"Cataracts are like gray hair: nearly everyone gets them as we get older."
-- M. Schermer
-- M. Schermer
When the natural crystalline lens inside of your eye begins to discolor or thicken,
we call it a cataract.
we call it a cataract.
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It would make more sense to call it a "clouded natural lens", but over the years "cataract" has become the term. A cataract scatters light entering your eye, so that the light does not focus on a single point on the retina, and causes visual symptoms such as:
*blurred vision, even with best glasses *needing more light to read or see details *increased glare or halo around lights at night *"foggy" or "cloudy" vision *colors appearing yellowed or faded |
Having cataracts does not mean that you need surgery right away. In the early stages of having cataracts, you may not even notice any changes in vision. Sometimes, the cataracts never progress to the point of needing surgery. Cataract surgery is recommended when your vision begins to interfere with your daily activities.
Although cataract surgery is a common and successful surgery in the United States, there may be limitations as to what your surgically corrected vision results may be, depending on the health and state of your eye. There is a 1% chance of risk or complication to the surgery.
Removal of the cataract means removal of the natural lens inside of the eye. The natural lens of the eye has refractive power in it, & keeps certain structures of the eye in place. The removed natural lens is replaced with an artificial lens which is called an intraocular lens implant, or IOL. Exercise, medication, diet or eye drops can not make a cataract better.
Although cataract surgery is a common and successful surgery in the United States, there may be limitations as to what your surgically corrected vision results may be, depending on the health and state of your eye. There is a 1% chance of risk or complication to the surgery.
Removal of the cataract means removal of the natural lens inside of the eye. The natural lens of the eye has refractive power in it, & keeps certain structures of the eye in place. The removed natural lens is replaced with an artificial lens which is called an intraocular lens implant, or IOL. Exercise, medication, diet or eye drops can not make a cataract better.
The IOL is usually calculated to provide your best distance vision, with the likelihood that you will need reading glasses or multifocals after surgery. People who had high power prescription glasses before surgery can now have that power put into the IOL. With advancing technology, there are now several types of implants to consider.
Standard IOL:
These implants are designed to correct one focus. Often, the surgeon calculates this IOL to correct your distance vision. Sometimes, monovision (one eye set for near, one eye set for reading) can be considered.
Standard IOL:
These implants are designed to correct one focus. Often, the surgeon calculates this IOL to correct your distance vision. Sometimes, monovision (one eye set for near, one eye set for reading) can be considered.
Toric IOL:
These are designed to correct astigmatism.
Multifocal IOL:
These are designed to reduce your dependence on glasses for distance AND near. However, multifocal lens implants are not suited for every person or every prescription, and you may still need glasses to obtain your best vision after surgery.
You and your surgeon will discuss which lens implant is best suited for you and your needs. At this time, insurance does not cover the extra cost of the toric or multifocal IOL.
These are designed to correct astigmatism.
Multifocal IOL:
These are designed to reduce your dependence on glasses for distance AND near. However, multifocal lens implants are not suited for every person or every prescription, and you may still need glasses to obtain your best vision after surgery.
You and your surgeon will discuss which lens implant is best suited for you and your needs. At this time, insurance does not cover the extra cost of the toric or multifocal IOL.
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LenSx laser-assisted cataract surgery: LenSx® femtosecond laser makes a precise incision, which can reduce incision-related risks. The Procedure:
The surgeon makes a tiny incision in the eye, and removes the cataract with a method called phacoemulsification. It is a ultrasonic method, which has been reliably used for years. It is NOT a laser. However, recent advancements in technology have made it possible for the incision to be made by a laser, instead of by a blade. In both standard and laser-assisted surgeries, the cataract (crystalline lens) is removed and the IOL is put in place through the tiny incision. This incision generally heals within a few days, and usually does not need sutures. Follow Up Care: Cataract surgery is an out-patient procedure. You will be at the surgery center approximately three hours. Depending on your surgeon's preference, you may have an eye patch the first day or an eye shield when sleeping the first few weeks. Vigorous exercise and swimming may be limited for a few weeks. Many patients resume most normal activities, including driving, within a couple of days. You will need to use antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops several times a day for the first month after surgery. Standard post-operative visits are at our office three weeks after your surgery. |
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