Cataract Surgery Options

What Exactly is a Cataract? A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens in your eye Though painless, cataracts can blur your vision by restricting the amount of light that enters your eye

Cataract Indications How do you know if you have a cataract? You may notice: Hazy vision Increasing glare Poor night vision Difficulty reading small print Change in how your eyes perceive colors

Is Cataract Surgery Right for Me? Are you frustrated with your vision? Do you feel like your lifestyle is impaired by your vision? Do you have trouble seeing while driving? What is your current vision level? How quickly is it getting worse? Would you mind wearing glasses after cataract surgery, or would you prefer to do as much as possible without glasses? Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful surgeries performed today. Millions of people suffer from cataracts, and because cataracts can impair vision slowly over time, it is sometimes difficult to know when it is the right time to have your cataract removed and a replacement lens put into your eye.

Cataract Surgery You will be awake and comfortable for the entire process Light sedation is used Your eye will be made numb with anesthetic eye drops; An anesthetist will be present The procedure is performed under a powerful microscope and involves two main parts: Removing the cataract Inserting an artificial lens to replace the eye’s natural lens

Cataract Surgery Removal options: Traditional cataract surgery ReLACS: Refractive Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery

Cataract Removal Option 1: traditional cataract surgery The most frequently performed procedure in the United States Performed on an outpatient basis Lasts only about 10 to 20 minutes; You will only be in the surgery center for about 90 minutes The procedure is usually performed on only one eye at a time Your second eye can typically be corrected shortly after the first eye

Cataract Removal Option 1: traditional cataract surgery Small incisions are made to allow an instrument the size of a pen tip to pass through Once inserted, high frequency sound waves or ultrasonic waves are used to gently break the cataract into pieces Pieces will be small enough to be suctioned away through the tiny inserted instrument and removed from the eye This procedure is known as phacoemulsification phaco - meaning lens emulsification - meaning to break into tiny pieces 

Cataract Removal Option 2: Refractive Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery Designed to reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses A custom, blade-free cataract removal procedure Utilizes the most advanced diagnostics available More control and flexibility in surgery Features real-time tools for visualization of what happens inside the eye during surgery

Cataract Removal Option 2: Refractive Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery Performed on an outpatient basis Lasts only about 10 to 20 minutes; You will only be in the surgery center for about 90 minutes The procedure is usually performed on only one eye at a time Your second eye can typically be corrected shortly after the first eye

Cataract Removal Option 2: Refractive Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery Small incisions are made by a laser to allow an instrument the size of a pen tip to pass through Once inserted, high frequency sound waves or ultrasonic waves are used to gently break the cataract into pieces Pieces will be small enough to be suctioned away through the tiny inserted instrument and removed from the eye The lens is more easily broken apart in this procedure, as the laser has already performed exacting fragmentation of the cataract 

Your Replacement Lens Options After removing the cataract, a powerful new lens will be inserted The replacement lens has the potential to create vision you may not have experienced for years The new lens will not change the outward appearance of your eye These lenses are intended to last a lifetime Lenses are made of materials like silicone and acrylic that aren’t irritating While many patients are comfortable, and may even prefer, wearing glasses after their surgery, you may be interested in options that can reduce or even eliminate the need for glasses or contacts. Here is an overview of your lens options:

Your Replacement Lens Options New technology has led to an impressive range of lens options to choose from Vision simulation: vision with cataracts vision with monofocal lens vision with advanced lens While many patients are comfortable, and may even prefer, wearing glasses after their surgery, you may be interested in options that can reduce or even eliminate the need for glasses or contacts. Here is an overview of your lens options:

Your Replacement Lens Options Standard Lenses: Option 1: Monofocal Advanced Lenses: Option 2: Toric Option 3: Multifocal

Lens Option 1: Monofocal Provides clear vision at one distance May require the use of glasses or contacts at other distances Great choice for people who are comfortable wearing glasses daily

Advanced Lens Options 2 & 3: Toric & Multifocal Implanted to reduce astigmatism Multifocal Quality distance, intermediate, and near vision in good lighting conditions Some night time glare can occur May take 4-6 months for your eye to fully adjust

Your Lens Options: Accomodating Provides quality distance and intermediate vision with less night time glare Near vision can be more variable Adjusting to an accommodating lens can take 4-6 months.

Inserting the New Lens The replacement lens is inserted through the small incision created before the cataract was removed The lens is carefully placed where the natural lens used to be After the new lens is put into place, the procedure is complete

After Your Procedure The small incision is commonly said to be “self-sealing” because the eye’s natural internal pressure holds the incision tightly closed, allowing the eye to heal without stitches After a short stay in the outpatient recovery area, you will be ready to leave You won’t be able to drive yourself home, so you should make arrangements for transportation Several postoperative visits are needed to check on the progress of the eye as it heals