Cataract Surgery: Your Options
Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye that leads to blurry vision. Much like a camera, if the lens gets dirty the image will not be clear. Cataracts form when the tissues of the eye change over time or due to injury, genetics, or some medications such as steroids. Most often, cataracts are a natural part of the aging process and are easily corrected with surgery. Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed in the world today.
Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens, or IOL. We offer several types of IOL, as well as two different methods of cataract surgery.
The main difference between traditional and laser cataract surgery is the technique used to remove the cloudy lens. Both are outpatient and you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home. You will be asked not to eat or drink after midnight before the surgery.
Cataract Surgery: Our Approach
Once a cataract has developed there is no treatment apart from eye surgery. Cataract surgery is extremely common and has a 95% success rate. If your cataracts are affecting your vision so that it interferes with your lifestyle, it may be time for surgery.
We will examine your eyes and determine whether cataract surgery is right for you. If we recommend the surgery and you choose to proceed, we will measure your eye and help you decide which IOL is appropriate.
You will receive a mild sedative and eye drops, then a topical anesthesia for your eye. Then a small incision will be made and the cloudy lens will be removed.
Which Cataract surgery is right for me?
Our patients often ask this question. The main difference between traditional and laser cataract surgery is the technique used to remove the cloudy lens. Use a button below to learn more about the specific surgery techniques; traditional and laser.
Traditional Cataract Surgery
Phacoemulsification of cataract IOL implanted
In traditional cataract surgery the cloudy lens of the eye is removed and replaced with an artificial lens (IOL).
In traditional cataract surgery a small incision is made using the state of the art Bausch and Lomb Stellaris. This allows Dr. Tait to achieve a sub-2mm incision, reducing the risk of complications and speeding recovery time. The cataract is then broken up and vacuumed out of the eye through the incision. It is broken up by an instrument called a phacoemulsifier, which uses ultrasound.
The IOL is then inserted through the incision.
Laser Cataract Surgery
Laser cataract surgery is performed very similarly to traditional cataract surgery, except lasers are used in place of other instruments.
At Clark Tait Eye Center we use the industry-leading VICTUS femtosecond laser platform, which allows for highly customizable and precise procedures.
The prep, recovery, and outcome rates for laser cataract surgery are very similar to traditional. There is a slightly decreased risk of infection or other complications because of the accuracy of our laser system. Consult our office for more information!
At Clark Tait Eye Center we use the industry-leading VICTUS femtosecond laser platform, which allows for highly customizable and precise procedures.
Learn More about Your Eyes
Visit our video collection to get education about common eye problems and treatments options.
Post Surgery Considerations
Cataract Surgery Recovery
After the surgery you will be taken to a recovery room for a short time. From there we will make sure to answer any questions and set you up with all that you need to recover.
We will give you eye drops and a clear plastic shield to use over your eyes while you are sleeping for 5 nights. It is recommended that you avoid strenuous activities for 5 days. Your vision should begin to improve within a few days as the eye heals.
Possible Complications
It is common for patients to still need prescription glasses even after cataract surgery. Our office will help you combine treatments to get the best and clearest possible vision.
YAG Laser Capsulotomy
The most complication following cataract surgery is posterior capsule opacity (PCO). During the surgery the cloudy lens is removed but the thin membrane surrounding it, called the lens capsule, is preserved. PCO happens when that capsule becomes clouded by new cell growth.
YAG laser capsulotomy is a simple, safe, fast procedure where a hole is made in the capsule, allowing light to come through and restoring vision.
Choosing an IOL
If you decide to have a procedure to remove your cataracts, you will need to choose an IOL. IOLs (intraocular lenses) are artificial devices that replace the lens that is removed in the surgery. Based on the particulars of your condition and the anatomy of your eye, there may be different options available. The staff at Clark|Tait Eye Center will help you decide which one is right for you.
Did You Know?
More than 3 million cataract surgeries are performed in the U.S. every year, and over 98% of those have excellent outcomes. We hope you will consider Clark|Tait Eye Center for your procedure!