Cataract Care

A cataract is an opacity that clouds the natural lens inside the eye. Normally the path of light to the retina (where the light sensors are) is as clear as possible. When proteins that make up the lens clump together, the resulting cataract blocks some of the light, making vision blurry or hazy.

Cataracts typically occur more frequently in the aging population, however there are many other factors such as family history, diabetes, long term UV exposure, or certain medications like steroids that can cause cataracts. Also, previous eye injuries can be an attributing factor.

Cataract symptoms may include:

Blurry vision.
Lights seem too bright or have a “halo” effect.
Double vision in one eye.
Decreased night vision – sensitivity to glare from headlights.
Dull or fading colors.

Some people actually experience an improvement in their near vision during the beginning stages of a cataract. Unfortunately, this effect goes away as the disease progresses. Early on, a cataract may be treated with increased glasses or contact prescription. Once the cataract begins to interfere with daily tasks such as reading and driving, surgery is the only remaining option.

Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is a very common procedure, and complications (if any) are rare and treatable. The surgery itself is highly successful in improving the vision of patients about 95% of the time. Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure usually taking less than 30 minutes to complete.

During the surgery, the doctor removes the cloudy natural lens from the eye while the patient is under a topical anesthesia. Next, the doctor inserts an intraocular lens (IOL), which remains permanently in place of the removed natural lens. The IOL compensates for the magnification the old lens provided. Modern IOLs are designed for various functions and made out of different materials; your doctor will know which is most appropriate for your individual case. After the operation the doctor will apply a shield for the eye and provide you with eye drops to use as directed.

Recovery from Cataract Surgery

The patient may return home the day of the procedure. With proper rest and avoidance of any strenuous activities such as heavy lifting, recovery is usually a matter of days, with only minor discomfort. Several follow up appointments will be required to ensure the eye is healing properly and initial results are sustained.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of cataract problems, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Testimonials

"In the fall of 2006, my optometrist informed me that it was time for my cataracts to be removed, and she recommended Dr. Yee. An appointment was set up, and Dr. Yee reaffirmed the diagnosis. She explained that I was a candidate for a new lens that was available where a patient had a greater chance of not needing to wear glasses after surgery. I could even decide whether I would like to have most of my improvement in my near or far vision. The length of the surgery and the recuperation would be the same as having the normal cataract surgery. I had been wearing glasses from morning to night for years and the possibility of not needing to wear glasses was intriguing. I pondered the extra cost of the ReSTOR® lenses and decided in favor of the newer replacements. In November the cataract in my right eye was removed; a ReSTOR® lens was implanted. I was awake during the procedure, which only took about fifteen minutes. Immediately everything seemed brighter and that evening I was reading the newspaper without glasses. Improvement in both my near and far vision had been achieved. A similar procedure was performed on my left eye in December. As a teenager I was diagnosed with Ambliopia (Lazy Eye) in my left eye. The successful improvement in that eye far surpassed what Dr. Yee and I had hoped.

Shopping at Christmas without glasses was much more pleasant without focusing my trifocals to read sizes and price tags. I don't miss glasses, which fogged up or slipped in the heat. At first it was odd seeing myself in the mirror without glasses, but I have learned to appreciate a younger person looking back at me."

-Marion Young October 16, 2007

"In the summer of 2007, I noticed my eye sight deteriorating when I would read. My Optometrist had told me several years ago that I had the start of cataracts in the corners of my eyes. In the fall of 2007, a family member recommended Dr. Yee.

Dr. Yee examined my eyes and told me I had cataracts that were ready to be removed. She explained that there were two different types of lenses available for my eyes. After much consideration and Dr. Yee's recommendation, I decided on the ReSTOR® lenses. I really wanted to have the benefit of not wearing glasses and I was willing to take the chance and pay the extra costs.

The surgery took approximately 20 minutes and was painless. I was awake during the whole procedure and was very comfortable and relaxed due to Dr. Yee and her staff making me feel at ease. My husband was very surprised to see me after surgery, because my eye looked like it had nothing done to it. My eye was not blood shot and I felt great!

I would like to thank Dr. Yee for recommending the ReSTOR® lenses, I now have 20/20 vision in both eyes and do not need to wear glasses."

-Patricia Naftzger