• Is your Vision Blurry or Foggy?
  • Do colors appear dull or muted?
  • Are your glasses no longer working?
  • Does sunlight or other light seem overly bright or glaring?
  • Do you have decreased night vision or see halos around lights?

If you experience one or more of these symptoms you may have cataracts, a clouding of your eye’s natural lens that affects many of us as we age. Cataracts are the leading cause of visual loss in adults 55 and over.

Cataract surgery: Clarity in the blink of an eye

Cataract removal is one of the safest and most effective surgical procedures. The operation entails making a tiny incision in the eye and inserting an instrument about the size of a pen tip to break up and remove the cloudy lens. Once the cloudy lens is removed, a cataract replacement lens or “IOL” is inserted through the same tiny incision and set into its permanent position.

What to expect before and after surgery

It usually takes 20 to 30 minutes or less and most patients are back to their normal activities the very next day. The following facts will help you prepare for surgery:

  • An anesthetic will be given to numb the nerves in and/or around your eye.
  • Before and/or after surgery your doctor may prescribe eye drops to help prevent infection and reduce swelling.
  • Most patients have improved vision soon after surgery, but your sight may continue to improve for several days or weeks.

Laser- Assisted Cataract Surgery

ReLACS ™ (Refractive Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery) is a custom, blade-free cataract removal procedure offered at The Center for Eye Care.

Traditional cataract surgery has always involved the use of a physical blade to create several small incisions during the procedure. With ReLACS™, these incisions are now made with a laser. This technology allows our surgeons to plan and perform cataract surgeries with laser precision.

With this advanced technology, surgeons experience more control and flexibility; plus, ReLACS™ features real-time diagnostic tools for an accurate visual of what’s going on inside the eye during the procedure.

When used in conjunction, ReLACS™ and one of the intraocular lenses offered at The Vision Care Center may give patients even more visual freedom after cataract surgery, helping maintain clear vision for decades.

At your cataract consultation, you will be educated on the traditional blade-based approach and the ReLACS™ laser-assisted approach to cataract surgery so that the best decision can be made for your situation and goals.

What is an IOL?

iol_procedure-300x258An intraocular lens (IOL) is an artificial lens that’s implanted during cataract surgery. The good news is that you’ve encountered cataracts at a time when intraocular lens technology has taken great leaps of progress. There are three primary types of lenses currently available, each designed for a specific vision need.

  • iol_inplaceMonofocal lenses such as the AcrySof® IQ IOL  or Tecnis® Monofocal have one point of focus and can usually give you clear distance vision. While distance vision is improved, most patients still need to wear glasses for certain tasks, such as reading or working at a computer.
  • Multifocal lenses such as the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL, Tecnis® Multifocal IOL orReZoom™ Multifocal are designed to replace cataracts and correct presbyopia at the same time. Their goal is to give you a full range of clear vision, near to far, and everywhere in between.
  • Astigmatism-correcting lenses such as the AcrySof® Toric IOL are for patients with existing corneal astigmatism. Similar to monofocal lenses, these lenses usually give patients quality distance vision with less dependence on glasses. Most patients will still need to wear glasses for tasks such as reading or working at a computer.

 

LIFE CAN BE BETTER

Declare your independence from cataracts and get back to the lifestyle you love.