BCHS ophthalmologist to discuss 'premium lens choices for cataract surgery'

Cataracts, a clouding of the normal eye lens, are a normal part of growing older, about half of Americans older than 65 have them. That cloudiness keeps light from entering the eye properly, which reduces the quality of vision. Last year approximately 2.7 million Americans underwent cataract surgery.

Paul H. Ernest, M.D an ophthalmologist will review the corrective lens options for cataract surgery based on your lifestyle needs and the unique characteristics of your eye on Wednesday, May 6 at Burnham Brook. Dr. Ernest will discuss common causes of cataracts and the newer advancements and technology in treatment options offered through premium lens implants.

The program, which is free to the public, is sponsored through Senior Health Partners in coordination with Battle Creek Health System. A lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. followed by Dr. Ernest 's presentation at noon. Seating is limited. Reservations can be made by calling the class/seminar registration line at (877) GO2-BCHS (877-462-2247).

Symptoms of a cataract can be any of the following; blurred vision, light sensitivity
including a glare or halos, colors that seem faded and poor night vision to name a few.
Once a cataract has formed the only way to restore clear vision is to remove the clouded lens and replace it with a clear, permanent implant called an intraocular lens (IOL).

"Today, there is no reason to let cataracts interfere with your life or wait to have them removed," says Dr. Ernest. "Cataract surgery is a safe, painless, and relatively short outpatient surgical procedure. For most patients, cataract surgery provides a level of vision that is actually better than before they developed cataracts, allowing them to enjoy their lives with clear vision."

A cataract forms when the natural crystalline lens of the eye becomes cloudy. The lens is an onion-like structure behind the pupil with a skin (capsule), concentric layer of pulp (cortex), and a more compact or firm inner portion (nucleus). Normally it is optically clear and focuses light on the back of the eye to provide clear vision. When any part of this lens becomes cloudy it is called a cataract.

It is believed that if we live to be old enough, everyone will develop a cataract as a normal part of the aging process. The age at which the cloudiness interferes significantly with vision is, however, variable. The genes we get from parents play some role. There is also evidence that ultraviolet rays, a lack of adequate vitamin intake, severe dehydration, smoking, diabetes, inflammatory eye disease, the chronic use of certain drugs (primarily steroids), direct trauma to the eye, and other chemical imbalances can promote cataracts at an early age. In addition to age, cigarette smoking and exposure to the sun's UV rays can increase the risk of developing cataracts.

Surgery, the only current treatment to clear the clouded visual pathway, is appropriate when poor vision interferes with lifestyle sufficiently to warrant the small statistical risk of surgery.

A man-made lens is used to replace the cloudy cataract. If you are over the age of 65, Medicare will typically cover the cost of cataract surgery along with a conventional monofocal IOL. Monofocal IOLs typically have both eyes corrected for clear distance vision, so you may have to rely on readers or bifocal glasses for intermediate and near vision. Blended monofocal vision, where one eye sees better in the distance without glasses and one eye sees better at arm's length, involves implanting a lens in one eye that provides near vision and an IOL in the other eye that provides distance vision. Usually people can adjust to this. Another problem is that depth perception may decrease because there is less binocular vision - your eyes are not working together as they once did.

Beyond the monofocal implants, fully covered by insurance, there are premium lenses, which are designed to offer more solutions for patients who want to reduce their dependence on glasses. Eye surgeons were among the first to practice refractive surgery to reduce dependence on glasses and contacts both after cataract surgery and as a refractive technique for older patients without cataracts. Patients are now given the choice of driving without glasses, reading without them and even, with the advent of cataract surgery.

Senior Health Partners, a community partnership of Battle Creek Health System, CentraCare, Region 3B Area Agency on Aging, and Summit Pointe, works to expand wellness and educational offerings to senior citizens in Calhoun and surrounding counties.

Battle Creek Health System, sponsored by two parent organizations--Trinity Health (the fourth largest Catholic health system in the U.S. with 21 hospitals, 9 nursing homes, 19 senior house facilities, 8 home health care agencies, and 4 hospices in Michigan alone) and BCHS Community Partners, is accredited by the Joint Commission. Battle Creek Health System is a recipient of the 2008 HealthGrades Orthopaedic Surgery Excellence Award(tm). HealthGrades is a leading health care information company that provides objective 'report card' ratings nationwide. BCHS provides excellent health care for the community and promotes wellness for the whole person with access and compassion for all. For the latest medical information, visit the BCHS web site at www.bchealth.com or call the BCHS Marketing Department at (269) 966-8132.

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About the Presenter:
Paul H. Ernest, M.D., founded TLC Eye Care of Michigan in 1978 and is world renowned and respected for his contributions to ophthalmology. He is a cornea specialist who invented the current no-stitch technique in cataract surgery that is widely used today. Dr. Ernest is actively involved in several areas of ophthalmic research, has written dozens of articles and papers, and is a much sought after lecturer both nationally and internationally on conditions and diseases of the eye. He has performed cataract surgery on over 60,000 patients.