Cataract Surgery
Cataract Surgery with Intraocular Lens Implant
Have you ever wondered if you have a cataract? You are not alone. According to the World Health Organization, cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world. Cataracts are slightly more common in women than in men and can occur at any age. Realistically, if you live long enough, you will get a cataract. Cataracts affect more than 22 million Americans age 40 and older. This number is rapidly increasing.The good news is that cataract surgery is the most frequently performed surgery within the United States. While it is not without risk, 9 out of 10 people regain very good vision somewhere between 20/20 and 20/40 according to Prevent Blindness America (PBA). The even better news is that with FDA approved advanced lens technology patients have options that reduce or eliminate any need for glasses after cataract surgery.
What is a Cataract?
A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s naturally clear lens. While most cataracts present with advancing age, there are other factors which can cause or accelerate a cataract. No one knows the exact reason a cataract occurs. We do know that a number of factors can contribute to this condition. Exposure to ultraviolet light, trauma, diabetes and even lifestyle factors such as diet, alcohol consumption and smoking have an impact on the development of a cataract.
Will I have to wear glasses or contacts after cataract surgery?
As a cataract progresses, you may have an increased need for glasses at near and far. Eventually, not only will it be difficult to see, you may notice everything beginning to look less vivid. Colors will not be as bright. Many people consider this a result of aging, but the good news is, cataract surgery is commonly performed and can reverse these effects of aging. With the help of advanced intra-ocular Lens (IOL) technology, the doctors at Thurmond Eye Associates offer patients the ability to see near, far and in between. FDA approved premium IOL’s are routinely implanted with excellent results. Together with the doctors at Thurmond Eye Associates, you can learn what your options are and which IOL will give you the best results.
How is the procedure performed?
Once the natural lens becomes cloudy and dense it must be removed to restore vision. During cataract surgery the doctor will remove your natural lens and replace it with a clear, plastic intraocular lens. You do not need to be asleep for the procedure and usually topical drops are all that are needed make you comfortable during the procedure. Most cataract procedures are done on an outpatient basis, one eye at a time.
How do I learn about my options?
We encourage you to take the first step and call the Thurmond Eye Associates to make an appointment for an eye exam.Together, you and your doctor will discuss your eye health and premium lens options thoroughly. After a complete exam, your doctor will make a clear recommendation on how best to proceed. To protect your eyes remember to make an appointment for your annual eye exam, reduce your exposure to the sun,always wear sunglasses with UV protection and eat a healthy diet!
Introducing LenSx Laser Cataract Surgery
Technology drives innovation. Cataract surgery technology has evolved over time. Traditional basic cataract surgery produces excellent outcomes. However, until recently the major steps of cataract surgery were done using manual techniques. Now we are able to offer our patients the latest technology, which will set the new standard for safety and precision in cataract surgery: Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery using a femtosecond laser.
The LenSx laser used for cataract surgery patients that choose astigmatism-correcting cataract surgery or surgery with a premium lens (such as the ReSTOR or Toric Multifocal lens) offers you a precision-based solution for your vision correction surgery. A bladeless, computer-controlled laser surgery is planned and performed to exacting individualized specification not attainable with other traditional surgical methods. Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery is designed to improve the precision, safety and accuracy of your cataract surgery.
What is the LenSx laser?
The LenSx laser used at our practice provides our patients with computer-controlled precision for their cataract surgery. It automates some of the most challenging steps of refractive cataract surgery. This femtosecond laser replaces the traditional hand-held blade to optimize all incisions for enhanced, reproducible surgical results.
In traditional non-laser basic cataract surgery, the surgeon makes incisions and removes the cataract using surgical instruments and blades. However, during Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery, several of the most critical steps of the surgical process are performed using an image-guided femtosecond laser. Thurmond Eye Associates is proud to bring this revolutionary technology to our patients. We believe in providing our patients with the latest technology for vision correction and are now using the latest evolution of femtosecond laser technology in cataract surgery.
When it comes to cataract surgery and lens implantation at Thurmond Eye Associates, our goal is to help you make a more informed decision on which cataract options are best suited for your needs. Your lifestyle and the role your eyes play in the activities you enjoy most will play an important role in helping us customize a cataract surgery plan that is tailor made to fit your needs. Please be sure to ask one of our surgeons or staff members about your cataract options or for additional information if necessary. Most patients don’t realize that cataract development can begin as early as age 40. By the time we’re 50, some of us already have measurable deficiencies in our vision due to cataracts.
Cataracts are simply a natural part of the aging process that is taking place inside your eye. It’s a gradual clouding of the normally clear natural lens of the eye. Although barely noticeable in its early stages, over time, this clouding process makes your vision less sharp, reducing your contrast and making activities like night driving and reading more difficult.
Fortunately, modern-day cataract removal and lens implantation is one of the safest, most common – AND MOST SUCCESSFUL – surgical procedures performed today. In the past, cataract patients were forced to wear reading glasses and/or bifocals after their procedure. Today, our new lens implants are designed to reduce – and in some cases – eliminate your dependence on corrective eyewear after cataract surgery.