Cataract Surgery

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. The Sudarshan Eye Experts now officers a "No Stitch" Cataract procedure.

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 believe that their quality of life has been impaired by poor vision.

What to Expect on Surgery Day

You will arrive at the surgery center about an hour prior to your procedure. Once you have been checked in you may be offered a sedative to help you relax. You will then be prepared for surgery. The area around your eyes will be cleaned and a sterile drape may be applied around your eye.

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.

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.

You will go home soon after the surgery and relax for the rest of the day. Everyone heals somewhat differently, but many patients report improvement in their vision almost immediately after the procedure. Most patients return to their normal activities within a day or two.

Realistic Expectations

The decision to have cataract surgery is an important one that only you can make. The goal of any vision restoration procedure is to improve your vision. However, we cannot guarantee you will have the results you desire.

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.

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.

You may also choose to make an appointment or request additional information to learn more about this exciting procedure.

ReSTOR® IOL Lens

For most cataract patients, life without reading glasses or bifocals is something they either experienced before presbyopia or they just dreamed about for most of their lives. But today, the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL is turning those dreams into reality with its revolutionary lens technology, which is designed to allow patients to see clearly at all distances without bifocals or reading glasses. The AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL is now available and delivers a high level of glasses-free vision for cataract patients. For more information, visit the AcrySof® ReSTOR® website at http://www.acrysofrestor.com.

Schedule an appointment today!

Toric IOLs

Advances in Intraocular Lens (IOL) technology now provide a reliable and effective option for patients with astigmatism. Until the recent introduction of Toric IOLs, people who are considered candidates for intraocular lenses could only have their nearsightedness and farsightedness corrected during lens implant surgery. Patients with astigmatism would either require corneal refractive surgery (LASIK, PRK, or Limbal Relaxation Incisions) after lens implant surgery or they would remain dependent of glasses or contacts due to uncorrected astigmatism.

Astigmatism is caused by the cornea being more curved in one direction than the other, much like a football. Toric IOLs are specially shaped IOLs designed to offset the imbalance created by the irregular shape of the cornea. Once implanted and aligned inside the eye, they stay fixed in place thereby eliminating pre-existing astigmatism.

Most patients with toric IOLs are able to drive and watch television without glasses!

Toric IOLs are considered "premium" IOLs which means there are additional costs for the surgery and IOL.