Refractive
Surgery
LASIK
PRELEX
AST
PRK
CustomVue/IR
CK
RestorLens/
ReZoomLens
Verisyse Lens

General
Ophthamology
Cataract
Corneal Transplant
DSAEK
Keratoconus
Glaucoma

General Ophthalmology

Cataracts

A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens as your eye ages. This lens (located behind the iris - the colored part of the eye) works just like the lens of a camera - focusing light images on the retina which sends the images to your brain.

The human lens, made mostly of protein and water, can become so clouded that it keeps light and images from reaching the retina. The best way to treat a cataract is to remove the old, clouded lens and provide a replacement intraocular lens (IOL).

Surgery to remove the natural lens is one of the most commonly performed procedures today, with well over 2 million cataract and lens implant procedures performed annually. IOLs have been used for over 50 years to restore vision after lens removal.

Types of IOLs (Intraocular Lenses) used in Cataract Surgery

• Monofocal IOLs (single focus lens)
• Multifocal IOLs (multiple points of focus)
• Accommodating IOLs (flexible to provide multiple points of focus)
• Toric IOLs (to correct astigmatism)

-Monofocal IOLs (single focus lens) - Implanted in both eyes, they generally provide excellent distance vision. This means you will be able to see objects far away. However, you will most likely need glasses for reading and any type of "close" detailed work. Monofocal IOLs have been the standard implant used after a cataract is removed.

• Offers vision at one set distance, usually far.
• Good vision when you go to a ballgame or read road signs.
• You will probably need glasses for reading or crafts.

-Multifocal IOLs (multiple points of focus) - Provide multiple focal points so you can see well at a variety of distances (near, intermediate, and far). With the recent advances of multifocal IOLs, eye surgeons have new technology to help restore vision for patients with cataracts and to lessen their dependence on glasses following surgery. The multifocal IOLs offered by The Eye Center are: Tecnis, ReZoom and ReSTOR  

• Offers good far vision like a monofocal IOL.
• Offers intermediate vision as good as or better than monofocal IOL (from two to five feet).
• Also offers a good near vision with less dependence on glasses or bifocals.
  • If you play golf you may be able to see where your drive lands, sink your putt and write down the score - all without glasses.
  • When shopping, you may be able to read the aisle signs and package labels, and count your change - all without glasses.

The ReZoom Lens	The ReSTOR Lens

- Accommodating IOLs (flexible to provide multiple points of focus) - Flexes (or accommodates) to focus on subjects at various distances, delivering a continuous range of vision - near, intermediate, and far. Crystalens is the one and only FDA-approved accommodating lens in the United States.   The accommodating IOL offered by The Eye Center is: Crystalens  

• Offers very effective near, intermediate, and far vision - with less dependence on glasses.
• Works in concert with the eye's natural muscle, this lens "flexes" to closely mirror the function of your natural lens.
• Performs well in virtually any lighting environment. It works independently Also offers a good near vision with less dependence on glasses or bifocals.
  • It works independently of pupil size, such as nighttime driving (glares and halos are minimized)
  • No compromise in contrast sensitivity (going from light to dark and back doesn't lessen vision quality)

The Crystalens

Toric IOLs for Astigmatism

Advances in Intraocular Lens (IOL) technology now provide a reliable and effective option for patients with astigmatism. Until the recent introduction of Toric IOLs, people who were considered candidates for intraocular lenses could only have their nearsightedness and farsightedness corrected during lens implant surgery. Patients with astigmatism had to either have corneal refractive surgery (LASIK, PRK, or Limbal Relaxation Incisions) after lens implant surgery or remain dependent on glasses or contacts.

Astigmatism is caused by the cornea being more curved in one direction than the other, much like a football. Toric IOLs are specially shaped IOLs designed to offset the imbalance created by the irregular shape of the cornea. Once implanted and aligned inside the eye, they stay fixed in place thereby eliminating pre-existing astigmatism.

Toric IOLs that are available to correct various amounts of astigmatism, and your doctor will select the Toric IOL best suited for your eye condition. Toric IOLs are considered “premium” IOLs - which means there will be additional costs associated with these lenses.

The Procedure

Cataract surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, and usually requires just a few hours of your time from start to finish. Your eye will be treated with anesthetic drops prior to the procedure so you'll feel no discomfort. The procedure involves making a micro-incision on the edge of the cornea and gently breaking up and removing the natural lens. Once the natural lens is removed, the IOL is inserted and positioned in the same location the natural lens occupied. The incision closes and remains tightly sealed due to outward pressure inside the eye.

What to Expect After the Procedure

After the procedure you'll rest a short while before you go home. The next day, you will follow-up with your doctor. You will use prescription eye drops to guard against infection and help your eye heal. Everyone heals differently, but most patients see well enough to resume normal activities the day after surgery.