How to Reverse Bilateral Cataracts

The formation of a cataract represents a biochemical and physiological change to the lens of the eye that occurs with natural aging. Various risk factors other than age have been identified for perpetuating the development of cataracts (diabetes, drug use, radiation, alcohol, steroids and others).

Cataracts represent the leading cause of preventable blindness in the world, and cataract surgery is considered to be one of the most effective surgeries performed in medicine.

There has not been an approved remedy or "quick fix" to improve bilateral cataracts other than avoidance of risk factors, consideration of surgery and finding a way to halt the aging process.

If concerned about bilateral cataracts, please consider the following:

Instructions

Cataract Prevention, Treatment, and Considerations

• 1

  Make lifestyle changes to prevent any environmental factors, drug effects or medical conditions from accelerating the rate of cataract formation. Essentially, every living person will develop cataracts as they age. When the cataracts grow to a point as to significantly impair vision, then they have the potential to be removed (cataracts are the worldwide No. 1 cause of treatable blindness).

  Most important lifestyle changes would include good control of any diseases, particularly diabetes. The constant fluctuations of poorly controlled blood sugar levels takes its toll on the lens. People with autoimmune diseases or recurrent pulmonary disorders who are constantly placed on steroids may also see exacerbated cataract formation.

  The cataracts will form bilaterally, particularly if the cause of formation is age, medication or diseases like diabetes. If a patient is found to have a unilateral cataract, concern over trauma or inflammation to the specific eye would surface. This is seen in patients with a history of boxing or other blunt injuries to the eye.

• 2

  Talk to your doctor about options in dealing with the cataracts. The finding of a cataract is usually discussed when subtle changes to the lens(es) are found on routine eye exam, particularly if the patient complains of difficulty in vision. The diagnosis of a visually significant cataract would be made by the ophthalmologist after a complete eye exam is performed to rule out any other vision-reducing disorder.

  The ophthalmologist will take special measurements using an ultrasound machine to assist in determining the proper intraocular implant lens to place in your eye once the cataract is removed. Generally, this lens will be placed behind the iris and therefore will not be visible to the naked eye. The placement of an implant lens allows the patient to have significantly improved vision once post-operative healing is complete, often without the use of glasses. In some cases, patients will opt for multi-focal lenses, which enable the patient to perform multiple functions (driving, reading, using a computer) and be spectacle-free.

• 3

  Consider surgery to remove the cataracts. Surgery is performed in either an ambulatory surgical center or a hospital. It is now commonly performed under topical anesthesia, thereby reducing the risks of general anesthesia. While it is one of the most successful surgeries performed worldwide, it still needs to be recognized that there are risks and sometimes alternatives to the surgery. The risks, benefits and alternatives need to be discussed with your doctor prior to surgery so that the best decision for your situation can be made.

• 4

  Follow your ophthalmologist's instructions through the post-operative period to ensure proper healing in the absence of any infection or significant inflammation.

• 5

  Enjoy the restoration of your vision. Cataract surgery carries a high success rate with an equally high satisfaction rate. If you are diagnosed with visually significant cataracts, surgical removal can be a life-changing procedure. Consult your ophthalmologist to discuss the surgery in greater detail.