Cataract
A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. It can be compared to a window that is frosted or fogged with steam. Common symptoms of a cataract include a slow, painless blurring of vision, light sensitivity or increased problems with glare, poor night vision, or fading or yellowing of colors. Cataracts are a normal part of the aging process, but can also be caused by medical problems such as diabetes and long-term use of medications like oral steroids.
Surgery is currently the only way to remove a cataract. If your symptoms are mild, a change of glasses may be all that is needed to improve your vision. Cataract surgery should be considered when changes to your vision begin to interfere with your daily activities. You must decide whether you can see well enough to drive safely, read or watch TV comfortably, or perform daily tasks like cooking, shopping or taking your medications without difficulty.
Cataract surgery is done on an outpatient basis in a recognized surgical facility. Under an operating microscope, a minute incision is made into the eye. Microsurgical instruments are used to remove the cloudy lens from the eye. Then a permanent intraocular lens implant is placed inside the eye to replace the natural lens which was removed.
Almost two million people have cataract surgery every year in the United States. Cataract surgery is a highly successful procedure that results in improved vision for over 90% of patients. As with any surgical procedure, there is a possibility of complications. These are rare and seldom serious, but they can occur.
In the past, cataract surgery did not eliminate the need for reading glasses. Now there is a new option —Refractive Lens Exchange- which gives patients a clear alternative to reading glasses. At Refractive Solutions, we use ReStor, ReZoom, or Crystalens™, which replaces the eye’s natural lens during refractive lens exchange by reducing or eliminating presbyopia by using an advanced multifocal intraocular lens.
Schedule your appointment today with Refractive Solutions at Medicus by John P. Wilmeth, M.D. to see which lens will work best for you. Call 1.877.EYE.6655.
Cataracts
Learn more about the Rezoom Lens
Learn more about the Restor Lens
Choosing The Right Lens Option For You!
Until recently cataract patients received monofocal lens implants that had only a single power. This meant you had a choice of correction for either far or near vision. If you suffer from presbyopia like many people over the age 50 this would mean that you still need glasses for either reading or for distance vision. The FDA has now approved several multifocal lens implants for use by certified ophthalmologists. The multifocal IOL lens can increase your chances for a life free of dependence on glasses or contacts after cataract surgery for near, far, and intermediate vision. If you have worn glasses for 30 years this might be an opportunity for you to eliminate this hassle from your life.
| Multifocal VS. Monofocal | ||
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Monofocal IOLs |
Multifocal IOLs |
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Provides good vision at one distance (typically far vision) |
Corrects vision for near, far and intermediate distances |
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Requires reading glasses after surgery |
May completely reduce the need for glasses altogether |
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Covered by Medicare |
Partial Coverage by Medicare (consult with staff) |
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The implantation procedure is the same for both types of IOLs. The main difference between the IOLs is in the type of vision they provide.
If you have cataracts you owe it to yourself to get more information about these remarkable new lenses. Call Refractive Solutions today for a free screening consultation at 1-877-EYE-6655.