(No-Stitch, Topical - Same Day Surgery)
Cataracts are a natural part of aging...
Studies show that as many as 50% of all people have some degree of cataracts formed by the age of 60, and nearly all people have a cataract by the age of 70. Cataracts are the number one cause of vision loss. "No-Stitch, Topical" cataract surgery is performed by our doctor for patients in our region to restore vision.
What are cataracts?
Cataracts are a clouding of the natural lens inside your eye. They vary from extremely small areas of cloudiness to large opaque areas that can cause a noticeable loss of vision. No one knows the exact cause of cataracts. However, we do know that cataracts are the result of a chemical change within the eye. This change may be triggered by aging, injury, heredity or disease. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun, cigarette smoking and certain medications are also considered risk factors that may lead to the development of cataracts.
Currently, there are no proven methods of preventing cataracts. However, many physicians feel it is important to include a UV screen to your prescription eyewear.
Cataract symptoms
Although cataracts usually develop slowly and without pain, there are symptoms you should watch for.
- blurred or hazy vision
- washed out greens and blues
- difficulty reading small print
- appearance of spots in vision
- sense of film over your eyes
- increased sensitivity to glare
- double vision
- "halos" around lights at night
During your eye examination
Your visual acuity will be tested and you may be given a glare sensitivity test. Then your doctor will use a slit lamp to examine the front of your eye and an ophthalmoscope to examine the interior of your eye.
Can a laser remove my cataract?
Currently, lasers are not used to remove cataracts. However, lasers are used to treat post-operative membranes that form in some patients.
Treating cataracts
The best way to treat a cataract is to remove it and replace it with an artificial lens implant.
Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful procedures performed in the United States today! Por doctor performs "No-Stitch, Topical" cataract surgery with lens implants for patients in our region so they can see clearly. Many of our patients can resume activities such as reading and driving almost immediately.
The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery found that cataract surgery with lens implants successfully improved the vision of over 98% of patients after surgery.
Remarkable out-patient "No-Stitch, Topical" cataract surgery procedure
The trend in all surgery today is to smaller incisions. Now, thanks to years of successful cataract surgeries, advanced lens designs, and self-sealing incisions, "No-Stitch, Topical" cataract surgery is a reality.
Our physician performs cataract surgery using a technique called phacoemulsification. Phacoemulsification uses a tiny ultrasonic probe that is inserted through a small incision about 3 to 4 millimeters wide. The ultrasonic vibrations from the probe break your cataract into tiny pieces that are removed through the same instrument.
Once the cataract has been removed, a tiny intraocular lens implant replaces your cloudy cataract to restore your vision.
Why choose "No-Stitch, Topical" cataract surgery?
For most patients, the potential benefits of "No-Stitch, Topical" cataract surgery include:
- No stitches since the tiny incision seals by itself
- Topical anesthesia provides a rapid recovery
- Clear vision returns almost immediately
- Less chance of surgically-induced astigmatism
- Fewer visits for follow-up care
- Little, if any, discomfort
When is it time to have your cataract removed?
The answer is simple. Your cataract should be removed when you decide that improved vision will improve your quality of life. Only you can decide when it's time to see the world in all it's vibrant colors once again.