Ophthalmologist in Boston on Cataract Surgery Candidacyin Boston, MA
Quincy, MA — Cataracts are one of the most prevalent eye conditions in the United States. Fifty percent of Americans who reach the age of 80 either have cataracts or have previously undergone surgery to remove cataracts, according to the National Eye Institute. A major concern, says Boston cataract surgeon Dr. Steven A. Nielsen, is that many people do not realize they have cataracts, thus continuing to suffer from poor vision under the assumption that they need a new eyeglass prescription. He says some common indications of cataracts can include night driving problems (such as halos and glare), blurry vision, dull or faded colors, and light sensitivity. He adds that symptoms do not always lead to a cataract diagnosis; however, when cataracts have been diagnosed, patients have options.
Based on the severity of vision problems, patients can generally choose to continue wearing their current prescription for glasses or undergo a surgical procedure to remove cataracts. Dr. Nielsen, a board-certified Ophthalmologist, says continuing to wear one’s glasses is not always the best option, adding that even new prescriptions will not improve vision because cataracts worsen over time and will continue to interfere with light entering the eye. His center for vision correction surgery in Boston offers patients a surgical procedure in which the cataract is removed and an artificial lens is implanted to help correct their vision. He adds that the relatively short procedure also gives patients the opportunity to select which type of intraocular lens (traditional or premium) they wish to receive.
In regards to choosing between a traditional and premium intraocular lens (IOL), Dr. Nielsen says the decision is primarily based on overall vision clarity and insurance coverage. A traditional IOL is generally covered by most medical insurance plans, and patients typically find their distance vision to be much clearer than before the cataract surgery. However, patients receiving a traditional IOL may need to continue wearing glasses for near vision activities. A premium IOL is an elective lens, generally not covered by insurance, which greatly improves patients’ near, intermediate, and distance vision while often freeing them of the need for glasses. In any case, Dr. Nielsen says patients with astigmatism will likely still need glasses after surgery to fully correct their vision.
As with all surgeries, recovery times can vary. Dr. Nielsen says most patients are able to drive the day after their procedure, but the full recovery time is typically one week, depending on the individual. He adds that qualified doctors should be able to brief each patient on what amount of recovery time is best for him or her. When choosing a cataract surgeon, he also says patients should always consult with a board-certified Ophthalmologist to ensure the highest quality of care and the most effective vision results.
About Dr. Steven Nielsen, M.D.
A graduate of the University of Southern California School of Medicine, Dr. Steven Nielsen is the founder and president of The Nielsen Eye Center. His practice focuses on a variety of eye care treatments and procedures ranging from cataract surgery and LASIK to refractive lens exchange and Visian ICL. Dr. Nielsen is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Medical Association, and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, among other medical affiliations. He is also board-certified in Ophthalmology.
Located at 300 Congress Street, Suite 201, Quincy, MA 02169, The Nielsen Eye Center can be reached toll-free at 877-373-2020. Dr. Nielsen and his staff can also be contacted online and facebook.com/golasik.
