Cataract Surgery in Boca Raton, FL

cataract surgery

Have you noticed that you are seeing halos around lights, you need more light to read, or your vision is not as clear as it used to be? If so, you may be experiencing symptoms of cataracts. A cataract is the clouding of the normally clear eye lens that usually develops when aging or an injury changes the tissues that make up the lens. While most cataracts are related to aging, younger people can also have cataracts. Thankfully, cataract surgery is an effective treatment option to help remove the clouded lenses from your eyes and replace them with new, clear ones. This allows you to have a clearer vision for years to come!

Board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Archana Gupta specializes in cataract surgery, performing routine and complex procedures with only state-of-the-art technology. We aim to provide our patients with a comfortable and positive office experience so they can leave feeling confident in their treatment options.

At our office, we offer the following cataract procedures and resources:

Who is at Risk For Cataracts?

Cataracts are most often found in the elderly. Up to 50% of people between the ages of 65 and 70 have cataracts that are bad enough to interfere with their daily living.
Risk factors like smoking, poor diet, prolonged exposure to UV rays, and being exposed to chemotherapy or radiation can make you more likely to develop cataracts. Trauma and chronic use of steroids can also increase the risk and may lead to cataract development at a relatively early age.

Symptoms of Cataracts

Cataracts can cause glare, reduced visual acuity, impairment of color vision, and the appearance of halos. The ability to perceive contrast may also be reduced.
People often fail to notice anything wrong at the early stage. It is not unusual for people with cataracts to first notice an issue only after they begin to have problems driving. This usually occurs due to seeing glare and halos from oncoming traffic and having trouble reading road signs. Cataracts can also manifest as reduced night vision or other vision problems.

KNOW YOUR DOCTOR

Dr.Archana Gupta

Cataract Surgeon, Opthalmologist, Cornea & External Diseases Specialist

Dr. Archana Gupta is a board certified ophthalmologist. She specializes in cataract, cornea, external diseases and refractive surgery.

How Are Cataracts Diagnosed?

Cataracts are easily diagnosed during a routine eye examination or upon discovering symptoms such as poor night vision, vision loss, or glares. Our ophthalmologists diagnose cataracts by inspecting your eyes with specialized devices and dilating your pupils to better visualize the lens.

Cataract Treatment

The good news is that modern cataract surgery can often be done without stitches or incisions. There have never been more treatment options to correct blurred vision due to cataracts. Cataracts are treated surgically by removing the cataract and the lens. In most cases, the natural lens will be replaced with an artificial lens when we perform cataract surgery. Cataract surgery takes about 30 minutes in total.

If you need cataract surgery in Florida, Advanced Eye Surgeons in Boca Raton or Tamarac, FL, should be your first choice. Your provider may recommend cataract surgery or another treatment. We can also help you decide which new intraocular lens (IOL) replacement procedure is right for you.

What is Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery removes a cataract from the eye and replaces it with an artificial lens. The lens is clear in healthy eyes, but in eyes with cataracts, a cloudy lens begins to develop, affecting vision. Cataract surgery is often recommended when cataracts interfere with daily activities or make it difficult to treat another eye problem.

Preparation for Cataract Surgery

About a week before your eye surgery, you will need to undergo an ultrasound test to measure the shape and size of your eye. This will help us determine which lens implant is right for you. Most patients receive IOLs, or intraocular lenses, which improve their vision by focusing light onto the back of the eye. Different IOLs have different features; our team will speak with you before your surgery to determine which type is best for you.

The Cataract Surgery Process

Cataract surgery is generally an outpatient procedure, so you will be able to return home afterward to recover. The procedure will begin with placing eye drops into your eye to dilate your pupil. Then, a local anesthetic will be given to numb the area. We can also offer you a sedative to help you relax if you are nervous about your procedure.

During surgery, the clouded cataract lens will be removed, and a clear artificial lens will be created. There are several ways to remove a cataract, including using an ultrasound probe to break up the lens or making an incision in the eye and removing the lens in one piece. Your doctor will choose which option they prefer. Overall, this procedure takes an hour or less to perform.

