Cataract Surgery
What Is a Cataract?
The term cataracts refers to the eye’s natural lens. Clear at birth,
the lens becomes cloudy over time, causing vision problems and can
eventually cause blindness if left untreated. Cataracts are
completely normal and typically develop sometime in our 50s or
60s. Surgery is the only treatment for a cataract. You should
consider surgery when cataracts cause enough loss of vision to
interfere with your daily activities.
Can Cataracts Be Prevented?
Most cataracts occur with age. However, a good, balanced diet,
protection from the sun, and restraint from smoking can delay the
development of cataracts.
What Are My Treatment Options?
Cataract Surgery (Removal)
Cataract surgery is a routine, virtually painless outpatient
procedure that replaces your clouded lens with a clear intraocular
lens implant. Cataract removal is performed through a procedure
called phacoemulsification. In this procedure, high-energy
ultrasound waves are used to gently remove your cataract. In most
cases, we use only eye drop anesthesia, allowing our patients the
fastest possible recovery. Once the cataract is removed, a
permanent, artificial lens is inserted. It is not uncommon for our
patients to have the benefit of dramatically improved vision within
a few hours of their procedure.
Clear Lens Exchange
For those with presbyopia that are not yet candidates for cataract
removal, your surgeon may offer an elective procedure known as clear
lens exchange. This procedure uses the same successful techniques as
modern cataract surgery by replacing your natural lens with an
intraocular lens (IOL) designed to reduce or eliminate your need for
readers, bifocals or even trifocals.
Results After Cataract Treatment
"I’ve been in business and observed interactions between customers
and employees my whole life. I cannot say enough about how impressed
and pleased I was with my entire experience with Longwood Eye.
From the first phone call to set up the appointment, to the time Dr.
Warren spent with me before and after my surgery, and all of my pre
and post-operative appointments, it was a truly a pleasant
experience!
Three of my friends had similar cataract procedures, and prior to my
conversation with them, I had no idea that this type of procedure
was available. It is totally remarkable how I feel and how my vision
has improved without the use of contact lenses. Simply put, my
results are outstanding and I have never experienced this level of
professionalism and care, and I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Warren
and his team at Longwood Eye."
-Michael M – Cataract Surgery with John Warren, MD
Which Lens Is Best for Me?
Distance Correcting Monofocal IOLs
Traditionally, the lens implant used for cataract surgery is a
monofocal IOL. In most cases, the monofocal lens provides good
distance vision for driving, walking, and some everyday activities.
However, most people receiving monofocal lenses still require
reading glasses or bifocals to have a full range of vision.
Astigmatism Correcting IOLs
Approximately 20% of cataract surgery patients have a significant
degree of astigmatism. Astigmatism creates distortion in vision and
is not corrected by traditional cataract or lens replacement
surgery. The unique design of the AcrySof Toric IOL makes it
possible to provide quality distance vision and reduce or eliminate
astigmatism at the same time.
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Acrysof TORIC
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Staar TORIC
Enhanced vision option
This option combines the optics of advanced wavefront-designed
monofocal IOL with modern surgical planning and techniques to
provide a higher quality and overall enhanced vision with a
monofocal designed IOL. These techniques will also further reduce or
eliminate your need for distance glasses including low levels of
pre-existing astigmatism. In a clinical study, these more advanced
optics provided improved visibility, better contrast sensitivity,
and reduced glare.
Vision correction decisions are among the most important you will
ever make. There are many intraocular lens (IOL) options available,
including traditional monofocal, multifocal, and accommodating IOLs.
Your doctor will discuss all the options available and recommend the
IOL that is best for you.
Presbyopic Correcting IOLs
Previous lens replacement technologies provided only one improved
focal point, distance, leaving people dependent on readers or
bifocals after cataract surgery. Furthermore, in the past, those who
were not yet cataract surgery candidates had no good alternatives to
readers, bifocals, or trifocals. Recent advances in lens technology
now make it possible to improve vision at all ranges, near through
distance, with increased freedom from glasses or contact lenses. Our
doctors are proud to offer the most advanced
multifocal and accommodating IOLs to give our patients the best
possible vision.
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Tecnis Multifocal
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ReSTOR Multifocal
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Crystalens Accommodating
What Are the Risks Associated with Lens Replacement Surgery?
Click here to learn more about lens implants.
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved. These may
include infection, retinal detachment, an increase in eye pressure,
reactions to medications, and vision changes. Our doctors will
discuss all risks and benefits with you before your surgery.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Common side effects include redness, scratchiness, and light
sensitivity. You may also experience glare, halos around lights, and
blurred vision. These side effects may make it more difficult to see
while driving at night or working in low light for a period of time,
however they generally resolve over time.
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
Cataract surgery is generally a simple, outpatient procedure
requiring only a few hours of your time. Patients should plan on
being at the surgery center for about 2-3 hours.
Where Will My Surgery Be Performed?
Your lens replacement procedure will be performed by one of our
surgeons in an outpatient surgery center or hospital facility.
What Can I Expect After My Surgery?
After a short stay in the outpatient recovery area, you will be
ready to go home. Plan to have someone drive you home. Everyone
heals differently, but most patients can return to their normal
activities the very next day. You will return to our office for a
postoperative visit the next day. You will notice an improvement in
your vision at that time which will continue to sharpen over the
next 30 days. Eye drops will be prescribed to prevent infection and
help your eye to heal.
How Will I See After Cataract Surgery?
Once the cloudy lens is removed, you will see a dramatic improvement
in the clarity of your vision. Colors will be brighter, more vivid.
And advanced lens implants, such as Tecnis, ReSTOR, and Crystalens,
can deliver vision that is uniquely suited to your lifestyle. Dr.
Warren will talk with you to
understand your vision needs and can recommend a lens implant that
gives you a fuller range of vision, allowing you to spend most of
your day without glasses.
Will I Need to Wear Glasses After My Cataract Surgery?
During traditional cataract surgery, a single focus lens is
implanted. Often times this gives patients good distance vision but
still requires them to wear reading glasses for near vision.
However, we offer our patient the option for a multifocal or
accommodating lens implant that may allow them good vision at any
distance, near through far.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are interested in learning more about cataract surgery and
would like to see if you are a good candidate, please call (800)
676-5050 or request
a consultation online.