Most of the time, cataracts affects both eyes | | | | surface layer of cornea is scoured away. This is |
| but one eye is more affected than the other. | | | | done to reshape the underlying cornea surface. |
| Cataract symptoms may be minimal so that | | | | LASIK began in the mid-nineties and has largely |
| persons affected may not even be aware of it. | | | | replaced the old process of PRK or |
| However, severe cataracts cannot see good | | | | photorefractive keratectomy since then. With |
| enough to function normally in their daily lives. | | | | LASIK, a flap is created on top layer of the |
| How do you know if you have cataracts? | | | | cornea to allow access to underlying surface of |
| One of the telltale signs that you are starting to | | | | cornea. LASIK prevents most problems of |
| be affected by cataracts is having foggy, fuzzy, | | | | postoperative pain, slow rehabilitation and corneal |
| cloudy or filmy vision. There may also be changes | | | | haze which are seen in the traditional PRK. |
| in color vision. Night driving becomes difficult | | | | Both LASEK and LASIK procedures are effective, |
| because headlights seem glaring, as do lamps and | | | | predictable and safe for also treating low to |
| sunshine. Double vision also becomes a problem. | | | | moderate near sightedness or myopia. Cataract |
| How can cataracts be treated? | | | | laser surgery is not performed in the doctor's |
| The most common way is to change glasses with | | | | clinic because it still needs surgical incision requiring |
| magnifying lenses and stronger bifocals. But if this | | | | an opening in the eyes. |
| method is not enough, surgery maybe required. | | | | It will take some weeks to completely heal an |
| The treatment will be undergone by removing the | | | | eye which undergone the laser surgery. It is |
| eye lens and replacing it with artificial lenses | | | | advised for patients who have cataracts in both |
| known as implant. | | | | eyes to let one eye heal first before treating the |
| Cataracts can also be removed through surgery | | | | other eye. |
| and your physician will explain the different options | | | | Undergoing cataract laser surgery treatment gives |
| of surgery and how you can prepare yourself. | | | | benefits as it improves your everyday activities, |
| Laser surgery is one way of removing cataracts. | | | | self confidence, work and safety. Consult your |
| Laser surgery for cataract is still experimentally | | | | doctor about the available cataract laser surgery |
| tested. It utilizes light instead of ultrasound in | | | | treatments available to you. |