Cataracts (cont.)
Medical Author:
Andrew A. Dahl, MD, FACS
Andrew A. Dahl, MD, FACSAndrew A. Dahl, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist. Dr. Dahl's educational background includes a BA with Honors and Distinction from Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT, and an MD from Cornell University, where he was selected for Alpha Omega Alpha, the national medical honor society. He had an internal medical internship at the New York Hospital/Cornell Medical Center. Medical Editor:
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACRDr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology. In this Article
 What is the prognosis of cataracts?The rate of progression of cataracts is usually predictable and surgery is successful in restoring vision in a large majority of cases. If other diseases are present within the eye, the degree of visual improvement will be limited by the other disease process. Ophthalmologists can usually determine this in advance. Can cataracts be prevented?Everyone, if they live long enough, will develop cataracts. There is no scientifically proven method that prevents the inevitable. Progression of cataracts can be slowed by avoiding large amounts of ultraviolet light, not smoking, and following a healthy diet. Wearing UV-protection sunglasses when exposed to sunlight can be helpful. Where can people get more information on cataracts?National Eye Institute (http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/cataract/cataract_facts.asp) Cataracts Info Center (http://www.cataractsinfocenter.com/) Cataract Surgery: A Patient's Guide to Cataract Treatment by Julius Shulman, MD REFERENCES: Last Editorial Review: 3/29/2011 Patient CommentsViewers share their comments
Cataracts - Treatments
Question: What kinds of treatment or surgery did you have for your cataracts?
Cataracts - Experience
Question: How old were you when cataracts were discovered? Please describe your experience.
Cataracts - Surgery
Question: What type of surgery did you have for cataracts? Please describe the procedure.
Cataracts - Complications
Question: Did you or someone you know have a complication with a cataract or surgery? Please discuss the experience.
Cataracts - Symptoms
Question: Did you have any symptoms of cataracts, or were they diagnosed during an eye exam? Please share your experience.
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