Free Cataract Surgery Offered For Those Patients Who Are Uninsured And In Need Of Treatment

Online, November 9, 2009 (Newswire.com) - (Belleville and Verona, NJ) - On November 25, 2009, Cary M. Silverman, M.D. an ophthalmologist associated with the Eye Institute of Essex will perform FREE cataract surgery for those that are uninsured and can't afford to pay for the procedure during Vision Harvest 2009 at the River Drive Surgery and Laser Center of Elmwood Park, New Jersey. In 2008, the United Status Census Bureau reported, that there is an estimated 46.3 million Americans without health insurance. "With so much emphasis in the news discussing the current recession and those Americans who have been affected by unemployment and loss of health insurance, my colleagues and I believe it is the perfect time to give back to our community. We all agree no one should go without needed cataract surgery due to finances," said Dr. Philip N. Eichler, medical director of the Eye Institute of Essex who is participating in the event.

Over the next few weeks, Drs. Philip and Joel Eichler at the Eye Institute of Essex located in Belleville and Verona, New Jersey will be evaluating prospective cataract patients and scheduling them for their free procedure. Eligible patients will have all eye examinations, testing, medications, and surgery provided to them free of charge.

If you know someone who is visually impaired and has financial need or if you would like more information about Vision Harvest 2009, please contact Maggie Melendez at (973) 751-6060.

Cataracts are a progressive condition that causes the eye's lens to become cloudy, and eventually opaque leading to a progressive dimming of vision. The exact cause of cataracts is unclear, but they occur in everyone as they age. Cataracts may be the result of a lifetime of exposure to ultraviolet rays, and other factors such as cigarette smoking, diet, and alcohol consumption. Cataracts can also occur at any age as a result of other causes such as eye injury, exposure to toxic substances or radiation, certain medications or as a result of other diseases such as diabetes.

Cataract surgery entails the removal of the clouded lens and its replacement with an artificial lens implant. Using a process called phacoemulsification, Dr. Silverman is able to effectively treat cataracts and restore clear vision.

Since 1969, Drs. Philip and Joel Eichler have been providing "Excellence in the Preservation, Restoration and Enhancement of Sight" to the citizens of Essex County. Located in Belleville and Verona the physicians of the Eye Institute of Essex are available to diagnose and treat medical and surgical eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachments, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Comprehensive family eyecare services are also provided including eye examinations for eye glasses and contact lenses and on-site optical services. To learn more about services or to schedule an appointment call (973) 751-6060 or visit our website at www.eyeinstituteofessexmd.com.