Eye Care, About You (and those who you care for)
Dear colleagues - I never thought I would personally have so much material for this newsletter, but here I am again.
As we get older, we all have aches, pains and other health issues. This time it was my eyes. My vision was blurry, so I went to the doctor and learned I had cataracts.
To fix the problem, I just had my second cataract operation. In truth, it was the easiest procedure I've ever had. I don't know what eye surgery felt like in the past, but today the doctors have it down to a science. EVERY person I met was so pleasant and caring, and all this on a Monday morning!
Most of my time spent that morning was prepping for surgery. The actual procedure took less than 15 minutes. The gauze pad was off within hours and a follow up was scheduled for the next day. I received instructions after the visit and was told that the most important thing was to follow the physical restrictions - no bending over, lifting nothing more than five pounds and faithfully putting drops in my eye four times a day.
My biggest challenge was the bending. Do you have any idea how many times we bend over in a given day?
Also, did I mention the restriction about not getting water in the eye? I had to be incredibly creative so I could wash my hair. One day all the bandages came off in the shower and I was panic stricken - however, all was well.
I was out of work for three days. The doctor frowned upon this. Her recommendation was to stay out a week. Once again, she impressed the absolute importance of abiding by the restrictions - no bending, no heavy lifting and faithful application of eye drops.
During my follow-up appointment, I was pleased to hear that my eye was healing magnificently. And I have had truly remarkable results. The greatest benefit by far is that my night vision is so much clearer. I had no idea how bad my vision was until after the operation. I am grateful that I live in the age where these miracles can occur.
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Cataract Surgery at CHA
 CHA has an outstanding team of Ophthalmologists who offer several options for cataract surgery.
Many patients opt for a standard lens implant, which works well, but usually results in the use of eyeglasses after surgery. We also offer laser-assisted cataract and premium lens implant options. In many cases, this reduces or eliminates the need for glasses afterwards!
236 Highland Ave., Somerville
617-591-4949 Now open for vision testing 7 days a week! |
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Email us and let our expert team be a resource to you.
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CAMBRIDGE HEALTH ALLIANCE is a vital and innovative community health system that provides essential services to Cambridge, Somerville, and Boston's metro-north communities. It includes three hospital campuses, a network of primary care and specialty practices, and the Cambridge Public Health Dept. CHA is a Harvard Medical School teaching affiliate and is also affiliated with Harvard School of Public Health, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, and Tufts University School of Medicine. For more information, visit www.challiance.org. |
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This newsletter provides general information for educational purposes only. The information provided in this newsletter, or through linkages to other sites, is not a substitute for medical or professional care, and you should not use the information in place of a visit, call consultation or the advice of your physician or other healthcare provider.
Thank you.
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We are excited that Dr. Serena Chao joined us in January 2016 to lead our geriatrics services. She is also seeing patients in both the CHA