What is a Cataract?

	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.

How are Cataracts Treated?

	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.

Where is cataract surgery performed?

The doctors at Kay and Tabas Ophthalmology Associates perform cataract surgery at two convenient locations, which are:

WILLS EYE HOSPITAL - Located at 9th at Walnut Sts. in Center City,Philadelphia

MAIN LINE SURGERY CENTER - Located in Suite 110 at 50 Monument Rd, in Bala Cynwyd.

Both locations are state-of-the-art surgical facilities equipped with the latest technology for suture-less cataract surgery. Complimentary round-trip transportation is provided if needed to the Main Line Surgery Center on the day of your procedure.

Click here for information on various Cataract Lenses such as ReSTOR®, Crystalens™, ReZoom™ and Acrysoft Toric

Contact us for more information on Cataracts

Click here to view Cataract Animations

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