In the early 1970s, Catherine McGue graduated from Emmanuel College in Boston with a degree in mathematics and economics. She used her education to establish a career in computer programming, where she worked for several health care organizations in her home state of Massachusetts. “My job involved designing computer systems for different departments based on their requirements,” Catherine describes. “For example, I designed the systems for billing and payments so the programmers could create the necessary documents for patients and physicians.” Catherine enjoyed her work, but the intense strain of staring at a computer screen all day eventually compromised her eyesight. “At work, we always used to say that we were going to end up blind some day because we worked so many hours on the computer,” Catherine relates. “And, by the time I retired a few years ago, my vision was very poor. Even with my glasses on I couldn’t see at night very well, and sometimes, I would trip and fall on the stairs or a curb because I couldn’t see them clearly. “People at work used to joke about how poor my vision was. They called me Mr. Magoo, like the vision-impaired cartoon character. Then I developed cataracts, and that just made things worse. The cataracts caused me to see double, and I couldn’t see past three or four feet. It’s pretty sad when they put up the big ‘E’ on the eye chart, and you can’t see it, but that was me.” Cataracts are a clouding of the lens that develops from a breakdown of lens fibers and/or a clumping of proteins. The only treatment is the surgical removal of the lens, which is then replaced with a synthetic intraocular lens, or IOL. The surgery is generally performed on an outpatient basis on one eye at a time, with a week or two between procedures. Seeking a skilled surgeon to perform her cataract surgery, Catherine searched the internet for providers in the Tampa area and asked around for references. Her search led her to Bay Area Eye Institute and Craig E. Berger, MD, who has “superstar credentials,” according to Catherine. Dr. Berger is a board-certified, fellowship-trained ophthalmic surgeon who also spent 15 years as an adjunct assistant professor of ophthalmology at the University of South Florida Eye Institute. He has extensive skill and experience with cataract surgery.
Jordan Pysz / iFoundMyDoctor.com
Yes, that’s Catherine driving without glasses. Prior to undergoing cataract surgery, she couldn’t even see the big “E” on the eye chart. Now, after being fit with trifocal replacement lenses, she is glasses-free.
IOL Options
According to Dr. Berger, cataracts develop naturally as part of the aging process. “Typically, they become a problem later in life, but they actually begin forming around age 40 and progress at different rates in different people,” he states. Studies show that more than half of all Americans will develop cataracts by age 80. Factors such as diabetes, sun exposure, smoking and family history may accelerate their development. Like contact lenses, IOLs are available in various focusing powers to address refractive issues. Standard IOLs correct primarily for distance vision, but patients can have one eye fixed for distance and the other for reading, an option called monovision. Multifocal IOLs address distance and either reading or intermediate vision, and advanced trifocal lenses can improve distance, reading and intermediate vision. Before recommending an IOL, Dr. Berger reviews the advantages and disadvantages of each option with the patient. The doctor also reviews the patient’s lifestyle to find the best lens match. “I always consider the patient’s activities, hobbies, the type of work they do and their visual requirements,” Dr. Berger asserts. “Then I perform a complete eye exam looking at the tear film, retina and optic nerve. I also look for astigmatism, which is an imperfection in the cornea that leads to blurry vision. “I encourage patients to take their time and gain a clear understanding of the benefits of each of the intraocular lenses before making a choice. No one lens is ideal for everyone. Lenses come in many sizes, with a variety of features and benefits.” After removing the cataract in Catherine’s left eye, Dr. Berger implanted the PanOptix®, a trifocal IOL. Unfortunately, Catherine was one of only 2 percent of patients who experienced visual side effects with that lens, which caused her to see reflections from lights coming at her while driving at night. To avoid a similar problem with her right eye, Dr. Berger recommended the RxSight® Light Adjustable Lens™. This IOL provides crisp, clear distance, intermediate and near vision but with a lower risk of visual side effects, Dr. Berger states. “The unique feature of the RxSight is that its shape and focusing characteristics can be adjusted after implantation using an office-based ultraviolet light source,” the doctor observes. “The resulting changes create a highly predictable alteration in the curvature of the lens. The new shape matches the patient’s vision prescription, which is determined before surgery. “The RxSight can be adjusted up to three times to fine-tune the patient’s distance, intermediate and reading vision. In most cases, patients who receive the RxSight become glasses-free after cataract surgery and the adjustments that follow.” Catherine says the RxSight lens in her right eye corrected the reflection issues that developed after the PanOptix lens was implanted in her left eye. “I guess my brain adjusted to the better vision from the two lenses,” she explains. “Without the reflections, I can drive at night very easily and safely now. “I couldn’t really read all that well with the PanOptix either, but the RxSight lens corrected that issue as well. Now, I can see at all distances: reading, intermediate and distance. My distance vision is so good that I can even see the stars now. Before, I couldn’t see them even with my glasses on.”
Happy Tears
Catherine is extremely pleased with the outcome of the procedures. “Sometimes, I feel like crying because I’m so happy with the results,” she enthuses. “I haven’t had vision like this since I was 12 years old. “And I don’t have to wear glasses anymore. At first, people were afraid when they got in the car with me without glasses. They said, You’re driving without glasses? I replied, Yes. I can see everything now, and it’s amazing. “Cataract surgery has made such a huge difference in my life that I no longer have to carry glasses around with me and worry about tripping and falling. I’m in my 70s; if I fall now, it could really change my life.” Catherine was impressed by Dr. Berger’s credentials when she discovered him. After meeting with him, she found his approach to patient care remarkable as well. “Dr. Berger is excellent,” Catherine raves. “He listens and makes himself available to his patients. He’s very good at returning emails and was very quick to respond to any of my follow-up questions. “He really worked with me. He instructs and explains everything. And he has a terrific team of people he taps into to meet your specific needs. I tell a lot of people about him and Bay Area Eye Institute.”
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