Cataract Surgery & Lens Implantation  

Although the formation of a cataract can make activities such as reading and driving difficult, good vision can be safely restored with outpatient cataract surgery.  Today, with the development of no stitch, small incision cataract surgery, patients are experiencing a faster recovery and a quicker return to good vision.

 

What is a cataract?

A cataract is a loss of transparency, or clouding, of the normally clear lens of the eye. As one ages, chemical changes occur in the lens that make it less transparent. The loss of transparency may be so mild that vision is hardly affected or so severe that no shapes or movements are seen. When the lens gets cloudy enough to obstruct vision to a significant degree, it is called a cataract. Glasses or contact lenses cannot sharpen your vision if a cataract is present.

 

What causes cataracts?

The most common cause of cataract is aging. Other causes include trauma, medications such as steroids, systemic diseases such as diabetes and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light. Occasionally, babies are born with a cataract.   Reducing the amount of ultraviolet light exposure by sunglasses may reduce your risk for developing a cataract, however once it has developed; there is no cure except to have the cataract surgically removed.

 

What is cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery is a very successful operation. One and a half million people have this procedure every year and 95% have a successful result.  Our physicians can remove the cataract through a small incision using an advanced technique known as phacoemulsification where ultrasound energy is used to break up the cloudy lens material and remove it from the eye.   After the cloudy lens is removed, a clear plastic lens is placed in the eye.  This lens focuses light correctly to the back of the eye.  As with any surgical procedure, complications can occur during or after surgery and some are severe enough to limit vision. But in most cases, vision, as well as quality of life, improves. It is time to have the surgical procedure when your vision interferes with your lifestyle.

 

What lens is right for my eye?

There are 2 types of lenses our surgeons use to correct your vision.  A monofocal lens focuses light at distance or near.  The cost of this lens is usually covered by your insurance company.  A multifocal lens, such as Restor or Crystalens, focuses light for improved distance AND near vision.  Youthful vision is restored as 80% of people with this lens need no correction for distance or near.  There is an extra cost for this exciting technology, however.  Your physician will help you decide which lens is right for you.