A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens. The lens is responsible for focusing light and producing clear, sharp images. Common symptoms of cataracts are: halos around lights, sensitivity to sunlight, and blurry vision, especially when reading or driving at night. Cataracts are usually a result of the natural aging process but can be seen due to trauma or other medical conditions such as diabetes.
Modern day cataract surgery is one of the safest and most common medical procedures performed today. Recovery time is minimal thanks in large part to topical drops for ophthalmic anesthesia and many developments in microscopic incision surgery
Your safety and comfort are our priorities. We recommend anesthesia according to each patient’s need, so their experience is as pleasant as possible. In many cases, the eye is numbed with topical drops only. This technique has revolutionized cataract surgery, and made it possible for many patients to enjoy their new vision faster than ever. Cataract surgery is performed through a tiny, self-sealing incision. The cataract is gently broken up and removed using phacoemulsification (ultrasonic vibrations). Most surgeries do not require stitches because the eye’s natural pressure seals the incision.
Intraocular lenses, commonly called IOLs, are one of the most important ophthalmic developments. These tiny prescription lenses are placed inside the eye during cataract or Clear lensectomy surgery, replacing the eye’s natural lens (called a cataract when it becomes clouded). Prior to the development of IOLs, cataract patients were forced to wear thick “coke bottle” glasses or contact lenses after cataract surgery. They were essentially blind without their glasses.
Today, patients receiving IOLs often enjoy the best vision of their lives. Thanks to sophisticated formulas used to calculate the corrective prescription power of the IOL, and the invention of Premium IOL’s, not only can modern cataract surgery replace the need for thick glasses, it can also correct the eye’s existing refractive error and potentially alleviate the need for glasses or contacts.
When planning cataract surgery, Dr. Perry will discuss the different intraocular lenses available to achieve your visual goals. An intraocular lens is an artificial lens inserted in place of the natural lens so that light focuses onto the retina, forming a clearer image. Dr. Perry and staff will insure that you receive the lens best suited to your needs and desires.
When it comes to selecting your intraocular lens, Dr. Perry and staff will describe the exciting premium lens options available. Our premium lenses are recommended with your individual lifestyle needs, as well as your eye health, in mind.
At Grayhawk Eye Center, Dr. Perry uses the most advanced premium lens technology available and tailors it to each patient’s specific needs. Our multifocal, accommodating and toric lenses are implants that offer patients the very latest technology, affording maximum independence from glasses. In practical terms, they allow patients to see far and near. Glasses may be required to fine tune vision; however, these lenses are the best option for creating freedom from glasses or contacts.
These types of intraocular lenses have one focal power, much like single-vision glasses (not bifocals). Patients have the option of selecting near or distance vision, depending on their needs. The deluxe monofocal lenses we offer to our patients are high-definition and provide precision optical quality for the sharpest vision possible.
For patients found to have astigmatism, there are astigmatism correcting lenses that can give patients better vision clarity or Dr. Perry will discuss the option of corneal incisions(LRI’s) placed at the time of cataract surgery to reshape the cornea and rid a patient of their corneal astigmatism. An LRI can be done along with the implantation of a Premium IOL or a Deluxe monofocal IOL. If astigmatism is not treated during cataract surgery a patients post-op vision will be blurred unless glasses or contacts are used.
The natural lens of the eye is situated in an elastic-like capsular bag that holds it in place. When performing cataract surgery, the front portion of the capsule is opened in order to remove the lens. After completely removing the natural lens, the intraocular lens is positioned inside the capsular bag. The capsule holds the intraocular lens and serves as a protective barrier for the back of the eye.
Following cataract surgery, the capsule may produce scar tissue or cloudy cells that typically cause blurry vision. Some patients may also experience glare problems when driving at night. This common condition, known as a posterior capsular opacity (secondary cataract), occurs in approximately 25% of patients who undergo cataract surgery. Posterior capsular opacity may occur months or years postoperatively.
Posterior capsular opacity can be simply treated using a YAG laser. Dilating drops are instilled and the laser is used to create an opening in the center of the cloudy capsule. Most patients notice an instant improvement in their vision, while others experience a gradual improvement over several days. YAG capsulotomy is an out-patient procedure and takes just minutes to perform.
