CATARACT SURGERY
Your eye has a natural lens that for most of your life works as a camera to help focus light or images on the retina. As we age this natural crystalline lens hardens and becomes opacified, appearing white and cloudy. The visual affect has been described like “looking through wax paper”. Cataracts can be detected in a mature and aged condition or they can be a diagnosed in the early stages of development. In either case cataract removal is required if you want to see again.
Cataract Surgery - Phacoemulsification
The modern day cataract surgery technique is routinely performed with small incision micro-surgery through a process known as phacoemulsification. The cataract removal and surgical process is actually done using the smallest possible incision, and removal of the lens material is accomplished using an ultrasonic probe. Before a new man made intraocular lens can be implanted to hardened cataract needs to be removed. After the eye is cleaned and proper dilation of the pupil has been achieved the surgeon is ready to make the incision. A micro-incision about the size of 3 millimeters is created at the junction of the cornea and the white part of the eye known as the sclera. The lens capsule is then opened and the ultrasonic probe is inserted so that the cataract can be removed. The ultrasonic probe pulverizes the cataract and suctions out the cataract material.
After the cataract is removed the surgeon is ready to implant a man made intraocular lens. This is a crucial point of understanding for patients. Patients can either have a monofocal Medicare lens which will only correct vision for one distance or they can opt for a an upgrade Multifocal IOL that can reduce or eliminate their need for glasses after cataract surgery. Please see our section below regarding lens implant options for more information about the tremendous lifestyle advantages that the premium lens implants offer.
The intraocular lens is a foldable lens that slides through a tube like a fruit roll-up and unfolds in the capsular bag. The surgeon may center the new lens with the lens capsule if necessary. Once the lens is centered, the surgery is complete. In most cases no stitches are required to seal the incision due specifically to the 3 mm size. This is why it is called micro-surgery by many eye doctors.
Recovering from Cataract Surgery
Recovery from cataract surgery is generally very fast. The average patient achieves drastically better vision within the first 24 hours of the procedure. Your eye doctor will suggest eye medications in the form of drops, which will need to be taken several times per day. Please consult your ophthalmologist for a specific drop protocol for the best recovery. Your eye doctor will suggest abstaining from rigorous activities or sports for the first few weeks after surgery. Eye shields will be given after surgery to prevent the rubbing or bumping of your eyes.
Premium Lens Implants - Intraocular Lens Options
Modern day lens implants for after cataract surgery have been significantly improved over the last few years. Prior to the advent of premium lens implants or multifocal IOLs a cataract surgery patient had one option. This one option was a monofocal lens implant, which could only correct vision at one distance. Now patients have the options for multifocal and accommodating lens implants that can correct vision at near, far and intermediate distances. Some patients that receive this lens implant can even eliminate glasses from their lifestyle. These intraocular lens come in a variety of materials and designs. Your cataract surgeon will be able to advise you on what type of lens would be best for your unique visual situation. It is important for patients to realize that while cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation frequently results in a reduced dependency on eyeglasses it is never guaranteed to eliminate this need totally. Dr. Perl is happy to discuss this technology and the potential lifestyle benefits this might provide.
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