Cataracts

What is a Cataract?
Imagine how difficult it would be to read, drive a vehicle at night, or see a loved one’s face because of clouded vision. The loss of clear vision, due to cataracts, is one of the most common vision problems in the world today. Cataracts cause a gradual yellowing and clouding of the normally clear lens in the eye. They can occur at any stage in life but are most commonly found in people ages 55 and older. However, cataracts are a natural part of the aging process. Fortunately, cataracts are completely curable with modern medical technology.  
What Causes Cataracts?  
In the eye, the lens is located behind the colored part of the eye, called the iris. Its responsibilities include focusing light on the back of the retina and providing clear images. The lens operates much like a camera. It adjusts the eye’s focus, allows us to see near and far, and remains clear so light can pass through. The lens remains transparent because of its protein content, water content, and placement. Aging causes wear and tear on the lens and clarity is reduced due to degenerative changes to the lens proteins. This change produces a clouding of the lens, or a cataract. 

Symptoms:
  • Cloudy or blurred vision  
  • Faded colors
  • Difficulty seeing at night
  • Double vision
How are They Treated?
Unfortunately cataracts can’t be reversed or prevented. However, there are treatments that can eliminate cataracts. As a cataract begins to form, an eye doctor should monitor the minor changes in vision. This involves little to no treatment. Continuing to monitor the patient’s vision by scheduling regular check-ups is ideal for patients whose eyes have begun to form cataracts. Changing the patient’s current eyeglass prescription, anti-glare sunglasses or magnifying glasses can be used to help alleviate some of the early symptoms of a cataract, as well as reading under more light. If these methods are ineffective and the patient is finding that everyday tasks are becoming more difficult to perform, surgery is the next step.  
Reduce your risk...
 
Although cataracts are not totally preventable, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits can reduce the risk of developing them and other eye diseases. Many vitamins keep eyes healthy, including Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Zinc. Lutein and Zeaxanthin are two ocular nutrients that are great for eye health and can be found in green leafy vegetables or special eye vitamins recommended by our optometrists. Avoiding participation in detrimental habits like smoking and drinking alcohol can also reduce the risk of developing cataracts. Scheduling regular check-ups with your eye doctor is another positive step toward keeping your eyes healthy.

Laser Guided Custom 
Cataract Procedure

The Laser Guided Custom Cataract Procedure's technology provides your surgeon with precise measurements resulting in the best visual outcome. This state-of-the-art technology allows our surgeons to customize this procedure to each individual.
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Innovative Dropless 
Cataract Surgery

Dropless surgery eliminates the hassle of prescription eye drops in the days leading up to your surgery through a combination of antibiotics and anti-inflammatories placed in the eye at the time of surgery. 
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Non-Laser Guided Custom 
Cataract Surgery

During cataract surgery, a patient's cloudy natural cataract lens is removed and replaced with a synthetic lens to restore its transparency. After the natural lens is removed, an artificial intraocular lens implant is inserted. Cataract surgery is performed by an ophthalmologist in an ambulatory setting rather than an inpatient setting. Topical anesthesia is used in addition to some relaxing medication, which ensures a comfortable experience for the patient.
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