Cararact Information

CATARACTS: A NATURAL PART OF AGING:

Cataracts are the leading cause of visual loss in adults 55 and over.  A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside your eye.  This lens located behind the iris, works just like the lenses of a camera focusing light images on the retina, which sends images to the brain.  The human lens can become so clouded it prevents light and images from reaching the retina.

  • 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.  Fortunately, we live in a time when correcting cataracts is relatively simple and the results can be extraordinary.  With today's advances, some patients enjoy the best vision of their lives.

CATARACT SURGERY: CLARITY IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE

Cataract removal is one of the safest and most effective surgical procedures.  In fact, more than 3 million cataract surgeries are preformed each year in the United States.  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 it's permanent position.  

WHAT TO EXPECT BEFORE AND AFTER SURGERY

Most people are surprised to find out just how easy and pain-free cataract surgery is.  It usually takes 20 to 30minutes 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 the 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.

WHAT IS AN IOL?

An 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 progess.  Traditionally, monofocal IOLs were used for cataract surgery.  This type of lens is very effective at restoring functional distance vision.  However, people still need glasses or additional surgery to correct any existing astigmatism.  Recent advances have been so significant that new-generation lenses could allow you to see well at all distances without the help of glasses, bifocals, or reading glasses.  Following are the three primary types of lenses currently available and what each is designed to do for your vision.

  • Monofocal lenses such as  the AcrySof IQ IOL 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 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 the computer.  The correct lens for you will depend on your eyes and your desire to be glasses-free.  your doctor will review your options and explain what you can expect form each one.  Cataracts can dramatically affect everything you see and do.  But they don't have to.  With a simple procedure, you can lift the fog and get back to seeing what you love.  Colors can appear rich and vibrant, and everything you look at can be in clear focus.  

 

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CATARACTS AND CATARACT SURGERY IS AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING WEBSITES:

www.cataractsurgery.com

www.allaboutvision.com

www.alcon.com