Cataracts Removed Quickly, Safely, Successfully

With over 25,000 eye surgeries performed since1984,Trinity Regional Eyecare – Williams Center remains on the cutting edge of advanced technology and new procedures. Ophthalmologists Evelyne Kindy, Darrell Williams, Chad Wolsky, and RobertSanke, along with optometrists Jill Martinson-Redekopp, Shawn Nelson, and Brad Schimke, provide comprehensive eyecare to patients of all ages. One of the more frequent procedures performed at the clinic is the removal of cataracts – vision limiting distortions that plague us as we age.

What is a Cataract?
Many people are surprised to learn that a cataract is not a growth or “film”thatcovers the eye. A cataract is a clouding of the transparent lens of the human eye, which is normally clear. Clouding is a result of the natural aging of the lens. Like the lens of a camera, which focuses light on the film, the lens of your eye focuses light on your retina. Just as a dirty or foggy camera lens takes a hazy or blurred picture, a cataract also blurs the light entering the eye resulting in distorted vision. Cataracts can occur at any age and small percentages sometimes do occur early in life. Most adults over the age of 60 will develop cataracts, which usually affect both eyes, but they normally do not progress at the same rate. Once removed via surgery cataracts do not return.      Cataract symptoms include:      Dimming or blurring of vision      Color brightness is lost      A glare or halo surrounds objects viewed in bright light      As cloudiness increases, new glasses do not rectify the problem

In the past, several methods were used to remove cataracts. Today, however, dissolving and extracting cataracts with an ultrasonic probe is the primary method of removal. Trinity’s ophthalmologists are very experienced with this procedure, which allows for a small incision, no sutures and much faster healing. “Cataract surgery is one of the miracles of modern medicine,” Dr. Williams observes. “It allows patients, especially seniors, improved quality of life. For example, good vision lets them continue to drive safely, live in their own homes, and pursue activities which they value and need.”

The Intraocular Lens (IOL)
When the natural lens of the eye is removed the patient needs a new way to focus light. A tiny lens can be implanted in the eye to replace the natural lens. The new multifocal IOL’s represent refinements in existing lens technology. “This FDA approved implant provides excellent central and peripheral vision, as well as reducing the need for glasses for most patients, ”explains Dr. Wolsky. “It’s a recent advance and we’ve had overwhelmingly positive results with the new multifocal implants, which aren’t just for cataract patients. Non-LASIK (laser) candidates can benefit from them too. ”Dr. Kindy, points out that modern cataract surgery is one of the safest and most common procedures performed today. She agrees with Dr. Wolsky that the new IOL is a significant breakthrough in the treatment of cataracts: “The development, approval, and introduction of the multifocal lens is an innovative step forward. We began using the seimplants shortly after they became available and the results here have been excellent. ”Cataract remains the number one cause of blindness worldwide. Fortunately, they can be removed quickly, restoring eyesight and allowing patients to enjoy life again. While there are no proven ways to prevent cataract, research continues and the future holds much promise. Microsurgical removal of cataracts with ultrasonic waves and the placement of intraocular lens is today’s state-of-the-art method of restoring vision.

Certain risk factors are associated with cataracts, they include:

Age:
Most Americans older than 60 years have cataracts.

Medical conditions:
Diabetes (and other diseases), glaucoma, and metabolic abnormalities can cause cataracts.

Physical injuries:
Commonly called traumatic cataracts. A blow to the eye, great heat or cold, chemical injury, exposure to radiation (usually associated with radiation therapy for cancer patients),and other injuries can lead to cataract formation. Ultraviolet radiation (UVA or UVB).Long-term exposure to sunlight is believed to speed the development of cataracts.

Oral steroids and other medications:
Oral steroids (such as prednisone) and the long-term use of aspirin have also been associated with cataracts.

Smoking:
Studies indicate that smokers are twice as likely to develop cataracts than nonsmokers. Quitting can reduce the risk of developing cataracts.

Dr. Williams received his medical degree from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and went on to complete a four-year residency program in ophthalmology at the University of Kentucky Medical Center. He is board certified by the American Academy of Ophthalmology and is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, the International Society of Refractive Surgery the International Society of Refractive Surgery, American Medical Association, and the Society to Prevent Blindness. He is also a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine. Dr. Williams has received advanced training in refractive surgery under the direction of the nation’s leading experts, and is certified to provide the full spectrum of vision correction procedures. Through his participation in national seminars and clinical research, he continues to offer his patients the highest quality and most current alternatives in surgical eye care.

Chad Wolsky, MD, is a member of the Trinity Medical Group in the specialty of Ophthalmology. A Minot native, Dr. Wolsky provides comprehensive medical and surgical eye care including cataract removal and intraocular lens implantation, laser surgical treatment for diabetes and glaucoma, surgical correction of pediatric and adult strabismus, and laser and incisional eyelid surgery. A graduate of the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Grand Forks, he received his Ophthalmology training at the University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center, Lexington. He is board certified in Ophthalmology and is a member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and the American Medical Association.

Dr. Evelyne Kindyis an Ophthalmologist with the eye care team at Trinity Regional Eyecare – Williams Center, Minot. She joined Trinity Health in 1997. She is board certified in ophthalmology. Dr. Kindy provides comprehensive eye care for patients of all ages, including small-incision cataract/intraocular lens surgery, laser surgery for glaucoma and retinal disease, and treatment for corneal disease. Dr.Kindy is a diplomat of the American Board of Ophthalmology and a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada. She is also a clinical faculty member of the UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences. She provides medical and surgical treatment at several rural facilities .Dr. Darrell Williams established excellence in eye care for the people of this region, in 1984 when he founded the Williams Medical Eye Center. Today, this practice has grown to include comprehensive medical and surgical eye care services through Trinity Regional Eyecare – Williams Center. Dr. Williams has gained widespread recognition for his expertise in cataract care and vision correction with refractive procedures.

Dr. Kindy provides ophthalmic services to residents in surrounding communities including Bottineau, Rolla, Kenmare and Garrison.

The professional staff at Trinity Regional Eyecare co-manage cataract care with optometrists throughout the state. For more information, or to make an appointment with the medical professionals at Trinity Regional Eyecare – Williams Center, please call 857-3500 or 1-888-852-3937.WilliamsCenter is located in Minot, ND, at 120 Burdick Expressway East.

Taken from the September 2007 HealthTalk

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