The lens plays a pivotal role in the human eye. Both the crystalline lens and the cornea have the job of focusing light from the world around us into clear images our brain can interpret. It works in a similar way as a camera lens, though it might be more accurate to say a camera lens works similarly to the eye.
Over time, the lens can become cloudy, cause blurry vision, and obscure your sight. The cause of the cloudiness is a process called denaturation. This is the same process that causes egg whites to go from clear to white when cooked. Denaturation is irreversible. When denaturation occurs in the human eye, it is called a cataract. Cataracts significantly interfere with vision.
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 the formation of cataracts 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.
At the early stage, people often fail to notice that there is anything wrong. It is not unusual for people with cataracts to first notice there is 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.
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 discovery of symptoms such as poor night vision or glares. Our ophthalmologists diagnose cataracts by inspecting your eyes with specialized devices as well as dilating your pupils to better visualize the lens.
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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.
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It was pleasant, prompt and professional. The Dr.'s assistant was very helpful and explained the procedure well.
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Dr. Gupta is a very skilled doctor who will take the time to explain everything to you... her staff is outstanding as well
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Cataract Treatment
The good news is that modern cataract surgery can often be done without stitches or even incisions. There have never been more treatment options than we have today to correct blurred vision due to cataracts. Cataracts are treated surgically by removing the cataract and the lens. In most cases, the lens will then be replaced with a synthetic lens. If you are interested in seeking cataract surgery in Florida, Advanced Eye Surgeons in Boca Raton or Tamarac, FL should be your first stop. We can help you decide which intraocular lens (IOL) replacement procedure is right for you.
Cataract Surgery FAQs
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
What is the average age for cataract surgery?
The median age of patients at initial cataract surgery was as young as 60 years in some communities and nearly 80 years in others
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.
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.
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.
Cataract Treatment in Boca Raton
If you are expecting to have cataract surgery in Florida, Advanced Eye Surgeons in Boca Raton and Tamarac, FL would be happy to help you with this life-changing procedure that can help preserve your vision and quality of life for years to come.
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