Cataract Surgery
Evaluating and treating cataracts are what we are best known for. BWV surgeons do over 1,000 cataract surgeries each year. But, each person is evaluated carefully by one of our surgeons in our clinic, to determine if surgery is indicated, and to make a specific plan for each eye.
Many people don’t really understand what a cataract is. Our eyes have a lens, right behind the pupil. The lens of our eye bends the light that passes into the eye, focusing the light onto the retina. Over time, as we mature, the lens naturally becomes less soft, and starts to become cloudy. This usually occurs very slowly over a period of years, and often people aren’t even that aware of how cloudy, or blurry, their vision has gotten as it has happened so slowly. This clouded lens doesn’t get ‘ripe’, or harm the eye, so there is no particular time when you have to have surgery.
Cataract Symptoms
Symptoms of cataracts are blurry or cloudy vision, glare from lights when driving after dark, haloes around lights, or needing stronger light to read. Common complaints are not being able to read the text that rolls across the bottom of the television screen, or trouble reading road signs until closer.
Eventually your vision gets to the point that you want to get something done. That is what we specialize in. At our clinic, we take pride on not being a ‘mill’, where you might feel like you are ‘just another case’, and never get to meet the surgeon. You will be examined by one of our surgeons, who will go over the unique aspects of your situation. Maybe you will be advised that you don’t need surgery yet. If surgery is indicated, there are many details to talk over; if you are ready for surgery; one or both eyes; what type of lens implant you want; what your recovery will be like; and more.
The Procedure of Cataract Surgery
Cataracts are a common condition that occur when the lens of your eye becomes cloudy. This can happen slowly over time and can make it difficult for you to see. According to the National Eye Institute “The risk of having cataracts increases with every passing decade of life around 40. By the age of 75, half of Americans have cataracts.”
Since we are removing the human lens, it has to be replaced with an artificial lens so that you can see properly. These lenses are called lens implants, or IOLs (intraocular lens). At the time of your pre-op visit, we will measure your eye to see what power of lens implant will focus best for your eye. We can choose a lens that will correct your focusing problem, too. For example, if you have been dependent on strong eyeglasses all your life to see well, we can implant a lens that will correct that, so you will need much less correction in your new glasses. We keep hundreds of lens implants on hand at Northern Plains so that we can correct virtually any focusing problem.
Some patients hope to not need eyeglasses at all after surgery, and we have options for that, too. If you have astigmatism, or bifocals, we have several types of ‘premium’ lens implants to minimize your need for eyeglasses. These are not covered by insurance, so an extra fee applies. An especially exciting lens is the Light Adjustable Lens (LAL). It is made of a material that is sensitive to a particular laser, and it can actually be adjusted after surgery, by looking into a laser at our office, to fine tune the focus.
Difference between Intraocular Lens & Natural Lens
Preparing for Your Cataract Surgery
