Cataracts

A cataract is a common condition where a clouding of the natural lens occurs; causing a reduction in vision . In the U.S. today almost 75% of those over 65 years old are affected. Although the exact cause is unknown, risk factors include:

Long term use of medication
Injury
Diseases: Diabetes Mellitus, glaucoma, etc...
Prolonged exposure to UV light
Congenital

Symptoms

Blurry or hazy vision
Difficulty:
- Reading
- Watching TV
- Driving at night
Increased sensitivity to light
Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription
Colors appear faded or dull

Diagnosing

We provide a comprehensive eye examination which allows us to easily discover the presence of cataracts. One of our doctors will then determine whether a change in your eyeglass prescription will improve your vision or whether surgery may be necessary. You'll have the opportunity to discuss all of your options comfortably and receive all of the information you need to make your decision.

Treatment Options

Surgical treatment is generally recommended if cataracts have begun to interfere with your daily life or with the activities you enjoy. The phacoemulsification technique we employ makes cataract surgery one of today's safest and most effective surgical procedures. Newer technology involves the use of a laser which can improve the precision and accuracy, potentially reducing risks and improving visual outcomes of cataract surgery.

Intraocular Lens (IOL) Implants

During outpatient surgery, the cataract is removed through a microscopic incision. Then an intraocular lens (IOL) implant is inserted in the eye to replace the cloudy lens. There are numerous IOLs available. All that are used in the United States are FDA approved and have gone through rigorous testing for their efficacy and safety. The doctor will determine which IOL is most appropriate for your individual case. Clear vision is quickly restored to virtually all patients, allowing a speedy return to an active lifestyle.

Managing Astigmatism

Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is shaped like a football versus the cornea being shaped like a basketball in a healthy eye. When light passes through this football shaped cornea, the image does not focus accurately on the retina causing blur or double vision.

Correcting for astigmatism and cataracts

Your surgeon may recommend that you receive a toric intraocular lens (IOL) to correct your unique corneal curvature. In the past, many would elect to receive refractive surgery or LASIK post cataract surgery to fully correct their vision. Now, by choosing a TORIC IOL, vision can be corrected in just one procedure.

AcrySof® Toric Intraocular Lens
TECNIS® Toric
If you are interested in cataract surgery and also have astigmatism, one of these two intraocular implants may be your best option. The design of the IOL provides enhanced vision for astigmatic cataract patients at distance vision. If the TORIC IOL is chosen, most patients have the ability to be glasses free for distance following surgery.
Limbal Relaxing Incisions
Limbal Relaxing Incisions (LRI) are a refractive surgical procedure to correct minor astigmatism in the eye. Incisions are made at the opposite edges of the cornea, following the curve of the iris, causing a slight flattening in that direction. This procedure is generally combined with cataract surgery to reduce pre-existing astigmatism, which enhances post operative vision.

Managing Presbyopia

A condition associated with aging where the eye's ability to focus on near objects progressively worsens. The first signs of presbyopia are eyestrain, difficulty seeing in dim light, problems focusing on small objects and fine print. These symptoms are generally first noticed between the ages of 40 and 50.

Correcting for presbyopia and cataracts

Traditionally, a mono-focal lens has been utilized correcting for either distance or near vision but not for both. If one of our doctors determines that you are an appropriate candidate, we are also able to provide premium multi-focal lens implants which, like a progressive bifocal lens, correct for both distance and near vision. You may hardly, if ever, need your glasses or contacts again!

AcrySof® ReSTOR® Intraocular Lens
Tecnis® Toric Intraocular Lens
These lenses are considered a premium IOL which has the potential to restore vision at all distances, unlike conventional lenses which typically require the use of reading glasses for near vision. Treatment with the multifocal lens offers the opportunity for enhanced vision at near, intermediate and distance ranges, with little or no need for reading glasses or bifocals along with better vision in a variety of lighting conditions.
Crystalens® Intraocular Lens
Crystalens by Bausch and Lomb is an accommodating IOL. Unlike a standard IOL, it can treat both a person's cataract and presbyopia because of its ability to flex like your eye's natural lens. This allows you to see better at all distances and can also reduce or eliminate your need for glasses for most activites such as reading a book, working on your computer or driving your car.

YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for "Secondary Cataract")

In a large percentage of cases following cataract surgery, patients develop a haze of membrane behind their intraocular lens (IOL) implant. Vision can be blurry, hazy, or may be experienced as glare accompanied by loss of visual acuity.

Known as posterior capsule opacity, this condition is often referred to as "secondary cataract", although cataracts never actually recur after cataract surgery. Posterior capsule opacity is essentially a scarring process of the capsule or membrane which contained the natural lens of the eye (the cataract that was removed during surgery). Although posterior capsule opacity isn't predictable or preventable, it is treatable through the YAG laser capsulotomy procedure.

The YAG laser capsulotomy is performed as a minor in-office or outpatient procedure. It is entirely painless, takes just a few minutes, and results in no postoperative discomfort. The eye is generally dilated prior to the procedure. A laser is then used to cut through the hazy capsule from behind the IOL implant. An anti-inflammatory eye drop medication is usually recommended for use after the procedure.

Patients may resume normal activities immediately following the YAG laser capsulotomy procedure. While some "floaters" can be expected after the procedure, they will generally disappear within a few weeks. YAG laser capsulotomy almost always enables vision to be restored or improved.

Eyeglass Benefit for Medicare Patients

Recipients of cataract surgery with Medicare are each entitled to a Medicare benefit toward the purchase of one pair of eyeglasses.

Lens clouded by cataract

For Our Patients

Cataract Instructions, Guidelines, and Information