Cataracts
A cloudiness of the crystalline lens of the eye resulting in reduced vision
In a normal eye, the clear cornea allows
light to enter. The iris controls the amount of light entering the eye by changing the size of the pupil.
The light passes through a clear lens and is focused by the lens onto the back of the eye, or the retina, creating a sharp, clear image.
Through the natural aging process, the clear lens gradually clouds and hardens. As the clouding increases, vision becomes fogged or blurry because
the light is not clearly focused on the retina. A cataract may take a number of years to develop and usually form in both eyes, however not always
at the same time. Although they are a natural part of the aging process and affect millions of Americans every year, they need to be properly
diagnosed and treated.
A thorough eye examination by your ophthalmologist or optometrist can detect the presence and extent of a cataract, as well as any other
conditions that may be causing blurred vision or discomfort. There are no medications, dietary supplements, exercises or optical devices that have been
shown to prevent or cure cataracts. Surgery is the only way to correct your vision and remove the cataract.
Southwestern Eye Center has many qualified eye surgeons in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, Sun City (and in our 22 locations throughout Arizona) who are available for cataract removal and replacement.
Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia and generally involves two steps: the cloudy lens is removed and it is usually replaced with a uniquely designed lens called an IOL (intraocular lens), specifically powered for your eye. During surgery a small incision is made in the eye. Microsurgical instruments are used to break the cloudy lens into small pieces and then those pieces are suctioned out. The posterior or back capsule of the eye is left in place to help support the IOL. Today's "No Stitch" procedure allows you to go home quickly and experience improved vision much sooner.
New Technology:
Thanks to the advances in IOL technology, a new class of intraocular
lens that accommodates like the eye's natural lens has received FDA approval. The crystalens is an IOL replacement that allows seamless focusing up close, far away, and at all distance in-between, giving patients their best possible vision and in most cases eliminating their need for glasses for everyday tasks... a tremendous advantage over traditional IOLs.
After Cataract Surgery:
After cataract surgery you may return almost
immediately to all normal activities. Your
ophthalmologist will direct you in the correct use
of your post surgery eye drops. Several
postoperative visits are needed to check on the
progress of the eye as it heals. Cataract surgery is
one of the most frequently performed and successful
surgeries in the United States.
|
