Are you having difficulty driving at night? Are you having trouble reading? Does your general vision feel cloudy or hazy? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you may have a cataract.
Dr. Husain at Associated Ophthalmologists, PC offers a state-of-the-art, no-needle, no-stitch, no-patch cataract removal and lens implant procedure in a specialized outpatient eye surgery center. We can replace the naturally-aging lenses in your eyes with modern vision-correcting intraocular lens implants. These advanced technology implants will restore your lens clarity and function, and, in many instances, will allow you to function with less dependence on glasses for driving and reading.
Cataract surgery is a modern-day miracle. Approximately 500 million cataract procedures have been performed worldwide since 1995. Roughly, four million cataract surgeries are performed in the USA every year. About 60,000 cataract procedures are performed globally every day. As the leading cause of vision loss among adults age 60 or older, cataracts impair vision, making everyday activities increasingly difficult. A recent study has also found that the removal of cataracts is associated with a significant reduction in the risk of dementia.
In simple terms, the human eye is a lot like a camera. To work properly, it needs a clear lens to focus the incoming light on the retina. The cataract eye can be compared to a camera lens that is frosted or “fogged” with steam.
Causes of Cataracts
Over 90% of cataracts are related to the normal aging process. There a number of additional risk factors that can cause cataracts to develop more quickly or earlier in life:
- Disease: Diabetes, glaucoma, hypothyroidism or an autoimmune disorder
- Lifestyle: Tobacco use, alcohol or corticosteroids
- Overexposure to sunlight, UV rays, or X-rays
- Eye trauma or previous eye surgery
Symptoms of Cataracts
- Blurry or cloudy vision
- Less ability to focus or see clearly
- Poor night vision
- Halo and glare during night driving
- Sensitivity to light
- Double vision
- Changes in color
Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)
Our preferred way to restore vision in nearly all of our patients after cataract removal is to insert an intraocular lens (IOL) implant into the eye at the time of surgery. This clear implant is placed in the eye permanently.
Today, IOLs are available as monofocal lenses (correcting vision for one distance), monofocal toric lenses (astigmatism correcting) and multifocal lenses (correcting a range of vision: near, far, and intermediate vision).
Our role is to provide our patients with an educated recommendation. The most satisfied patients are those who actively participate and take interest in their own surgical plan and consider their lens options carefully.
After a detailed and thorough cataract evaluation, we dedicate time to educating patients about our findings and addressing their expectations and specific visual needs. The art of IOL customization is the key to achieving excellent results.
YAG Laser Capsulotomy
Some cataract patients may experience a decrease in their vision or glare a few months or years following cataract surgery. This is due to the fact that in approximately 40% of patients, the membrane housing the lens becomes cloudy and scarred. This condition is known as posterior capsular opacification. The cloudiness can quickly and painlessly be remedied with a laser treatment called a YAG laser capsulotomy. It requires no down time, and patients can return to their normal activities immediately.