TRUST THE RESULTS

  • "Professional, Excellent and Thorough"

    I thought it was very professional. The exam was excellent. Very thorough. The technician was great and the doctor is wonderful. The doctor was very calming.

    - MP

  • "Pleasant, Prompt and Professional"

    It was pleasant, prompt and professional. The Dr.'s assistant was very helpful and explained the procedure well.

    - MM

  • "Staff is Outstanding"

    Dr. Gupta is a very skilled doctor who will take the time to explain everything to you... her staff is outstanding as well

    - FC

Cataract Surgery Recovery

Following your cataract surgery, you may experience temporary blurred vision, itchiness, or mild discomfort as your eye heals. A follow-up visit will be scheduled a couple of days after your procedure to ensure that your eye is healing correctly. In some cases, we may recommend prescription eye drops to help prevent infection or inflammation.

In most cases, individuals who have cataract surgery will need glasses. Our team will let you know when your eyes have healed enough for you to get a final prescription for your glasses, which is usually 1-3 months after surgery.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you are in need of cataract surgery, make sure you are choosing an ophthalmologist you can trust! Contact Advanced Eye Surgeons today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Gupta to get started.

Cataract Surgery FAQs

Are you sitting or lying down during cataract surgery?

Patients are kept awake during cataract surgery but you will be given local anesthesia and oral or IV medication to help you relax. You will not feel any pain during the procedure.

At what stage should cataracts be removed?

The operation can be performed at any stage of cataract development. Most people choose to have their cataracts removed when the change in their vision starts to cause them difficulties in everyday life.

How long does it take to recover from laser cataract surgery?

After laser cataract surgery, blurry vision is expected due to post-surgical swelling. Blurry vision typically dissipated within 5-7 days. Full recovery process may require 4-6 weeks.

Is cataract laser surgery painful?

Cataract surgery is painless.

How long do I have to wear the eye shield after cataract surgery?

After your surgeon finish performing your surgery, a protective shield will be placed on the operative eye and it will be removed on your next day appointment.

Is laser cataract surgery better?

Studies have shown that the precise dimensions laser technology results in more accurate vision repair after the patient has healed. nBoth types of cataract surgery have equally short recovery times. For some patients, this means an automatic improvement in their vision. For others, it can take up to a week or two before optimal vision is restored. nBecause the laser requires less energy to break up the cataract, some of our patients experience reduced, post-op corneal swelling. That can also result in faster vision restoration.

What happens if you blink during cataract surgery?

An eye holder gently keeps the lid open during the procedure to prevent blinking.

What is the advantage of laser cataract surgery?

With both laser-assisted cataract surgery and traditional treatment, the aim is to remove the cloudy lens in the eye and replace it with a clear intraocular lens. The laser approach can precisely create the needed incisions for the surgery and can also soften up the cataract itself so that it is easier to remove. With laser-assisted cataract surgery, the incision usually does not need stitches.

How Is Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery Done?

A camera/ultrasound device is placed over your eye to map its surface. It also gathers information about your lens. The device sends the results to a computer that programs the laser. This tells the laser the exact location, size, and depth for incisions. The surgeon may use the laser to make the corneal incision and the opening in the capsule. They may also use energy from the laser to soften the cataract. An ultrasound probe breaks the lens into pieces and suctions them out. The surgeon then puts the IOL in the eye. Again, the incision usually does not need stitches.

How long do I need to wear dark glasses outside after cataract surgery?

Sunglasses are recommended for all outdoor activities after cataract surgery. UV protection is always recommended when outdoors.

What are the disadvantages of cataract surgery?

After cataract surgery, patients can become sensitive to the light utilizing sunglasses more often when outside. n Dryness is a common symptom after surgery. With proper lubrication and ocular surface hygiene symptoms can be improved.nMany cataract patients experience “unwanted visual images” after surgery, also known as dyphotopsia. Glare, halos and streaks of light can occur more frequently at night or in dim lighting and are more common with multifocal lenses.

