Cataract Treatment from Doctors You Trust

What is a cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens. It starts out small, and at first has little effect on your vision. You may notice that your vision is blurred a little, like looking through a cloudy piece of glass. The light from the sun or a lamp may seem too bright or glaring. Or you may notice when you drive at night that the oncoming headlights cause more glare than before. Colors may not appear as bright as they once did.

What is the treatment for cataracts?

When your cataracts have progressed enough to seriously impair your vision and affect your daily life, it is time to consider cataract surgery. During your procedure, the surgeon will remove your clouded lens, and replace it with a clear, plastic intraocular lens.

In addition to traditional single-vision lens implants, which provide good vision only at distance, there are several "multi-focusing" lenses available, such as Crystalens, ReZoom and ReSTOR.

During your office consultation, your doctor will perform a thorough examination and advise you of the treatment option that is best for you.

The Procedure

The procedure is performed in an outpatient surgical facility. You will arrive at the surgery center about an hour before the procedure. Drops will be placed in your eye and medications may be administered to help you relax. The eye drops anesthetize your eye and dilate your pupil. Once in the surgery suite, you will lie down on a comfortable bed, a microscope will be positioned over your eye and you will be asked to look up into the light of the microscope.

The actual procedure usually takes about 15 minutes. You will feel no pain, only slight pressure on your eye. All you have to do is to relax and hold still. Once the procedure is completed, additional drops will be placed in your eye to prevent infection, decrease inflammation, and keep your pupil dilated. Someone will need to drive you home.

At home, you should rest for the remainder of the day. Do not rub your eye. We will see you in the office the next morning. Your vision will usually be very good within a day or two after surgery and will continue to improve over time.

Following Your Procedure

Typically you will be able to return to normal activities within several days after your procedure with some limitations. Your eye may be sensitive to touch and bright light, but you should be able to drive and return to work the next day. You must avoid rubbing or pushing on your eye.

It is important for you to return to our office for periodic follow up visits. If you have any problems or questions before these appointments, please call our office at 704.716.2020 Ext. 126. We have a doctor on call, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.