What are Cataracts?

A cataract occurs when the normally clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy. As the cataract develops, the cloudiness no longer allows the lens to properly focus light on the back of the eye. This unfocused light causes vision to appear blurry or hazy. Development of cataracts has been associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation. They are particularly prevalent in persons who spend a lot of time in the sun, such as fisherman. There is no known way to prevent the formation of cataracts.

Treatment

Cataract surgery, in which the normal cloudy lens is removed, is now a very successful procedure. The most widely used technique is called phacoemulsification. A very small incision is made, and a tiny ultrasonic probe is used to break up the cataract and gently suction it away. A clear membrane is left in the eye where an intraocular lens is placed (IOL). This IOL is necessary to replace the focusing power of the natural lens that was removed. With insertion of an IOL, there is little need for the thick cataract glasses and contact lenses that were used years ago. The surgery is performed at OMNI Eye Surgery Center, a state-of-the-arts surgical center located in Elmwood Park, New Jersey.

There are three types of IOL’s available today:

• Standard Monofocal Intraocular Lens-This type of lens provides clear vision at a single fixed focus, usually distance vision. Patients with this type of IOL may still require glasses for the correction of their near vision, intermediate vision, or, in many instances both.
• Multifocal Intraocular Lens-this type of IOL utilizes different fixed vision zones built into the optic of the lens. Patients have reported diminished vision, increased glare and halos when driving at night. Examples of this lens option would include the ReZoom by AMO and the ReStor by Alcon.
• Accommodation Intraocular Lens-The Crystalens® IOL is the only lens available in the U.S. that is designed to provide a continuous range of vision for distance, intermediate, near and everything in between.

Learn more about intraocular lenses and your options.

Benefits

Small incision surgery has several benefits. The procedure is very quick, sometimes taking less than 20 minutes. Also, recovery time is short. Patients are able to eat a light snack and drink immediately after the surgery. The results of the surgery are almost immediate. Most people notice an improvement in their vision soon afterwards.

Risks

Cataract surgery and IOL implantation are relatively safe. IOLs must pass through a stringent approval process before the can be used. The benefits of the implant usually greatly outweigh the small added risk of implantation.

As with any surgery, complications can occur. There is a possibility of hemorrhage or infection. Your eye doctor can further discuss potential complications of cataract surgery and IOL implantation with you.

You will still need glasses to read after the surgery. The new prescription is given several weeks after the surgery.