Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
We're discussing new medical technology this week on Healthwatch. The image of the glasses-wearing granny may become a thing of the past. As people age, it's common for their eyes to change so they have trouble reading or seeing things up close. Because of this, many older adults need reading glasses. But new technology may eliminate the need for reading glasses.
Dr. James McCulley, chairman of ophthalmology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says a new surgically implanted lens can allow people to see near and far without glasses or contacts. The new lens is especially helpful for people with cataracts, but it can also correct vision for people who have age-related farsightedness.
Medicare or insurance will usually cover much of the cost for patients with cataracts, but insurance and Medicare do not generally cover vision correction when cataracts aren't involved.
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July 2005
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