New Consumer Information On Cataracts, Eye Infections Available On American Academy Of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart(TM) Web Site

Main Category: Eye Health / Blindness
Article Date: 12 Jun 2009 - 4:00 PDT

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When is a cataract ready to be removed? What are the differences between the types of intraocular lenses (IOLs)? What are the symptoms for the most common eye infections? New resources that answer these and other common questions about cataracts and eye infections are now available on the American Academy of Ophthalmology's (Academy) EyeSmart(TM) Web site. In addition, a broad range of patient information is also now available in Spanish.

"These enhancements to the EyeSmart Web site will further empower consumers to take charge of their eye health," said David W. Parke II, MD, executive vice president and CEO of the Academy. "Our goal is to continue to provide the most up-to-date and useful information to the public and to provide the best resources possible so that people can know their risks and save their sight. As a matter of course, people should always consult their own Eye M.D. for medical advice about their eye health."

The new cataract section on the EyeSmart site offers a comprehensive consumer guide to cataracts, including what causes them, how they are diagnosed and what treatment options are available. The section also includes a detailed description of the different kinds of IOLs to help patients determine which one would be right for them. The information on eye infections includes a convenient chart that distinguishes between the symptoms for the most common infections.

Supplementing the new resources is Ask an Eye M.D., the Academy's ongoing free public service. Ask an Eye M.D. answers selected questions from the public, and answers are posted online on an ongoing basis. In addition to answers recently submitted and posted, all answers are available in a searchable archive. Due to the volume of questions, it is not possible to answer all questions submitted.

The EyeSmart(TM) campaign is sponsored by the Academy in partnership with EyeCare America, a public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. In addition, more than 80 state, local and specialty ophthalmology societies are lending their support to the campaign.

To submit a question online to Ask an Eye M.D. or for more information about eye health, visit http://www.geteyesmart.org

Source
American Academy of Ophthalmology

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