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Cataract Surgery
What Is A Cataract? A cataract is a progressive clouding of the eye's natural lens that interferes with light passing through to the retina. Sufferers usually describe the condition as being similar to looking through a waterfall, or a piece of wax paper, with a gradual blurring or dimming of vision.
What Are The Symptoms Related To Cataract Development?
Reading may become more difficult and driving a car can actually become more dangerous. Cataract sufferers may also be troubled by a bothersome glare, halos around lights, or even double vision. As the cataract becomes worse, frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions may become necessary.
Would you like to take a brief cataract questionaire? Cataract Questions
Is There A Way To Prevent The Development of Cataracts?
Currently there is no medical treatment to reverse or prevent the development of cataracts. Once they form, there is only one way to achieve clear vision again, and that is to physically remove the cataract from the eye and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
Advances In Cataract Surgery
In your parents' or grandparents' day, cataract surgery was considered risky, required a lengthy hospital stay and was usually postponed for as long as possible. Today, cataract surgery is performed on an out-patient basis and takes only a few minutes. Patients can go home and rest in comfort and avoid the inconvenience and expense of staying in a hospital.
There have been many advances in cataract surgery techniques and IOL technology in recent years. With over one million procedures performed each year, many patients now experience a quality of vision that is even better than before they developed cataracts.
ReZoom Your View of Life With the ReZoom™ Multifocal IOL
Thanks to the latest advancements in multifocal lens implant technology, cataract surgery not only allows you to ReZoom life, it may allow you to "see young again."
The second generation AMO ReZoom Multifocal IOL provides a full range of near, intermediate and distance vision. This lens can be used for cataract patients who desire freedom from dependence on glasses and contact lenses.
Your cataract will be removed with an advanced technique called phacoemulsification, or small incision cataract surgery. Using only a topical anesthetic, an incision of about 1/8" is made in the sclera (white part of the eye), or in the clear cornea (just above the area where the cornea meets the sclera). The cataract is then broken into microscopic particles using high energy sound waves and gently suctioned from the eye. Then to compensate for the removal of the eye's natural lens, an intra-ocular lens (IOL) is implanted into the capsular bag, the same thin tissue that held your natural lens. Once the lens is positioned, the eye remains tightly sealed by the natural outward pressure within your eye.
Everyone heals differently, but many cataract patients report improvement in their vision almost immediatley after the procedure. Most patients return to their normal work and lifestyle routines within a day or two.
According to a survey conducted by the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, more than 98% of cataract patients had their vision successfully improved after surgery. Once removed, cataracts will not grow back. However, some patients may experience clouding of a thin tissue called the capsule or "bag" that holds the IOL. In most cases a laser is used to painlessly open the clouded capsule and restore clear vision.
The Choice is Yours
It can take months or years for a cataract to develop. When do you know when it is time to have a cataract removed? The answer is quite simple. The time to have your cataract removed is when you believe your quality of life would be better if you could see better. If you are experiencing any of the problems described above, you can come in for a consultation with one of our cataract surgeons. Together, you and an experienced ophthalmologists can determine if the time is right for you to have cataract surgery.