A cataract is an opacity that clouds the natural lens inside the eye. Normally the path of light to the retina (where the light sensors are) is as clear as possible. When proteins that make up the lens clump together, the resulting cataract blocks some of the light, making vision blurry or hazy.
Cataracts typically occur more frequently in the aging population, however there are many other factors such as family history, diabetes, long term UV exposure, or certain medications like steroids that can cause cataracts. Also, previous eye injuries can be an attributing factor.
Cataract symptoms may include:
- Blurry vision.
- Lights seem too bright or have a “halo” effect.
- Double vision in one eye.
- Decreased night vision – sensitivity to glare from headlights.
- Dull or fading colors.
Cataract surgery is a very common procedure, and complications (if any) are rare and treatable. The surgery itself is highly successful in improving the vision of patients about 95% of the time. Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure usually taking less than 30 minutes to complete.
During the surgery, the doctor removes the cloudy natural lens from the eye while the patient is under a topical anesthesia. Next, the doctor inserts an intraocular lens (IOL), which remains permanently in place of the removed natural lens. The IOL compensates for the magnification the old lens provided. Modern IOLs are designed for various functions and made out of different materials; your doctor will know which is most appropriate for your individual case. After the operation the doctor will apply a shield for the eye and provide you with eye drops to use as directed.
Advanced Intraocular Lens options:
The Symfony Lens- a great IOL option
The Symfony lens is approved in more than 50 countries around the world, and has been widely studied, with data from numerous clinical studies involving over 2,000 eyes. In clinical studies, the Symfony lens:
- Provided seamless, day-to-night vision. Patients could see objects sharply and clearly at near, intermediate and far away distances, and points in between.
- Provided high-quality vision. Some IOLs may leave patients with an inability to focus clearly due to competing wavelengths of light passing through the lens at different angles (known as chromatic aberration), or with vision that is not completely focused because of the shape of the lens (known as spherical aberration). The Symfony lens has been engineered to correct these issues.
- Demonstrated a low incidence of halo and glare, which may be perceived as rings or blurring around bright lights. Glare and halo can sometimes affect an individual’s ability to drive at night or to perform other visual tasks.
For more information about the Symphony Lens, visit: www.multivu.com/players/English/7870151-abbott-intraocular-lenses/
LenSx Cataract Laser Technology
Elevating precision and efficiency in cataract refractive surgery
The LenSx laser is used more than any other laser of its kind by doctors performing cataracts surgeries. The system’s evolving technology has been used in more than 400,000 cataract refractive procedures worldwide. In fact, more than 3,500 surgeons are trained to use the system in 67 countries. The benefits are numerous:
- Enhanced procedure automation
- Precise and customizable incision architecture
- Pristine capsulotomies
- Versatile fragmentation patterns
- Simple and efficient one-piece patient interface
- Innovative, high-definition OCT technology
Watch the LenSx in action here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOHrzPH1BV0
Please look at some educational videos:
Video on Laser-assisted Cataract Surgery with Toric lens
Video on Cataract Surgery with Toric lens
Video on Laser-assisted Cataract Surgery with Multifocal lens
Video on Cataract Surgery with Multifocal lens
Video on Laser-assisted Cataract Surgery with Monofocal lens
Video on Cataract Surgery with Monofocal Lens
Recovery from Cataract Surgery
The patient may return home the day of the procedure. With proper rest and avoidance of any strenuous activities such as heavy lifting, recovery is usually a matter of days, with only minor discomfort. Several follow up appointments will be required to ensure the eye is healing properly and initial results are sustained.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of cataract problems, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule a consultation.