Cataract Surgery for Both Eyes Gives Best Results

Fairfield County Cataract SurgeonLeslie Doctor, M.D., noted that while having cataract surgery in one is likely to improve vision and visual functioning, the best results are found in patients who undergo second eye cataract surgery. A cataract in one or both eyes often causes blurry, cloudy or dimming of vision but more importantly it can cause a meaningful decrease in visual functioning that impacts daily activities and lifestyle. In general it is well known that the presence of a cataract negatively affects both subjective quality of life and objective performance measures.

Researchers reporting in Ophthalmology studied the impact that a cataract and cataract surgery have on clinical measurements of vision, reading speed, objective mobility performance and subjective visual functioning. The results showed that patients who had the cataract surgery in both eyes demonstrated better visual performance, better mobility-based task performance and even scored better on the Activities of Daily Vision Scale (ADVS). “So we tell our patients that even though they might find a great improvement after having cataract surgery in only one eye, the data indicate that having cataract surgery on both eyes provides the best visual functioning,’ summarized Dr. Leslie Doctor.

If you or someone you know has questions or concerns about cataracts, cataract surgery and visual functioning please call Doctor & Associates-203-227-4113, visit Doctor & Associates in Fairfield County or facebook.com/doctorandassociates to schedule an appointment.

Doctor & Associates is a leading Fairfield County Connecticut eye care practice with offices at 129 Kings Highway North, Westport, Connecticut 06880, 195 Danbury Road, Wilton, Connecticut 06897 and 148 East Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut 06851.

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Laser Cataract Surgery Information

Patients often ask us whether we use the laser for cataract surgery. In fact, for many patients we are able to perform laser cataract surgery and lens implants using the Alcon® LenSx® Femtosecond Laser in order to provide exquisite reproducibility, precision, safety and a gentler cataract surgery procedure. At Doctor & Associates, cataract surgery is one of the most frequent types of eye surgery procedures we perform-and, typically with excellent results. However, it is technically complex and requires considerable surgical skill in order to perform the great number of manually delivered steps required.

Dr. Leslie Doctor commented, “Using the laser for cataract surgery allows me to create "perfect" incisions, without using a blade or knife, in terms of size, position and architecture. This is important in order to have self-sealing, “sutureless” incisions without the use of stitches, and to help in preventing infection. Also, the laser helps me create a perfectly centered and sized "capsulotomy", which is the opening I prepare in the front of the crystalline lens where the cloudy lens material is removed and is critical in the centering of the lens implant to provide the best uncorrected vision. Laser cataract surgery also is quite helpful when I liquefy and soften the crystalline lens where the cataract has formed because I can use less energy to remove the cataract, which is gentler on the eye.”

If you or someone you know has cataracts or is considering cataract surgery and would like to learn more about laser cataract surgery, please call Doctor & Associates at 203-227-4113 to schedule an appointment.

Corneal Specialist on Dry Eyes, Contact Lenses & Birth Control Pills

“What does having dry eyes have to do with wearing contact lenses and birth control pills?” asked Fairfield County CornealSpecialist Leslie Doctor, M.D.  As it turns out there is indeed a relationship between dry eye symptoms in woman using oral contraceptives who wear contact lenses. A study published in the journal Cornea examined the relationship among oral contraceptive pill (OCP) use, contact lens wear and dry eye signs and symptoms in healthy young women. “As it turned out, there were no differences in dry eyes between the phases of the menstrual cycle and no evidence that tear osmolarity-or saltiness-was affected by OCP or contact lens use in the young women. However, the study found that the combination of OCP use and contact lens wear together may increase the severity of dry eye symptoms,” noted Dr. Leslie Doctor.

If you or someone you know has questions or concerns about dry eyes, contact lenses and oral contraceptive birth control pills please call Doctor & Associates-203-227-4113, visit Doctor & Associates in Fairfield County or facebook.com/doctorandassociates to schedule an appointment. 

Doctor & Associates is a leading Fairfield County Connecticut eye care practice with offices at 129 Kings Highway North, Westport, Connecticut 06880, 195 Danbury Road, Wilton, Connecticut 06897 and 148 East Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut 06851.

What Causes an Eyelid Lump?

There are a number of types of lumps and bumps that can form in your eyelids. A common cause of an eyelid lump is called hordeolum which is a painful inflammation of the eyelid that is usually caused by a bacterial infection. Hordeolum results from an infection of the oil glands in the eyelid and results in a lump. Often, the infected lump drains and heals by itself with no treatment. Sometimes, the infection can sometimes spread to other glands in the eyes and can become long lasting or it can also turn into a cyst which is called a chalazion. Hordeolum can be internal, on the inside of the eyelid, or external, on the outside of the eyelid near the eyelashes where it would also be called a stye. Sometimes hordeolum can be acute and appear suddenly and heal in a short time, or chronic and long lasting and occurring over time. Common treatments for hordeolum include warm compresses applied at home, prescription and non prescription lid scrubs, antibiotics, steroids, lid massages and others types of treatment.

If you or someone you know has questions or concerns about eyelid lumps, bumps, chalazia, styes or hordeolum please call Doctor & Associates-203-227-4113, visit Doctor & Associates in Fairfield County or facebook.com/doctorandassociates to schedule an appointment.

Doctor & Associates is a leading Fairfield County Connecticut eye care practice with offices at 129 Kings Highway North, Westport, Connecticut 06880, 195 Danbury Road, Wilton, Connecticut 06897 and 148 East Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut 06851.

Difficulty with Progressive Lenses?

Have you been struggling with progressive lenses? Do you feel that you cannot get used to them and that your vision is not satisfactory? The Opticians at Eyewear at Willows might have an answer for you. We now offer a new progressive lens design called Nikon DigiLife that offers outstanding intermediate vision while still preserving balanced all-day, all-distance performance. Nikon DigiLife is personalized to each patient's prescription, unique fitting parameters and designed for the visual demands of today's lifestyle. DigiLife provides progressive wearers with a completely new visual experience and level of satisfaction. Choosing the right kind of progressive lens is crucial. Your lifestyle and occupation play a big role at making final decision. Make sure to get the right frame for your prescription. The frame should fit your face comfortably and not slide down as well as sit correctly on your nose bridge. Correct fit, the right frame selection, accurate lens design and updated prescription should help you to be able to wear your progressives more successfully.

To learn more about NikonDigiLife, please visit us at Eyewear at Willows or call us at 203-227-9380 to ask questions about progressive lenses.