How Is Traditional Cataract Surgery Done?

Phacoemulsification is the name for traditional cataract surgery. Your surgeon creates a small incision in your cornea by hand with a scalpel. They insert a small instrument through this opening. It goes behind your pupil where the eye's lens sits in a capsule. Your surgeon creates a round opening in the capsule. Then your surgeon inserts a pen-shaped probe through that opening. The probe applies sound waves (ultrasound) to break up the cloudy lens. Then the surgeon suctions out the broken-up pieces. They replace your lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The incision is self-sealing and usually does not need stitches.

Are you awake during cataract surgery?

Patients are kept awake during cataract surgery but you will be given local anesthesia and oral or IV medication to help you relax. You will not feel any pain during the procedure.

Can cataracts be removed by laser surgery?

Yes, laser is used during cataract surgery to create precise incisions, as well as the circular opening for accessing and removing the cataract.

What is the average age for cataract surgery?

Theres no fixed age for cataract surgery. The decision to undergo surgery depends on the progression of cataracts and how they affect your vision. Some people may have cataract surgery in their 50s, while others may wait until their 70s or later.

What kind of sedation is used for cataract surgery?

Along with the anesthetic drops to the eye, in most cataract surgeries an anesthetist will also give you some mild sedative medication through an IV. The primary purpose of sedative medication in cataract surgery is to ensure that patients are comfortable during their operation and that they are relaxed enough to ensure a safe procedure.

What type of lens does Medicare cover for cataract surgery?

Medicare covers:nThe standard intraocular lens (IOL) implant, facility and doctor services during surgery. Medical plan benefits can varies for each patient. All the benefits of your insurance will be explained before proceeding with surgery.

Are you put under anesthesia for cataract surgery?

No, for cataract surgery of all kinds, numbing eye drops are used, but patients are not put under general anesthesia.

Can I wear my old glasses after cataract surgery?

Depending on your unique surgical plan for addressing cataracts, you may no longer require the use of glasses, or you will still need corrective lenses, which means the lens was not replaced with one that aims to give you 20/20 vision.

Can you watch TV after cataract surgery?

Yes, you can watch TV after cataract surgery. However, its important to rest your eyes and to follow your doctors recommendations regarding activities and screen time during the recovery period.

Do you feel anything during cataract surgery?

During cataract surgery, the eye is numbed with local anesthesia, so you wont feel pain. Some people might experience a sensation of pressure or see light and movement, but there should be no pain.

How do you clean your eye after cataract surgery?

Your surgeon will provide specific instructions on how to clean your eye after surgery. Avoid water in the eye, do not rub or touch your eyes without cleaning your hands firs. Typically, youll be prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and aid healing. Follow the instructions given by your surgeon for proper eye care.

How do you know when its time to get cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery is usually recommended when the cataracts start to significantly affect your vision and quality of life. Common symptoms include blurry or cloudy vision, sensitivity to light, difficulty seeing at night, and seeing halos around lights. An eye doctor can determine the extent of your cataracts and recommend surgery when its appropriate.

Can you wait too long to have cataract surgery?

Its generally safe to wait until cataracts significantly impact your vision before considering surgery. However, if cataracts severely impair your daily activities, waiting too long might affect your overall quality of life. Regular eye exams will help monitor the progression of cataracts, allowing you and your doctor to make informed decisions about the timing of the surgery.

Contact Us

If you have a question or would like to schedule an appointment, please fill out and submit the form below.

Related Blogs

5 MINUTE READ | March 3, 2022

Cataract Surgery: What You Need to Know

Cataracts

Read More

5 MINUTE READ | November 18, 2022

The Recovery Process After Cataract Surgery

Cataracts

Read More

5 MINUTE READ | June 13, 2022

How Aging Affects the Eyes

Eye Conditions Eye Protection and Prevention

Read More

“Everyone deserves to witness the beauty of our world in its full glory.”