fixing FOCUS in FIFTEEN MIN UTES (or less)

How do you know when you should have cataracts removed?

When blurriness affects daily activities, such as reading, driving or performing regular tasks. Often what triggers people to have surgery is driver’s license renewal.

Dr. Bagan says, “With standard cataract surgery, we try to minimize a patient’s refractive error and leave them with good distance or near vision.”

Dr. Strinden adds, “When patients have significant levels of astigmatism or desire freedom from glasses, we offer multifocal and toric implants that offer patients greater independence from spectacles.”

Does the surgery work for people that are near-sighted, far-sighted or who have astigmatism?

Recently Dr. Strinden corrected 67-year-old Patricia’s eyes. “She battled extreme near-sightedness and astigmatism nearly all her life and was unable to function without glasses or contact lenses. During the ten-minute surgery, the cataract was removed and a toric implant of the calculated power was placed in her left eye. Two weeks later, the right eye was similarly corrected.

Patricia says, “My vision has vastly improved after surgery. I truly enjoy the convenience of not needing glasses and have no more eye strain while driving. Plus when my husband and I travel, I better appreciate scenery and spotting wildlife.”

An extremely far-sighted patient of Dr. Bagan’s is enjoying life without his thick type glasses. Mi- chael says, “After nearly 60 years of dependence on glasses, the improvement is remarkable. When I wake up, I can see the clock without grabbing my glasses and my peripheral vision is also better. Come winter, it will be nice not to deal with the hassle of fogged up glasses.”

Eyesight is one of the most precious senses, so concern for effective results is natural. Today new technology helps perform this minimally invasive procedure with a very high success rate.

A pre-surgery consultation sets the tone for satisfying results. Patients learn about various aspects of surgery and doctors clarify the patient’s visual needs and expectations.

What happens during surgery?

Surgery is a minimally invasive 10 to 15 minute procedure. After a patient is sedated, surgery begins with a tiny incision (less than a tenth of an inch), which provides access to break up the lens with an ultrasound tool, remove those pieces and insert a new lens.

The incision heals quickly. Surgery is performed one eye at a time. Patients usually schedule the second eye surgery one to five weeks later.

How long will it take to recover?

Vision is restored quite rapidly. Many patients can see 20/20 one day after surgery. While limitations are few, eye drops must be applied for four weeks. Also they may want to shield the eye at night for a while.

BSV offers the area’s most experienced surgeons implanting premium multifocal and toric implants. They’re ready to lessen your dependence on eyeglasses and turn back the clock on your annoying reading glasses.

– 7:15 PM

"Living with Grief" is our monthly drop-in meeting on the first Tuesday of the month held at Boulger Funeral Home. A topic on loss and grief begins our conversation for the evening. for more info: boulgerfuneralhome.com

“Experience