Cataracts Cleared Up

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Dr. Ahmed Al-Ghoul, who is an ophthalmic surgeon, spoke to a group of people at the Griffiths Memorial Centre on October 29th about the diagnosis, treatment and surgical procedure for cataracts and other eye problems.
Dr. Al-Ghoul was the guest speaker for Dr. Charles Boulet, of Diamond Valley Vision Care in Black Diamond. Dr. Boulet believes very strongly in educating his patients and being pro-active about eye health.
The workshop focused on cataracts and not only gave insight into the condition but also gave the group the opportunity to ask questions in a relaxed and congenial atmosphere.
Dr. Al-Ghoul explained that some people think cataracts are a disease but in reality, they are the clouding, or yellowing, of the lens in the eye. Cataract surgery replaces the lens and takes away the cloudiness.
The surgery is performed under local anesthetic with the eye being frozen with drops. Two or three incisions, 2 to 3 mm in size, are made and the lens is removed with high frequency ultra sound and a vacuum instrument. A new lens, based on a person's eye measurements, is then inserted. The surgery has a 99% success rate.
Alberta Health Care covers the cost of the surgery but only a certain number of these surgeries are allowed to be performed each year.
Dr. Boulet provided refreshments and invited anyone to contact him at his clinic, at 403-933-5552 if they would like any additional information.