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Cataracts are painless, develop within the lenses of your eyes, and are usually detected during routine eye exams. As you age, lenses naturally harden and may also turn cloudy. A cloudy lens blocks light from the retina and interferes with vision; the effect is similar to looking through a dirty car windshield. Cataracts may form in one or both eyes, at the same time or at different times, they can also be present at birth or occur at any age as the result of an injury to the eye. Cataracts can also be caused by diseases such as Diabetes, long-term use of certain medications, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, a diet low in antioxidants, or excessive exposure to the sun.
Fortunately, Cataracts can be removed and your vision can be restored. Surgery is usually recommended and removes the cloudy lens to replace it with an artificial one.
Symptoms
- blurred vision that cannot be corrected with a change in your glasses prescription,
- ghost images or double vision in one or both eyes,
- glare from sunlight and artificial light, including oncoming headlights when driving at night,
- colours appear faded and less vibrant.
When To See An Optometrist In Calgary?
Your eye health is our main priority. Our Optometrists recommend annual eye examinations for everyone including those with diabetes, high blood pressure, and other medical conditions that can impact vision and eye health. Many health conditions including cataracts can be detected during a routine eye exam. A comprehensive eye exam includes a health check of your natural lens inside of the eye. A cataract occurs when this lens becomes more yellow and opaque, thus allowing less light into the eye and reducing visual acuity. We highly advise booking an appointment with one of our eye doctors for any concerns with your vision.
Treatment
If glasses or contact lenses are ineffective in correcting your vision, we will refer you to an Ophthalmologist for evaluation of the Cataract. If surgery is required, the surgeon will remove your clouded lens and replace it with a clear plastic intraocular lens (IOL).
Step By Step Process Of Cataract Treatment In Eyedeology
- If a patient is suspected to have cataracts, they are scheduled for a dilated fundus exam with one of our optometrists.
- During dilated exams, dilation eye drops are instilled into the patient’s eyes to enlarge the pupils (opening of the eye), to allow our doctors to see inside the eye better.
- Our optometrists will then determine the nature and the extent of the cataract.
- If the vision problems due to the cataract(s) are determined to be ineffectively corrected by glasses or contact lenses, patients are referred to an ophthalmologist for further evaluation.
- If needed, surgery may be done to replace the clouded lenses with a clear intraocular lens implant.
Post-Cataract Care For Patients By Eyedeology
Our optometrists will collaborate with your surgeon (ophthalmologist) before and after your cataract surgery and arrange follow-up appointments to assist you in your recovery. Prior to cataract surgery, our optometrists may prescribe eye drops or artificial tears to improve dry eyes and enhance post-surgical outcomes. Cataract surgeries are typically performed one eye at a time if both eyes are involved. You will be scheduled to see your surgeon again one day after the surgery/surgeries. After that, you will be referred to Eyedeology to see one of our optometrists for a follow-up appointment approximately 6-8 weeks after your last surgery to ensure that your eyes are healing properly and to determine what the residual prescription is post-surgery.
Coverage
As Optometrists, we provide ongoing monitoring and preventive care for cataracts. When necessary, we work closely with ophthalmologists to co-manage treatment. These visits are partially covered by Alberta Health Care.
Insurance Provider’s Eyedeology Is Associated With
We are associated with major insurance providers. Alberta Health Care covers basic cataract surgeries, as well as any post-operative care and medically necessary appointments with our optometrists. Additional costs may be applied for enhanced lens implants that include multifocal or astigmatic corrections.
We are associated with major insurance providers like
- Sunlife
- Canadalife
- Desjardin
- Industrial Alliance
- Manulife
- Greenshield
- Blue Cross
- Equitable Life
- Chambers
- Claims Secure
- Others
You will need to contact our Ophthalmology Clinic in Calgary directly to determine whether we are able to bill your insurance for enhanced lens implants.
Cataract Aftercare Products Available In Our Online Store
Post-surgical medicated eye drops will be prescribed by the surgeon. Dry eye therapy and preservative-free artificial tears may be recommended by your optometrist to improve your comfort and healing during the recovery process. Visit our online store: https://eyedeology.sightlyapps.com/ to know more. Prior to using artificial tears, we advise you to talk to an optometrist to ensure that you are using the eye drops best suited for your eyes.
How to schedule appointments with Eyedeology
Routine Eye Exams and follow-up appointments can be scheduled by calling us at 587.353.5061.
You can also directly book an appointment at http://eyedeology.ca/book-appointment/
or email us at [email protected]
Recommendations
Cataracts cause a reduction in vision and if left untreated can lead to a loss of vision. Coming in for regular eye exams is the single most important thing you can do to prevent it.
587-353-5061
1 (587) 409-1700