From medical records and correspondence, we know that the well-renowned artist Claude Monet (1840-1926) had cataracts. While he could read and write, his visual acuity gradually worsened over the years and was estimated to be at 20/100 in 1918. The yellowing of his lens caused significant difficulties with his art, as he could no longer visualize the colors with the same intensity. However, a cataract surgery in 1923 allowed him to see the world once again with all its vivid colors and dynamic beauties.
Understanding Cataracts
A cataract manifests itself as darkening or yellowing of the eye lens and has a significant impact on color perception and visual acuity. The symptoms of this eye condition include
• Blurry vision
• A “halo” effect
• Double vision
• White spots on the pupil
• Difficulties with night vision
• Difficulty distinguishing colors
Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is a prevalent procedure with little or no complications. The process is typically performed on an outpatient basis, which takes approximately 10 minutes. During the surgery, the eye surgeon will remove the cloudy natural lens in your eye and replace it with an artificial one called an intraocular lens (IOL).
The types of cataract surgery include:
Phacoemulsification Surgery
This type of surgery is achieved by making a very tiny incision, and a small probe inserted. The device releases ultrasound waves to break up the lens into small pieces, which is then eliminated. The specialist implants an intraocular lens (IOL) in the opening to act as the new lens for your eye. The opening is very minuscule that it doesn’t need sutures and will seal itself.
Extracapsular Surgery
The eye doctor makes a longer incision on the cornea’s side and removes the cloudy core of the lens in one piece. The rest of the lens is taken out by suction, and then the eye surgeon inserts the IOL and makes a few stitches to seal the opening.
IOL Options for Cataracts Surgery
There are different lenses to choose from, including:
Monofocal lenses
Also known as single focus IOL, monofocal usually have a good visual impact. The patients will need glasses either for immediate or distance vision depending on your choice and visual goal.
Multifocal lenses
If you choose multifocal lenses, you will experience a higher independence on contacts and glasses. Much like bifocals or trifocals, these lenses can correct both near and far vision.
Toric lenses
This is usually an ideal option for individuals who have cataracts and astigmatism–a condition where the cornea is irregularly shaped. As a result, your eye cannot properly refract light, thus your brain receives distorted images. You will need to wear reading bifocals or glasses after the procedure.
The Southwestern Eye Center
Today, restoring vision is no longer accompanied by uncertainty; and we have the advantage of advanced technology that Claude Monet didn’t have. At Southwestern Eye Center, we thrive in correcting cataracts to allow for better vision. Our seasoned and friendly team of ophthalmologists, optometrists, and eye surgeon utilizes the state-of-the-art technology to achieve the best solutions possible. During your cataract consultation, we will perform necessary tests to know which procedure best fits your needs and personality.
Call our office today at (480) 854-8185 to schedule your free cataract evaluation.