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Cataracts
What
is a cataract?
A
cataract is a clouding of the naturally clear lens of your eye,
located inside of the eye directly behind the colored part of
your eye- the iris. Cataracts are a normal part of aging but
for some individuals can lead to gradual loss of vision interfering
with normal daily activities such as reading, driving at night,
or enjoyment of hobbies. The surgeons at Ophthalmology Consultants
can restore normal vision by surgically removing the cloudy lens(cataract)
and inserting a clear artificial lens( intraocular lens implant);
an ultrasound procedure called “phacoemulsification.”
Do
I have a choice as to what type of implant I receive?
In
the past, the choice of implant was really made by the cataract
surgeon. All implants were of a type called a monofocal lens
implant. A monofocal implant provides excellent vision after
cataract surgery but only at one set distance, usually for seeing
things at a distance. Therefore, reading glass are usually needed
after surgery with such traditional monofocal implants. However,
advancement of technology over the past several years has allowed
for the development of multifocal lens implants now making possible
the correction of vision at all ranges, delivering a high level
of glasses-free vision.
The
experienced surgeons of Ophthalmology Consultants are pleased
to offer all three currently FDA approved multifocal, “presbyopia
correcting” intraocular lens implants: ReSTOR, ReZoom and Crystalens.
Although not all patients are candidates for these advanced lenses,
many patients now have an opportunity to significantly reduce
their dependency on glasses following cataract surgery. If you
are interested in this upgraded lens implant, ask your surgeon
which lens would be best for your individual needs.
What
happens on the day of surgery?
On
the day of surgery you will report to the outpatient surgery
center an hour or two prior to surgery. Both dilating and antibiotic
eye drops will be used to prepare your eye cataract surgery.
Usually the eye is anesthetized with drops and topical ointments
and no shot is needed around the eye. A mild intravenous sedative
is administered but you will be awake for the short 10-15 minute
surgery. Most patients are on their way home within an hour after
the completion of their procedure. You will begin eye drops several
hours later at home and drops will be continued for 3-4 weeks.
Most patients are able to resume normal daily activities a few
days after surgery.
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