WAVE 3 - Louisville, KYBreakthrough treatments for cataracts and other vision problems

Breakthrough treatments for cataracts and other vision problems

By Lori Lyle - bio | email
Posted By Alane Paulley - email

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - Cataracts are often caused by the aging process, but they can be caused by diabetes and certain medications. Improved technology is now restoring not only vision to people with cataracts, but also improving sight for many who are now seeing better than they have seen years.

A cataract occurs when the natural lens of the eye clouds and swells. To restore vision, the lens would be removed and replaced. Until recently patients had only one option, a lens that provided great distance vision but they still needed glasses to see anything close-up.

Breckinridge County Realtor Dottie Watson developed cataracts a few years ago. "I couldn't see the big signs where you would exit. I didn't know what was going on. I just thought, well, I was due a new pair of contacts."

Watson met with her optometrist, who sent her to Dr. Britt-Brockman at the John-Kenyon American Eye Institute. Dr. Brockman implants the newest lenses available for cataract patients.

"This is not your grandfather's procedure anymore," Dr. Brockman said. "This is a highly technical procedure and a much better procedure, done in the right hands."

Brockman also explained that about 90 percent of cataract patients are good candidates for the new multi-focal lenses, which provide exceptional vision both near and far.

Like contact lenses, the lenses come in many strengths. 

And Dr. Brockman does warn that these new lenses can produce side effects. "In the national studies, 4 percent of these implants we're taking out because a patient didn't tolerate starburst and hallows."

Fortunately for Dollie Watson she is in the 96th percentile. And for most in that group, if problems do arise they clear up quickly and leave behind crisp, clear vision.

"I appreciate the leaves in the trees, (and) watching the rain." Watson said.

Unfortunately, insurance does not cover multi-focal lenses, and at John Hopkins American Eye Institute they cost $1,950 an eye. You have to get the procedure done in both eyes for it to work, so if you only have a cataract in one eye this isn't the lens for you.

Dottie is satisfied with her decision. "This is one of the best decisions I ever made in life."

This procedure can also be used on an eye with severe corneal or retinal disease, for more information about these lenses check with your optometrist.