Posted by: Mann Eye in Advice, Cataracts

(spoiler: it’s actually a great time to have it if you need it)

Just a month into the new year, we sincerely hope you and yours are healthy and happy, well on your way to a wonderful 2021. With the Covid-19 vaccine becoming more widely available, we are all breathing (behind our face masks, of course) a little more easily, with the collective hope that we are nearing the end of the historic world health pandemic.

At Mann Eye Institute, we’ve had many patients ask us about elective surgery at this time; specifically, cataract surgery. Should I? Shouldn’t I? So much information and varying opinions have understandably caused some confusion, and with the hope of bringing some clarity, we want to address it. But first…

What Does “Elective” Mean?

Here’s a quick, working definition of elective surgery:

Elective surgery can be defined as surgery that is scheduled in advance
because it does not involve a medical emergency.

‘Scheduled in advance’ is the key phrase here 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 an issue.

Top Five Reasons You Should Not Postpone Cataract Surgery

  1. Cataracts can 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 will not heal on their own. Cataracts must be surgically removed to restore clear vision. And as cataracts mature, they become denser and more difficult to remove. We like to tell our patients that the best time to have cataract surgery is when cataracts begin to have a negative impact on their daily lives and tasks.
  2. Clear vision is key to maintaining safety (even in your own home). 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, of course, many are.
  3. Left untreated, cataracts can lead to complete vision loss. This sobering fact doesn’t need more words to convey its seriousness.
  4. ASCs vs. Hospitals. Cataract surgery at Mann Eye IS NOT performed in a hospital, but in a trusted Ambulatory Surgery Center. The truth is, an ASC is probably the safest place for you to receive the care you deserve. Why? Because ASCs do not treat sick patients. Additionally, ASCs are held to extremely high safety standards. They are highly regulated healthcare facilities and must comply with many regulations at the federal and state level. Thanks to the pandemic, ASCs are being held to even more stringent requirements for safety and infection prevention.
  5. At Mann Eye, we go above and beyond to safely serve you. The health and safety of our patients and team members are of great importance to us. Rest assured, we are taking every measure to continue keeping you safe.

But don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what a few patients had to say recently:

“Mann Eye takes all the necessary precautions to assure a safe and comfortable experience. All the staff are great at their jobs and are very professional.”
Greg F.

“I was impressed with the way they dealt with the Covid-19 threat.”
Stephen P.

“Everyone was very attentive. There are Covid signs outside, masks are required and you are asked to sanitize before filling out paperwork. The reception area is behind plexiglass and the staff was properly masked. All things I appreciate!”
Stacy M.

“I’ve been going to Mann Eye for many years and I especially like the way they are handling the Covid-19 health pandemic with temperature screening, limiting the number of people and constant cleaning.”
Barbara B.

Don’t Put Off Cataract Surgery. See Life Better Today.

Advances in technology have made an already safe and successful procedure like cataract surgery 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.

With multiple locations surrounding the Houston and Austin, Texas areas, the surgeons at Mann Eye Institute are 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 Mann Eye Institute today.