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LASIK INTACS Glaucoma Anatomy of the Eye
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Cataract Surgery
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Over 50% of people over the age of 60, and quite a few younger than that suffer from cataracts. In fact, cataracts are so common it is said that everyone will develop a cataract if they live long enough.
A cataract is caused when the normally clear, natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy or discolored, interfering with light passing through to the retina. A cataract can be compared to a window that has become frosted or fogged with steam. While most cataracts occur as a part of the aging process, injury, certain diseases, or some medications can cause others.
Reading may become more difficult and driving a car can actually become dangerous. You may see halos around auto headlights at nighttime, and have difficulty with everyday tasks. Many people have a difficult time seeing the TV.
Example of Vision
with Cataract |
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Normal Vision |
Q. How can I tell if I have
a cataract?
A. There are varying degrees of symptoms depending
upon the cloudiness of the cataract. Some people mistake
their blurred or distorted vision with a need for stronger
glasses. You may experience difficulty with reading, driving,
and everyday tasks. You may notice a change in your color
perception or depth perception. If you think you may have
a cataract, please contact our office and we can schedule
you for an exam to find out if you do have a cataract
or if something else can be done to improve your vision.
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Q. What is the treatment for cataracts?
A. Currently there is no medical treatment to reverse
or prevent the development of cataracts. Once they
form, there is only one way to achieve clear vision
again, and that is to physically remove the cataract
from your eye via cataract surgery.
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Q. When should I consider cataract
treatment?
A. Cataract removal can be considered when your
cataract begins to interfere with your ability to do
the things you either need to or like to do. If, after your
evaluation with one of the cataract surgeons at Siepser
Laser Eyecare, they determine you have a cataract,
your options will be discussed with you. Ultimately, the decision
is always up to you.
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Q. Will I have to stay in the hospital
and limit my physical activity after surgery?
A. Today, cataract surgery is performed on an
outpatient basis and takes only a few minutes. You will go
home shortly after your surgery and rest in the comfort
of your own home. The next day you can return to your normal
activities.
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Q. Will my cataract be removed
with a laser?
A. No, your cataract will be removed with an
advanced technique called phacoemulsification. During phacoemulsification
your cataract will be broken into microscopic particles
using high-energy sound waves and then gently suctioned out
of your eye.
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Q. Will I need glasses after my
cataract surgery?
A. Many people who have worn glasses their whole lives
can be free of glasses after cataract surgery. If you have an interest in visual freedom ask Dr. Siepser or one of our staff members about the Crystalens, ReZoom or ReSTOR. The
lens that is put into your eye, taking the place of your natural
lens, can also take the place of your glasses. However, most
people still need to wear reading glasses.
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Q. What if I don’t want to
wear reading glasses?
A. You have several options of which Dr. Siepser will greatly assist you in choosing. 1. The Crystalens, ReSTOR, or ReZoom lenses
which are high tech lenses that offer a full range of vision, less dependent or completely free of glasses. 2. A separate
surgery to correct your Presbyopia. This surgery
is elective and not covered by your insurance, but has been
very successful at decreasing dependence on reading glasses.
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Cataract surgery: step by step
- Once your eye has been numbed with eye drops, an eyelid speculum will be positioned to hold your eye open during the procedure. You will be awake during the whole procedure.
- Dr. Siepser will make a small incision, about 1/8", in the clear cornea just above the area where the cornea meets the sclera (white part of your eye).
- The phacoemulsification hand piece will be put into your eye and will break apart the cataract. It will then be gently suctioned out of your eye.
- To compensate for the removal of the eyes natural lens, an intra-ocular lens (IOL) is implanted into your eye.
- This whole process takes about 5 minutes and there is no need for stitches or a patch after your surgery.
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