[net.med] Cataracts

eugenez@copper.UUCP (Eugene Zinter) (10/01/85)

  
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Has anyone experienced a suspension or actual reversal of cataracts
forming in the lens of the eye?

Better yet, have you done something, whether it be diet-wise or whatever,
that you thought reversed cataract formation?

Is surgery the only alternative to "curing" cataract formation?

I need to know if there are any other alternatives available.

All responses will be kept confidential.

							Eugene C. Zinter

davidl@tekig5.UUCP (David Levadie) (10/02/85)

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Now, I THINK (NOT sure) I read something about a new treatment for cataracts,
involving the use of a laser to dissolve the cataract, and I THINK it was in
(gulp) the National Geographic, in an article on lasers a while back.  I could
be completely off base or be confusing two different stories (something of
which I am frequently guilty)...

sdyer@bbncc5.UUCP (Steve Dyer) (10/04/85)

Presently, nothing is known which can reverse the opacity produced by a
developing cataract; certainly, there is no drug or diet which will help.
Surgery is ultimately indicated once the cataract completely obscures
vision.  I might mention that cataract surgery is pretty routine and
painless these days, although it does bring with it a risk of retinal
detachment.  
-- 
/Steve Dyer
{harvard,seismo}!bbnccv!bbncc5!sdyer
sdyer@bbncc5.ARPA

win@zehntel.UUCP (Win Soule) (12/12/85)

*** REPLACE THIS LINE WITH YOUR MESSAGE ***
I will shortly be facing the necessity for an operation to correct
vision difficulties caused by cataracts in both eyes.  Before 
submitting to these operations, I am trying to learn as much as
I can about the process, techniques and risks.  In addition to 
cataracts, I am very near-sighted and can no longer be corrected to
better than 20/40 in either eye.  I am told that the solution of
choice is an "intra-ocular implant" which involves the substitution
of a "plastic" corrective lens in place of the eye's natural lens.

I would much appreciate information on:
 
   1.  Different methods of carrying out this operation.  Which is best?

   2.  What are the risks?

   3.  Any other relevant info.

I would appreciate either a posting to net.med or E-mail.
Thanks in advance.

Win Soule
...!ihnp4!zehntel!win