What is a Cataract?
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Normal vs cloudy lens |
A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens of the eye. The cloudiness most commonly occurs because of the aging process, but may be associated with certain diseases or trauma to the eye. Because of this clouding of the lens, the images that are seen through the eye are blurred, and patients can complain of several different symptoms. The most common complaint is blurred vision, and initially a stronger eyeglass prescription can help. But as the cataract becomes worse, patients will complain of not being able to read or watch television, or that they have trouble discerning colors. Other symptoms include seeing haloes around lights (especially when driving at night) or glare when the sun is shining. Because cataracts tend to grow very slowly, some patients do not realize that their vision has been gradually blurring. It is only after surgery that they are amazed at how bright colors are and how well they see.
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Phaco Surgery |
Modern "no-stitch" cataract surgery is done in an outpatient setting. Actual operating time about 15 minutes. We do 95% of our cases under "topical anesthesia" - this means that we do not use any injections or general anesthesia, and we do not use any stitches. There is no discomfort during the procedure. Patients usually go home without any eye patches and resume normal activity the next day.
In a procedure, called Phacoemulsification, we use an ultrasound device that enables us to remove the cataract through a very small incision. We replace the cloudy lens with a man made intraocular lens (called an implant). To restore good vision, the new lens functions like the natural lens of your eye to again focus light rays onto the retina.
We are proud that our office has been listed multiple times in PHILADELPHIA MAGAZINE as "TOP DOCS", as one of the outstanding centers for eye care and cataract surgery in Philadelphia.
The recently FDA-approved AcrySof ReSTOR® is a major breakthrough in intraocular lens technology that can restore the eyesight of youth after cataract surgery.
How does it work?
When an eye develops a cataract the natural lens of the eye becomes clouded. This cloudy lens is removed with surgery and replaced with an implant. The AcrySof ReSTOR® implant has a patented optic design using apodization, diffraction and refraction technologies, thus giving it the ability to focus light correctly on the retina for images at various distances. The result is a high level of glasses-free vision after cataract surgery.
When is it used?
The AcrySof ReSTOR® IOL is used in adult patients who desire near, intermediate and distance vision with increased independence from glasses following cataract surgery.
Clinical Data
Clinical data demonstrates that AcrySof ReSTOR® IOL greatly reduces dependence on glasses or bifocals:
- 80% of patients reported that after lens implant surgery with ReSTOR lenses, they never needed glasses or contact lenses to see clearly at all distances.
Results from a controlled clinical study of the AcrySof ReSTOR® IOL revealed that maximum visual performance is achieved when the lens is implanted in both eyes.
In addition, the quality of vision compared to wearing bifocals and/or trifocals is significantly improved. You'll have a full range of vision, without having to tilt your head to find that portion of your glasses that allows you to see clearly.
Would I benefit from the ReSTOR lens?
If you have cataracts, your doctor will discuss the benefits of this new technology with you during your next appointment.
Contact us for more information on Cataracts
Click here to view Cataract Animations
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