Dry Eye Disease
Dry eye can pose a significant problem prior to cataract surgery. Click here to learn more about treatment prior to surgery.
Surface Corneal Dystrophy
Surface corneal dystrophies come in several forms. They can cause blurry vision and problems if they are not addressed prior to surgery.
BEFORE Cataract Surgery
Surface Corneal Dystrophy
Why Does It Matter?
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Cataract Surgery Results can be WORSE without treatment
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Gets slowly worse over time
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Causes irregular astigmatism and blurry vision
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Types: Map Dot Fingerprint (ABMD), Salzmann's Nodules
Before Cataract Surgery
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An office procedure is needed for removal
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See WHITE NODULES in the IMAGE
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This affects the measurements of your eye
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Measurements change after removal
After Cataract Surgery
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Dystrophies can continue to get worse
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Great results can fade change to blurry vision
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Removal before hand is important
Dry Eye Disease
Why Does It Matter?
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Cataract Surgery Results can be WORSE without treatment
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Many people don't know that they have it
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Symptoms: burning, aching, blurry vision and tearing
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You can have dry eye and have no symptoms at all
Before Cataract Surgery
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Dry Eye can cause spots and scratches on the eye
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See GREEN SPOTS in the IMAGE
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This affects the measurements of your eye
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Bad measurements can cause poor results
After Cataract Surgery
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Dry eye can worsen after cataract surgery
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Some patients may need drops for many months
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Treatment before hand is important
1. Artificial Tear Drops
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First line therapy and Over the Counter
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These drops lubricate the surface of the eye
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Good Brands: Systane, Refresh, Blink, GenTeal
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Preservative Free variety can be used 4 or more times per day
2. Anti-Inflammatory Drops
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Prescription drops from your Eye Doctor
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Inflammation damages the tear producing glands
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Anti-inflammatories help you produce more of your own tears
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Brands: Restasis, Xiidra, Cequa, Generic Cyclosporine
3. Punctal Plugs
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Clear plastic plug implanted by your Eye Doctor
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Tears drain away from your eye through the puncta
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Plugs stop drainage
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More tears stay on your eye
4. LipiFlow
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The eyelids have many oil glands
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This oil helps prevent tear evaporation
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Gland plug as people enter 40s/50s/60s
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LipiFlow unplugs them using heat and gentle pressure
Dry Eye Treatment
Pterygium
Why Does It Matter?
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Cataract Surgery Results can be WORSE without treatment
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Grows and can block the vision
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Causes irregular astigmatism and blurry vision
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Can be red and painful
Before Cataract Surgery
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Should be removed with surgery before cataract removal
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See RED TISSUE GROWTH
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Astigmatism will change after removal
After Cataract Surgery
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Pterygia may grow for years
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Great results can fade change to blurry vision
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Removal before hand is important