Posted on

Do Cataract Eye Drops Work?

The idea of a simple home treatment is incredibly appealing to patients with cataracts. As a result, many people look for information about cataract eye drops, hoping that there’s a product available that can clear cataracts away.

While new treatments are always in development, it’s critical to understand what is and isn’t possible currently. If you’re wondering whether cataract eye drops work, here’s what you need to know.

Can Eye Drops Treat or Cure Cataracts?

Currently, there is no scientifically-proven eye drop that can treat or cure cataracts. Any eye drop claiming to treat the condition by dissolving cataracts is a scam. Such treatment doesn’t exist, so any assertions they make about what the eye drops do are essentially false.

However, there is emerging research that suggests an eye drop-based cataract treatment may be viable in the future. While that’s incredibly exciting news, developing new therapies takes a significant amount of time and scientific rigor. As a result, it’s far too early to say when eye drops that can reverse cataracts may become available.

Now, that isn’t to say that some eye drops may improve your vision to a degree or could potentially slow the progression of cataracts. Here’s an overview of those options.

Types of Eye Drops for Cataracts

If you have cataracts, specific eye drops may assist with vision or slow the condition’s progression. Antioxidant eye drops are one example, as they may support lens clarity. There’s also some evidence that N-acetylcarnosine eye drops improve visual acuity in individuals with cataracts and make them more resilient when dealing with glare.

Lanosterol eye drops have been studied and showed reduced cataract severity and improved lens transparency, though research has been limited to animals. However, a subsequent study didn’t achieve the same results.

C-KAD is potentially a promising option, though it’s currently still in the clinical trial phase. Initial research shows that it may prevent oxidative stress that can cause cataracts, though more research is needed to determine its viability as a treatment.

When to See an Eye Doctor for Cataracts

Generally, it’s best to see an eye doctor if you are experiencing any vision changes that could indicate cataracts. By scheduling an appointment with your eye care provider, they can assess the cause of any visual acuity shifts and create a treatment approach to address the underlying condition.

Additionally, if you’ve been diagnosed with cataracts and experience any declines in vision, following up with your eye doctor is wise. They can determine if the condition has progressed and if different treatment options could be solid choices based on the current state of your cataracts.

Buffalo Cataract Treatment

If you are experiencing vision changes or haven’t seen your eye care provider in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.

Posted on

Should I Choose a Premium Cataract Lens?

Cataracts cause the eye’s lens to become cloudy, reducing visual acuity. During cataract surgery, the use of an intraocular lens (IOL) to replace the clouded lens restores clarity, leading to better vision. 

Most eye care providers offer several options for IOLs. Generally, medical insurance plans only cover standard IOLs, which are mono-focal or single-focus versions that offer visual sharpness at a particular distance. As a result, glasses are often required for vision clarity at other distances. 

However, patients can choose to cover the cost of a premium IOL cataract lens instead. While they are an out-of-pocket expense, the benefits of selecting a premium IOL can often outweigh the cost, making them a better choice for those who can afford to go that route. Here’s a look at the different types of premium IOLs and the benefits of premium cataract lenses. 

The Types of Premium Cataract Lenses 

Premium IOLs are typically more capable than the standard ones, adding features that aren’t otherwise available with standard IOLs. 

Multifocal IOLs are similar to bifocals, offering the ability to see clearly at several distances. Extended depth of focus IOLs offer less focusing power than multifocal IOLs, but provide more than a single-focus IOL can provide. Toric IOLs are mono-focal options designed for people with astigmatism, functionally correcting astigmatism to avoid the related visual distortions. Accommodating IOLs allow a person’s eye muscles to adjust the focus for greater clarity at closer distances. 

The Benefits of Premium IOLs 

Premium IOLs offer patients a variety of benefits over the standard cataract lens options. Some types can correct other vision issues, making glasses unnecessary. For those who dislike glasses or want to avoid the long-term costs associated with replacing them each year, that can make investing in premium IOLs worthwhile. 

Additionally, premium IOLs typically lead to a better quality of life. The ability to correct other vision issues can mean less reliance on corrective lenses. For example, a person may not require glasses at all or may only need them when reading to doing similar close-up work. For the latter group, that means they don’t need corrective lenses during a significant portion of their day, which is potentially quite freeing. 

How to Select the Right Premium IOL 

If you’re interested in premium IOLs for your cataract surgery, your eye care provider will work with you to determine which premium IOL type is the best fit for your situation. They can consider your priorities when it comes to visual clarity, as well as discuss the risks associated with the various choices. That ensures patients are well-informed and properly guided, increasing the odds that they’ll get a cataract correction lens that’s best suited to their lifestyle and goals. 

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patients’ eyes are our priority. If you’d like to learn more about premium IOLs for cataract corrective surgeries or simply haven’t seen your eye care provider in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.