Cataract Patients Benefit From Innovative Cutting-Edge Treatments

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) estimates that approximately 25 million Americans age 40 and over suffer from cataracts, which is a condition where the lens of the eye becomes cloudy and less transparent, making it more difficult for patients to see clearly. Recognized as the leading cause of blindness in the United States, cataracts affect more than half of American adults by the time they reach the age of 80, and the number of Americans diagnosed with this condition is expected to grow to 30.1 million by the year 2020.

With the month of August designated as National Cataract Awareness Month, Dr. Sandy T. Feldman - a renowned ophthalmologist and corneal expert at Clearview Eye & Laser Center in San Diego - encourages patients to pay special attention to any unusual changes in their vision and to seek treatment if they suspect they may have cataracts or other vision disorder.

An expert in computer-guided laser cataract surgery, Dr. Feldman recommends the following to treat cataracts:

• Surgery - The most effective form of treatment for cataracts is surgery, where the physician removes the cloudy lens of the eye and replaces it with an implantable ocular lens.
• Computer-guided laser cataract surgery - Using a state-of-the-art femtosecond laser such as the Catalys laser system (AMO), sophisticated 3D imaging of the eye guides the state-of-the-art laser to precisely make the incisions and soften the cloudy lens, paving the way to customizing cataract surgery.
• Toric IOL - This implant makes it possible to simultaneously treat cataracts as well as astigmatism, a refractive error of the eye. Astigmatism is a condition where the curve of the cornea is shaped like a football rather than a basketball, so when light passes through the eye it is scattered and causes blurred vision; this condition affects one in three adults in the United States.
• Protecting the eyes - In order to help prevent cataracts, experts suggest protecting the eyes whenever possible by wearing sunglasses or wide-brimmed hats that block exposure to the sun.
• Natural remedies - Experts suggest filling one's diet with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Vitamins such as C and E, as well as carotenoids including lutein and zeaxanthin, help to protect against cataracts, age-related macular degeneration and other common eye disorders.

If left untreated, cataracts make it more difficult to remove the clouded lens and restore vision, and the condition can lead to permanent blindness in the most extreme cases," said Dr. Feldman. "The good news for patients is that there are now a number of cutting-edge, innovative treatments for this eye condition, including laser cataract surgery and the implantation of ocular lenses known as Toric IOL, among other treatments."

With more than 20 years of experience in treating patients with cataracts and other eye diseases, Dr. Feldman specializes in a new procedure known as computer-guided laser cataract surgery - utilizing the state-of-the-art Catalys Precision laser system - to clear cloudy vision and restore visual freedom. This advanced laser surgery involves 3D imaging, provides little or no discomfort, and paves the way for customized treatment during the procedure.

As a leader in the field of ophthalmology and with more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Sandy T. Feldman has participated in FDA clinical studies of Personalized LASIK. Currently, she is involved in studies of a new treatment to halt the progression of keratoconus, a disease in which the fitting of contact lenses can become challenging. In 2009, she was one of ten laser eye care providers in the U.S. to receive the Goldline Award as seen Forbes Magazine. In 2010, she was awarded the Silver Elite RealSelf award, and in 2011, she was awarded Top Doc San Diego, inducted into the prestigious American College of Ophthalmic Surgeons and was one of nation's 15 leading laser eye surgeons as seen in Newsweek magazine. In 2013, Clearview Eye & Laser Medical Center was voted best LASIK center in San Diego by CityBeat Magazine. Dr. Feldman is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.