Cataract Surgery

WHAT ARE CATARACTS?

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 incisional surgery

STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNIQUES:

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, often laser produced self-sealing incision. The cataract is gently broken up either with a laser or ultrasound and removed using phacoemulsification (ultrasonic vibrations). Most surgeries do not require stitches because the eye’s natural pressure seals the incision.

INTRAOCULAR LENSES (IOLS)

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 ensure that you receive the lens best suited to your needs and desires.

PREMIUM LENS OPTIONS

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.

PREMIUM IOL’s (MULTIFOCAL, DEPTH OF FOCUS, TORIC, AND LIGHT ADJUSTABLE LENSES)

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, light adjustable 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.

DELUXE MONOFOCAL LENSES

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.

ASTIGMATISM LENSES VS LASER ASSISTED ARCUATE INCISIONS

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(AK’s or LRI’s) placed at the time of cataract surgery to reshape the cornea and rid a patient of their corneal astigmatism. An AK or 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.

SECONDARY CATARACTS

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, typically covered by insurance and takes just minutes to perform.

LASIK & PRK

Dr. Perry is one of the most experienced LASIK/PRK surgeons in Arizona and has performed over 55,000 LASIK/PRK procedures since 7/2000. He has lectured to and trained other surgeons on his technique and technology. Since 9/2005 he has joined forces with LasikPlus in order to provide the most advanced technology laser vision correction in Arizona. Dr. Perry performs laser vision correction at the LasikPlus Center in Scottsdale. He has multiple laser platforms (wavelight, visx S4 and intralase) in the office which allows him to customize your laser vision correction to best suit your eyes and visual goals.

You can visit LasikPlus.com or lasik.com to learn more about laser vision correction and schedule your free lasik consultation. You can also watch a video now.

Eye Care and Exams

What to Expect

Our providers perform comprehensive eye exams using the latest and most advanced technology available to diagnose and treat many eye diseases. We realize that your vision is precious and make your eye health our number one priority. When you come to Grayhawk Eye Center here is what you can expect

Professional Eye Care

Dr. Perry and Dr. Miller are highly trained and very experienced. You are treated by Dr. Perry and Dr. Miller. They are your doctors.

Careful Eye Examination

Dr. Perry carefully examines every part of your eye for problems, including glaucoma and other diseases, even if you’re just having a routine eye exam. He treats your eyes like he would treat his family’s.

Scheduling

Here at Grayhawk Eye Center we accommodate scheduling needs by priority and also offer same day emergency appointments. We realize your time is valuable so we strive to answer all your questions and concerns, and treat you like the valued guest you are.

General Eye Care Services

Eye Exams, including a complete eye health exam.
Glaucoma testing – Diabetic eye exams
Prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses
Dry Eye testing and treatment
Macular degeneration evaluation and detection

Top Quality Equipment

The latest equipment such as optical coherence tomography with Zeiss cirrus technology as well as Optos imaging provide the most accurate and advanced form of detection for glaucoma and macula degeneration as well as other peripheral retinal pathology.

Courteous and Friendly Service

Our providers and staff recognize each patient’s individual need, address your concerns with patience and strive to show commitment to patient satisfaction.