What is a Cataract
Cataracts are the leading cause of visual loss in adults 55 and over. A
cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside your eye. This lens,
located behind the iris, works just like the lens of a camera - focusing
light images on the retina, which sends images to the brain. The human
lens can become so clouded it prevents light and images from reaching
How do you
treat a Cataract ?
best way to treat a cataract is with surgery that removes the old,
clouded lens and replaces it with a new, artificial one to restore your
vision and, in many ways, significantly improve your quality of life.
Cataract Removal is one of the safest and most effective surgical
procedures. In fact, more than 3 million* cataract surgeries are
performed each year in the United States. The operation entails making
a tiny incision in the eye and inserting an instrument about the size of
a pen tip to break up and remove the cloudy lens. Once the lens is
removed, a cataract replacement lens or IOL is inserted through the tiny
incision and set into permanent position.
What is an
or intraocular lens is an artificial lens that is implanted during
cataract surgery. Intraocular lens technology has taken great strides
over the years. Traditionally, monofocal IOLs were used and are very
effective at restoring functional distance vision. Recent advances in
IOLs can now allow you to see well at all distances without the help of
glasses, bifocals or even reading glasses. Following are the primary
types of lenses we provide depending on your level of vision.
- We can provide the
TECNIS One that provides
one point of focus and can usually give you clear distance vision. While
distance is improved, you will still need to wear glasses for certain
tasks, such as reading or working at a computer.
patients with Astigmatism we can provide the Alcon Acrysof Toric lens.
Similar to a monofocal lens, this will usually give you quality distance
vision with less dependence on glasses but, you will still need to wear
glasses to read or work at a computer.
Presbyopic IOL -
patients with an existing presbyopic condition we can provide the
MF lens that corrects presbyopia and provides a full range of clear
vision, near to far and everywhere in between.
Accomodative IOL -
patients regardless of any pre-existing condition we recommend the
Bausch and Lomb
Crystalens, this lens allows patients to focus on
objects at all distances, the same way a natural lens focuses. This
means you usually do not require contact lenses and eyeglasses for daily
activities following surgery.
*MedMarket Diligence, November 2006