Cataract Surgery
Over fifty percent of people over the age of 60, and quite a few younger
than that, suffer from cataracts.
Currently there is no medical treatment to reverse or prevent the development
of cataracts. Once they form, the only way to see clearly again is to
have them removed from within the eye.
In your parents' or grandparents' day, cataract surgery was considered
risky, required a lengthy hospital stay and was usually postponed for
as long as possible. Today, cataract surgery is performed on an outpatient
basis and takes only a few minutes. It is now one of the most common and
successful medical procedures performed. In fact, following cataract surgery,
many patients experience vision that is actually better than what they
had before they developed cataracts. See what cataract
patients have to say about their cataract surgery.
Cataract surgery is for those who:
- believe that their quality of life has been impaired by poor vision
- have been diagnosed with cataracts
- have no health issues affecting their eyes
What to expect on surgery day:
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You will arrive at the surgery center about an hour prior to your
procedure. Once you have been checked in you may be offered a sedative
to help you relax. You will then be prepared for surgery. The area
around your eyes will be cleaned and a sterile drape may be applied
around your eye.
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Eye drops or a local anesthetic will be used to numb your eyes.
When your eye is completely numb, an eyelid holder will be placed
between your eyelids to keep you from blinking during the procedure.
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Your eye will be completely numbed before the procedure. |
A very small incision will be made and a tiny ultrasonic probe will be
used to break up the cataract into microscopic particles using high-energy
sound waves. This is called phacoemulsification.
The cataract particles will be gently suctioned away. Then, a folded
intra-ocular lens (IOL) will be inserted through the micro-incision, then
unfolded and locked into permanent position. The small incision is "self-sealing"
and usually requires no stitches. It remains tightly closed by the natural
outward pressure within the eye. This type of incision heals fast and
provides a much more comfortable recuperation.
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Intra-Ocular Lens replaces the natural lens of
the eye.
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The IOL is placed inside the capsular bag of the
eye.
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If your eye has pre-existing astigmatism, your surgeon may elect to
make micro-incisions in the cornea to reduce your astigmatism. These
are called LRIs or limbal
relaxing incisions.
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Pre-existing astigmatism can be treated with limbal
relaxing incisions.
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You will go home soon after the surgery and relax for the rest of the day.
Everyone heals somewhat differently, but many patients report improvement
in their vision almost immediately after the procedure. Most patients return
to their normal activities within a day or two.
Testimonials:
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"After dark, when I was driving, the dashboard lights didn't
seem to be bright enough. My wife said, 'Sam, the lights are bright
enough. There is something wrong with your eyes.'"
- Sam Origlio, M.D. (Retired Surgeon)
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Realistic expectations:
The decision to have cataract surgery is an important one that only you
can make. The goal of any vision restoration procedure is to improve your
vision. However, we cannot guarantee you will have the results you desire.
Once removed, cataracts will not grow back. But some patients may experience
clouding of a thin tissue, called the capsular bag, that holds the intra-ocular
lens. In most cases, a laser is used to painlessly open the clouded capsule
and restore clear vision with a procedure called a capsulotomy.
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The capsular bag may become cloudy in the future.
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Serious complications with cataract surgery are extremely rare. It is
a safe, effective and permanent procedure, but like any surgical procedure,
it does have some risks. Going to an eye specialist experienced with the
procedure can significantly minimize the risks involved with cataract
surgery.
After a thorough eye exam, you and your doctor will determine if cataract
surgery is an option for you. You will be given additional information
about the procedure that will allow you to make an informed decision about
whether to proceed. Be sure you have all your questions answered to your
satisfaction.
You may also choose to make
an appointment or request
additional information to learn more about this exciting procedure.
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