Cataracts - No Stitch
Same Day Surgery

Studies show that as many as 50% of all people have some degree of cataracts formed by the age of 60, and nearly all people have a cataract by the age of 70. Cataracts are the number one cause of vision loss.

What are cataracts?

Cataracts are a clouding of the natural lens inside your eye. They vary from extremely small areas of cloudiness to large opaque areas that can cause a noticeable loss of vision.

No one knows the exact cause of cataracts. However, we do know that cataracts are the result of a chemical change within the eye. This change may be triggered by aging, injury, heredity or disease.

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun, cigarette smoking and certain medications are also considered risk factors that may lead to the development of cataracts.

Currently, there are no proven methods of preventing cataracts. However, many physicians feel it is important to include a UV screen to your prescription eyewear.

Cataract symptoms

Although cataracts usually develop slowly and without pain, there are symptoms you should watch for.

• Blurred or hazy vision
• Washed out greens and blues
• Difficulty reading small print
• Appearance of spots in vision
• Sense of film over your eyes
• Increased sensitivity to glare
• Double vision
• "Halos" around lights at night

During your eye examination

Your visual acuity will be tested and you may be given a glare sensitivity test. Then your doctor will use a slit lamp to examine the front of your eye and an ophthalmoscope to examine the interior of your eye.

Can a laser remove my cataract?

Currently, lasers are not used to remove cataracts. However, lasers are used to treat post-operative membranes that form in some patients.

Treating cataracts

The best way to treat a cataract is to remove it and replace it with an artificial lens implant. Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful procedures performed in the United States today! "No-Stitch, Topical" cataract surgery with lens implants allows patients to see clearly. Many patients can resume activities such as reading and driving almost immediately.

The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery found that cataract surgery with lens implants successfully improved the vision of over 98% of patients after surgery.

Remarkable out-patient procedure

The trend in all surgery today is to smaller incisions. Now, thanks to years of successful cataract surgeries, advanced lens designs, and self-sealing incisions, "No-Stitch, Topical" cataract surgery is a reality.

Using a technique called phacoemulsification, a tiny ultrasonic probe is inserted through a small incision about 3 to 4 millimeters wide. The ultrasonic vibrations from the probe break your cataract into tiny pieces that are removed through the same instrument.

Once the cataract has been removed, a tiny intraocular lens implant replaces your cloudy cataract to restore your vision.

Why choose "No-Stitch, Topical" cataract surgery?

For most patients, the potential benefits of "No-stitch, Topical" cataract surgery include:

• No stitches since the tiny incision seals by itself
• Topical anesthesia provides a rapid recovery
• Clear vision returns almost immediately
• Less chance of surgically-induced astigmatism
• Fewer visits for follow-up care
• Little, if any, discomfort

This information is intended to supplement, not replace, a consultation with a board certified physician. To find out if you could be a candidate for one of these procedures or to learn more information about these procedures, we invite you to contact one of our doctors for a private consultation.

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