Cataract formation is a natural part of the aging process: the lens inside of the eye will become cloudy and can eventually result in vision loss, or even blindness. Fortunately, cataract surgery is a curative procedure that restores vision loss due to cataracts. Cataract surgeons are medical doctors who have specialized training and expertise in microsurgery, which allows them to safely remove the cloudy lens from inside of the eye and replace it with an intraocular lens implant.
“Cataract surgery is one of the most impactful procedures performed in all of medicine,” says Victoria A. Bugg, MD, a cataract surgeon at the Dean McGee Eye Institute (DMEI) in Oklahoma City. One of Dr. Bugg’s most memorable patients was blind in both eyes, and she was guided into the DMEI clinic by holding on to her brother’s shoulders. Unfortunately, the patient was also battling a terminal cancer, but the family was determined to restore her sight.
The patient’s reaction after a successful cataract surgery left the entire operating room in tears. “I removed the surgical drape and the patient sat up and started crying, saying ‘I can see my shoes! I can see the door!’”
Most patients will develop more subtle symptoms, including difficulty with nighttime driving or reading in dim light. The intraocular lens implants used during surgery are specially selected for each patient, and can correct the patient’s refractive error (need for glasses). “I am so blessed to be a part of this process with my patients,” adds Bugg. Schedule your cataract consultation at DMEI by calling 405.271.1090, or learn more at www.dmei.org/services-specialties/cataracts.