Thursday, August 13, 2015
Alexandra Hospital
August is Immunization and Cataract Awareness Month
AHI helps provide clear vision through Ingersoll Cataract Centre
As we age, the lenses in our eyes naturally harden and may turn cloudy. The clouding of the lens is called cataracts. Cataracts block light from reaching the retina and interfere with vision, making it blurry.
If this is happening to you, you are not alone. More than 2.5 million Canadians have cataracts. They are painless and are usually detected during routine eye exams. Fortunately, cataracts can be removed and your vision can be restored. Studies show that 90% of people who undergo cataract surgery experience an improvement in their vision.
Since opening their doors last Fall, the Ingersoll Cataract Centre, located at Alexandra Hospital Ingersoll (AHI), has treated patients from Ingersoll, Tillsonburg and surrounding areas. AHI is proud to be a leader in cataract surgery for Ingersoll and area.
Ophthalmologist Dr. David Johnson celebrated 15 years of performing sight-giving cataract surgeries at AHI last February. “Cataract surgery is quite straightforward,” says Dr. Johnson. “The cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one. The patient usually can see more clearly within a day or two.”
A recent patient survey by AHI indicates that the surgeons, team members and facilities at the Ingersoll Cataract Centre are second to none. Patients feel they are getting timely access to cataract surgery, are kept well informed and supported pre- and post-surgery. As a result, patients are recommending the Ingersoll Cataract Centre to their friends and family.
“Our cataract team is focused on providing the best patient experience possible,” says Dr. John Thorpe, AHI Ophthalmologist. “Our patient satisfaction surveys continue to indicate that we are accomplishing this goal.”
Think you might need cataract surgery? Symptoms include sensitivity to bright light or experiencing glares and halos around light, difficulty seeing details, poor central vision, inability to distinguish colours, difficulty seeing at night and double vision.
You are more susceptible to cataracts if you are aging, have a family history, have had excessive exposure to UV radiation, smoke, have diabetes, consume alcohol, take certain medications, have hypertension and are obese.
How can you prevent cataracts? Eating foods high in Vitamin E (almonds, spinach, hazelnuts, broccoli, kale, Swiss chard and avocados) can reduce your risk by up to 27%.
If you or a loved one is experiencing signs of cataracts, you should consult an ophthalmologist for a comprehensive eye exam.
To further help cataract patients, AHI has undertaken physical upgrades that will make it easier for seniors to navigate the hospital when they come for procedures. Distinct paint colours, clear signage and specific staff training are all part of ensuring that AHI is senior friendly.
Media Contact:
Tim Rice, Chief Nursing Executive Alexandra Hospital & Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital 519-485-1700 ext 8392
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