Just a handful of weeks into the new year, it is our hope that you are healthy and happy, well on your way to rocking 2021. With the Covid-19 vaccine making its way across the nation and the world, we are all holding onto the collective hope that we are nearing the end of the historic world health pandemic.
At Carter Eye Center, we’ve had many patients ask us about elective surgery at this time; specifically, cataract surgery. Is it a good idea or should I wait? So much information and varying opinions have understandably caused some confusion on the matter, so let’s clear it up. But first…
What is an “Elective” Surgery?
Here’s a quick, working definition of elective surgery:
A surgical procedure that is scheduled in advance
because it does not involve a medical emergency.
‘Scheduled in advance’ is the phrase that matters here. Why? Because elective doesn’t always mean that having a surgical procedure isn’t urgent or necessary.
Elective surgery includes procedures that are completely your choice to have or not to have; cosmetic procedures and even LASIK, for example. However, while considered elective and scheduled in advance, something like cataract surgery can be considered both urgent and necessary. In fact, left untreated, cataracts can deteriorate your vision to the point that things like driving, reading and even just moving around comfortably in your own home can become a challenge.
Five Reasons to Not Postpone Cataract Surgery
- Clear vision is crucial to safety. According to the National Council on Aging, falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans. Falls threaten seniors’ safety and independence and can come with significant economic and personal costs. While not all falls are due to poor vision and depth perception, many are.
- Cataracts worsen over time, and the longer you wait, the harder they are to remove. Cataracts cannot be treated with medication, diet, or eye drops, and they won’t heal on their own. The only way to restore clear vision is to remove the cataracts. And as cataracts mature, they become denser and more difficult to remove. We tell our patients that the best time to have cataract surgery is when the cataracts begin to have a negative impact on their daily lives.
- Left untreated, cataracts can lead to complete vision loss. Sobering but true.
- ASCs vs. Hospitals. Cataract surgery at Carter Eye Center is not performed in a hospital, but at our trusted Ambulatory Surgery Center, North Dallas Surgicare. In truth, an ASC is probably the safest place for you to receive the care you deserve at this time. Why? Because ASCs do not treat sick patients. And ASCs are held to extremely high safety standards, are highly regulated healthcare facilities and must comply with many regulations at the federal and state level. All this is under normal circumstances; thanks to the pandemic, ASCs are being held to even more stringent requirements for safety and infection prevention.
- At Carter Eye Center, we go above and beyond to safely serve you. The health and safety of our patients and our team members are our top priorities. Rest assured, we are taking every measure to continue keeping you safe.
Our patients agree!
“The best decision I have ever made is to have Dr. Harvey Carter do cataract surgery on my eyes. I am over 65 & I was tired of wearing thick glasses. I could not read my watch without my glasses. It has been two weeks & I am typing this review on my iPhone, seeing CLEARLY with no glasses. Dr. Carter was so nice, caring, with an amazing sense of humor, He & every member of his staff were patient & concerned with my needs. They never rushed me & answered all my questions. Carter Eye Center gets five stars, they are the best!”
Evan L.
“I cannot tell you how comfortable this place will make you feel. As soon as you walk through the door you feel like family.”
Bailey G.
Don’t Put Off Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is already a safe and successful procedure, but advances in technology have made it safer than ever. In fact, more than two million men and women undergo cataract surgery every year, making it one of the most common and most successful medical procedures in the U.S. today.
Serving Greater Dallas for more than 25 years, Dr. Harvey Carter is among the most experienced cataract surgeons in the country. If we may serve you at this time, we’d be honored. Schedule your cataract evaluation at Carter Eye Center today.
