Cataract
A cataract is a clouding or opacification of the normally clear lens of the eye, which leads to a decrease in vision. To restore vision that has been lost or impaired by a cataract, the cloudy lens must be removed and replaced with a clear intraocular lens implant (IOL) through a procedure known as cataract surgery.
Ophthalmology West Eye Care is pleased to offer our patients the latest advances in cataract surgery. These include bladeless laser cataract surgery (LACS), using a femtosecond laser, as well state-of-the-art Advanced Technology Lens options. Your eyes are as unique as your fingerprints, and we can tailor your vision to your lifestyle reducing your dependence on glasses. Utilizing the most advanced technology available helps our doctors provide the most precise results.
Symptoms
Cataracts are a normal aging process of the eye, though other factors may contribute to their formation as well. The lens continually ages throughout life, resulting in the need for reading glasses or bifocals in your 40s and cataract surgery in your 70s or 80s. Lens changes cause progressive deterioration in our vision and the progression is unpredictable and varies from person to person. Symptoms of cataracts may not be apparent in its early stages. In the beginning, cataracts may only interfere slightly with vision. Commons symptoms may include:
- • A painless blurring of vision
- • Glare, halos around lights or sensitivity to light
- • Requiring brighter lights to see and read
- • Compromised night vision
- • Yellowing or “faded” colors; dulling of the vision
- • Frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions
- • Double vision in one eye
Cataract Surgery at Ophthalmology West Eye Care
For most people, cataract surgery is a successful way to restore vision, and in many cases, eliminate the need for glasses! Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgery in the world, and is quite successful with our doctors. Prior to surgery, measurements are taken using advanced technology to determine the best lens implant for the eye.
The surgical experience is performed on an outpatient basis and takes only a few minutes. Mild sedation helps patients relax, and numbing gel drops are given to avoid any shots around the eye. Any necessary incisions will typically self-seal without the need of sutures or stitches. During surgery, the cataract lens is removed from the eye and replaced with the new, clear intraocular lens implant (IOL). Patients are then able to relax in the comfort of their own home after surgery, returning to a normal lifestyle within a day or two.
Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery (LACS) is available, and we offer the latest in Advanced Technology Lens Implants including multifocal lens implants, as well as astigmatism (or toric) lens implants. Our doctors use state-of-the-art techniques and advanced technology to achieve superior results.