Cataract Surgery
Corneal Associates of New Jersey stays at the forefront of the latest technological advancements in cataract surgery. That’s why we perform cataract surgery with a "No-Shot, No-Stitch, No-Patch" procedure. No shots are needed because the anesthetic is a topical numbing drop, applied directly to the eye itself. No stitches are required and no patch is needed to cover the eye. As a result, our patients are in and out of the surgery center in 2 to 3 hours, and seeing well.
When a patient places their precious eye care with us, they are receiving the most advanced and innovative techniques available for cataract surgery.
Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed Medicare reimbursed surgical procedures in the United States today, because developing cataracts is a natural part of aging.
Since cataract surgery may be a part of your future, it is important to become familiar with the recent technological breakthroughs that have transformed this procedure into a miraculous, life-altering experience. We encourage you to learn about your options.
What are Cataracts?
The lens of the eye focuses light to the back of the eye, or the retina. As we age, this naturally clear crystalline lens gradually hardens and becomes cloudy, making vision hazy and blurry. Cataract removal is required for you to see clearly again.
Cataract Symptoms
Symptoms of cataracts include visual difficulties while driving at night, a loss of color, or loss of detail or sharpness of objects. Although most cataract patients are over the age of 50, some people can get cataracts from diabetes, or physical trauma.
- About Cataract Surgery
- Modern day cataract surgery is routinely performed with small incision micro-surgery through a process known as "phacoemulsification".
- The cataract is removed through the smallest possible incision, and the lens is removed by an ultrasonic probe.
- The hardened cataract is removed and a state-of-the-art intraocular lens is used as a replacement.
Steps of Cataract Surgery
After the eye has been sterilized and the pupil is dilated, the surgeon makes a tiny incision using a highly specialized microscope. The micro-incision is created at the junction of the cornea and the white part of the eye, known as the sclera. The lens capsule is opened, and the ultrasonic probe is inserted. The ultrasonic probe then pulverizes the cataract and suctions out the cataract material.
After the cataract is removed, the surgeon implants an artificial intraocular lens.
The lens is a foldable lens that slides through a tube and unfolds in the same open space the cataract once occupied. Once the lens is centered, the surgery is complete. In most cases, no stitches are required to seal the incision.
This is a crucial point of understanding for patients. Patients can either have a monofocal Medicare-approved lens, which will only correct vision for one distance, or they can opt to upgrade to a premium multifocal or accommodative lens implant that will reduce or eliminate their need for glasses after cataract surgery.
*Learn more about premium lens implants by clicking here
Recovering from Cataract Surgery
Recovery from cataract surgery is generally quick. The average patient achieves drastically better vision within the first 24 hours of the procedure. The eye doctor will prescribe medicated eye drops, which need to be taken several times per day. The patient must abstain from rigorous activities or sports for the first few weeks after surgery. Eye shields are given after surgery to prevent rubbing or bumping of the eyes.
Premium Lens Implants for Cataract Surgery
For Those Wishing to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses
Modern day lens implants for cataract surgery have significantly improved over the last few years. Prior to the advent of premium lens implants, or multifocal IOLs, cataract surgery patients only had the option of a monofocal lens implant, which could only correct vision at one distance and also required the continued use of glasses. Now, cataract surgery patients can choose multifocal and accommodating lens implants that can correct near, intermediate and distance vision.
Our surgeons are able to advise patients on the type of lens that best suites their unique visual situation and lifestyle.
It is important for cataract surgery patients to realize that while cataract surgery frequently results in a reduced dependency on eyeglasses, such results cannot be guaranteed. Our surgeons are happy to discuss the latest technological advances in cataract surgery and the potential lifestyle benefits.
To learn more click here
