Nearly 3 million cataract surgeries are performed annually, making it one of the most common surgical procedures in the United States. Through the amazing advancements in cataract surgery, patients who have experienced dull or blurred vision before surgery are able to see sharper, brighter images following surgery. And with today’s technology many can do so without dependence on glasses. There are even options for patients who have both cataracts and corneal astigmatism.
At Chesapeake Eye Care and Laser Center, we’re here to educate you so that you can make an informed decision. During your examination, we can discuss which option is best for you and we will do our best to design vision that is right for you.
What is a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens. This lens is known as the crystalline lens. If the lens becomes cloudy, light is unable to pass to the retina; therefore, causing blurred vision.
What causes cataracts?
The most common factor for developing a cataract is age. Other factors may include increased exposure to sunlight, diabetes, ocular inflammation, ocular trauma, and family history. Certain medications can also promote cataract formation.
What are the symptoms?
Developing a cataract can take anywhere from a few months to several years. Patients may notice a decrease in vision, glare or poor night vision. Some patients may experience double vision or yellow colors.
Who should have cataract surgery?
Patients who are unable to participate in their normal activities such as driving, reading, or work related activities due to poor vision may be a candidates for cataract surgery. If you are experiencing symptoms of cataract formation, schedule an appointment to have a complete eye examination. During your visit, the doctor will discuss your specific condition, options and a plan of action that suits your needs.
How are cataracts removed?
Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful surgeries performed in this country. It is an outpatient procedure performed in our private, state-of-the-art Medicare certified surgical facility. Patients are given topical numbing drops and IV sedation, or twilight anesthesia, to ensure that they are comfortable and relaxed during the procedure. During cataract surgery a new lens, known as an intraocular lens (IOL), replaces the old lens. Today, cataract surgery uses a small incision (approximately 1/10 of an inch) and ultrasound energy (not laser energy) to break up the cataract. Once the old cataract is removed, an artificial lens is then placed into the eye to focus light onto the retina. The entire procedure takes less than an hour. Patients return home the very same day and may return to their normal activities in a couple of days.
Multifocal Lenses
Until recently, most cataract surgeries used monovision lenses which typically required patients to wear reading glasses or bifocals for near vision following surgery. Today, advanced technology offers several multifocal lenses that greatly improve patients’ range of quality vision allowing them to see near, intermediate and distance often without the relying on glasses. In clinical trials, 80 percent of patients reported never wearing reading glasses or bifocals following bilateral cataract surgery with multifocal lenses. Whereas a cataract patient may have experienced dulled or blurred vision before surgery, the advanced multifocal intraocular lens enables them to see sharper, brighter images. In addition to seeing distance objects, reading a newspaper, prescription bottle or computer screen becomes possible as well as seeing objects at a distance.
Lenses for Astigmatism and Cataracts
Revolutionary technology now offers patients the ability to remove their old cataracts and correct their corneal astigmatism all in the same procedure. Until recently, cataract patients with corneal astigmatisms experienced blurred and distorted vision following cataract surgery. With today’s advancements, lens options now significantly improve distance vision and reduce the need for corrective lenses for cataract patients who have corneal astigmatisms.
Contemplating cataract surgery?
It is an exciting time for cataract patients who want to improve their full range of vision, regain their quality of life and minimize their dependence on glasses, including reading glasses and bifocals. After a thorough eye exam and consultation, your doctor will work with you to determine the option that is best for you based on your visual needs and lifestyle. If you are contemplating cataract surgery, give us a call today at 1-877-DR4-2020 or CLICK HERE to schedule a consultation online.