The National Hospital Association has set aside August as National Cataract Awareness month. With that in mind, St. Luke’s Hospital would like to recognize Dr. Thomas Perraut, ophthalmologist, of Blue Ridge Laser Eye Associates. Dr. Perraut, who has served this community for more than 25 years, has been a tremendous supporter of St. Luke’s Hospital where he performs more than 300 cataract and laser surgeries each year.

Cataract surgery has been made easier by the creation of synthetic replacement lenses that can be folded. These lenses, often made of acrylic or solid silicone, can be placed into the eye through a self-sealing incision as small as an eighth of an inch. Because the incision is so tiny, sutures usually aren’t needed. This procedure is less invasive and makes recovery time much shorter.

Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world. Cataracts are an unfortunate but common symptom of aging; by age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery, according to the National Eye Institute.

“A cataract is not a growth, but rather a yellowing of the natural lens in the eye,” explained Dr. Perraut. “It is usually a gradual process in which the lens becomes less clear and harder to see through. The lens, when unclear, is unable to focus light the way it should. Many who suffer from cataracts choose to have cataract surgery when they no longer feel comfortable with their daily activities. Clear lens implants are used to replace the cloudy natural lens during surgery.”

To learn more about cataract prevention and the available surgeries, call Blue Ridge Laser Eye Associates at 828-894-3037.

–article submitted by Jennifer Wilson