Center For Sight surgeon William J. Lahners, M.D., addressed his colleagues from across the country at the annual meeting of the American Society Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) held in Chicago, April 20 – 24. More than 1,000 surgeons, nurses, technicians and practice administrators from attended the conference. An expert in cataract, lens replacement and All Laser LASIK surgery, Dr. Lahners was invited by ASCRS to speak on “The Importance of Providing a Full Range of Vision to Baby Boomers.”
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Dr. Lahners focused his presentation on presbyopia and the importance of educating baby boomers about the condition, as well as how it can be corrected. Presbyopia is a common condition that causes blurred vision while trying to focus on near objects. It is believed to be caused by a gradual thickening and loss of flexibility of the natural lens inside the eye. Many people with Presbyopia find themselves holding reading materials at arm’s length in order to focus. The condition can be treated with eyeglasses or contact lenses, but for those who suffer from cataracts in addition to presbyopia, vision correcting surgery may offer a solution for achieving clear vision at all distances.
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Dr. Lahners is passionate about generating a dialogue with patients before making recommendations for treatment. “As surgeons, we need to control as many variables as possible.” Educating patients about the options available “is of paramount importance,” says Dr. Lahners. He cites AARP statistics indicating the rate of people turning 65 is approximately 2.7 million per year. “With more people facing age-related vision issues, ophthalmologists have an increased responsibility to listen to the visual goals expressed by our patients and carefully explain the risks, benefits and alternatives to each treatment option.”
