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Over fifty percent of people over the age of 60, and quite a few younger than that, suffer from cataracts. Currently there is no medical treatment to reverse or prevent the development of cataracts. Once they form, the only way to see clearly again is to have them removed from within the eye by doing outpatient surgery.
In your parents' or grandparents' day, cataract surgery was considered risky, required a lengthy hospital stay, and was usually postponed for as long as possible. Today, cataract surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and takes only a few minutes. It is now one of the most common and successful medical procedures performed. In fact, following cataract surgery, many patients experience vision that is actually better than what they had before they developed cataracts. Cataract surgery is for those who:
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You will arrive at the surgery center about an hour or two prior to your procedure, depending on the testing that needs to be done. Some patients will require a complete eye exam if they have not been seen at Omni before surgery day. Other patients who are coming in to have their second eye done will need a simple vision check of the operated eye. We tell patients to plan on spending 4 to 6 hours at the surgery center, but it is often much less than that. You must bring a driver with you on the day of surgery. Once you have been checked in to the surgery center, your medical history will be reviewed and you will be prepped for surgery. You will be offered a sedative to help you relax. The area around your eyes will be cleaned and a sterile drape applied around your eye.
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Eye drops or a local anesthetic will be used to numb your eyes. When your eye is completely numb, an eyelid holder will be placed between your eyelids to keep you from blinking during the procedure.
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 Your eye will be completely numbed before the procedure. |
A very small incision will be made and a tiny ultrasonic probe will be used to break up the cataract into microscopic particles using high-energy sound waves. This is called phacoemulsification.
The cataract particles will be gently suctioned away. Then, a folded intra-ocular lens (IOL) will be inserted through the micro-incision, then unfolded and locked into permanent position. The small incision is "self-sealing" and usually requires no stitches. It remains tightly closed by the natural outward pressure within the eye. This type of incision heals fast and provides a much more comfortable recuperation.
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Intra-Ocular Lens replaces the natural lens of the eye.
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The IOL is placed inside the capsular bag of the eye.
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If your eye has pre-existing astigmatism, your surgeon may elect to make micro-incisions in the cornea to reduce your astigmatism. These are called LRIs or limbal relaxing incisions.
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Pre-existing astigmatism can be treated with limbal relaxing incisions.
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"After dark, when I was driving, the dashboard lights didn't seem to be bright enough. My wife said, 'Sam, the lights are bright enough. There is something wrong with your eyes.'" |
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The decision to have cataract surgery is an important one that you will make along with your Doctor of Optometry. The goal of any vision restoration procedure is to improve your vision. Once removed, cataracts will not grow back. But some patients may experience clouding of a thin tissue, called the capsular bag, that holds the intra-ocular lens. In most cases, a laser is used to painlessly open the clouded capsule and restore clear vision with a procedure called a capsulotomy.
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The capsular bag may become cloudy in the future.
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Serious complications with cataract surgery are extremely rare. It is a safe, effective and permanent procedure, but like any surgical procedure, it does have some risks. Going to an eye specialist experienced with the procedure can significantly minimize the risks involved with cataract surgery.
After a thorough eye exam, you and your doctor will determine if cataract surgery is an option for you. You will be given additional information about the procedure that will allow you to make an informed decision about whether to proceed. Be sure you have all your questions answered to your satisfaction.
In most cases, a topical drop is used. The anesthetic (numbing) effect wears off within 15-20 minutes.
No, currently no one does cataract surgery with laser. In the event you develop a clouding of the membrane that holds the artificial lens in place, a laser can be used to clear that up.
The doctors at Omni use a special ultrasound instrument that breaks up the cataract inside the eye, thereby allowing for a very small rather than large incision and usually no stitches.
Typically about 6 minutes, although you will be in the surgery center for several hours.
Usually not, although some people notice a scratchy feeling for a week or so, almost as if there is something in the eye. Pain after surgery is very unusual and your doctor should be made aware of it right away.
Complete healing takes place in about a month
No strenuous excercising or lifting greater than 20 pounds for one week
Immediately after the surgery
2 weeks
VISIT US AT: 5505 Peachtree-Dunwoody Rd. Suite 300 Atlanta GA 30342
PH: 404-257-0814 | 800-822-4585 | FAX: 404-843-8521 EMAIL: omnieyeatlanta@aol.com
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