Cataracts
 

Most people have some clouding of their eye’s natural crystalline lens after the age of 60. This clouding is more commonly referred to as a cataract. About 50% of Americans in the age group of 65 – 74 have at least one cataract, and about 70% of those age 75 and over have cataract(s). Simply stated, when the eye’s lens becomes cloudy, light cannot be properly focused on the retina; thus, vision decreases. The only “cure” for poor vision due to a cataract is to remove the lens and implant a new, man-made lens called an intraocular lens (IOL).

Many people with cataracts may experience symptoms such as:
  • Cloudy, fuzzy, foggy vision
  • Difficulty in seeing to drive, especially at night
  • Trouble seeing to do close work
  • Problems seeing television
  • Bothersome glare
  • Colors that seem dull, faded, not as bright
  • Frequent changes and a stronger glasses' prescription
  • Haloes around lights
  • A milky white spot or cloudy spot visually apparent in the center of the eye
 

 

 

Diagnosing & Treatment of Cataracts

Diagnosing a Cataract

Most cataracts develop as part of the aging process, but may be present at birth (congenital) or result from an injury, systemic disease (diabetes), or steroid use. Using specialized equipment, cataracts as well as other eye diseases, are diagnosed during a complete eye examination by an eye doctor. The mere presence of a cataract does not indicate the need for surgery. Some cataracts may be slow growing, and vision may be corrected by stronger glasses for a period of time. Some cataracts develop more rapidly than others and an eye doctor can monitor changes in vision and cataracts with periodic eye examinations.

No Stitch Cataract Surgery

The physicians at Alexandria Eye and Laser Center perform cataract surgery without any needles. There is no need for IV sedation, stitches, or an eye patch after surgery. Patients are able to resume most normal activities immediately after surgery. Astigmatism correction may also be accomplished at the time of cataract removal.

Premium Lens Options

Many patients choose freedom from glasses after cataract surgery.

 
 

ReSTOR® IOL

ReSTOR IOL® (intraocular lens implant) is the latest technological advancement used during cataract surgery. ReSTOR® offers never-before-available visual results and was approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) earlier this year. With the new ReSTOR® lens, many patients will not need glasses after cataract surgery. This new lens technology provides excellent near and distance vision, as well as very good intermediate vision. To learn more or to request a consultation by email, click below.

 

 


 

 TORIC IOL

There are several options a surgeon may choose to treat astigmatism, such as LASIK, astigmatic keratotomy (AK), or limbal relaxing incisions (LRI). However, when planning to have surgery to remove a cataract, there is now have an additional option...an implantable lens that makes it possible to treat the cataract and correct the corneal astigmatism. An eye doctor will recommend the option that is best for you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 $1,000 off LASIK