It is estimated that cataracts affect more than twenty million individuals in America today. While some experience them earlier than others, a majority of all people will eventually develop cataracts, beginning as early as the age of forty.
Simply put, a cataract is a tint or cloud in the lens of the eye, obstructing the passage of light and causing your vision to become occluded. This clouding of the eye typically worsens with time and, if left untreated, can severely impair one’s vision and even cause eventual blindness.
Cataract Treatment Options
When symptoms or vision obstructions are minor, one may not require any treatment at all for, but should ensure to have their eyes regularly examined by a qualified ophthalmologist or optometrist to monitor the progression of the condition.
For those experiencing noticeable vision loss, cataract surgery is the only corrective option. Fortunately, modern day advancements in eye care have expanded possibilities for patients afflicted with cataracts. Cataract surgery can now be done swiftly and painlessly and with little to no downtime. By taking advantage of a leading-edge surgical procedure known as refractive lens exchange, patients can have their cataracts treated with ease and dramatically improve their vision.
The procedure is done by replacing the natural cataract-afflicted lens of the eye with an artificial one, known as an intraocular lens or IOL. There are several different lens options available, which can assist you to see clearly at all distances and greatly reduce or even eliminate the need for glasses. Here at Atlantis Eye Care in Huntington Beach, we specialize in this procedure and offer a variety of high quality lens options.
Top Refractive Lens Surgeons
Our refractive surgeons are among the most experienced in the state and are national leaders in the execution of cataract surgery. Each is highly trained, board certified and expert in their field. Equipped with the full array of leading-edge advancements in cataract surgery, our team can quickly and painlessly treat cataracts, dramatically improving vision and often greatly reducing dependence upon eyeglasses. With our state-of-the-art Huntington Beach optometry center, we are proud to provide the best >cataract surgery Orange County has to offer.
The Cataract Removal Procedure
More than three million cataract surgeries are performed in the United States each year. Cataract removal is considered one of the safest and most effective of all medical procedures. Cataract surgery is quick, simple, and allows for fast healing.
Cataract removal is performed with microsurgery through a process known as phacoemulsification. The cataract removal and surgical process is done using the smallest possible incision, and removal of the lens material is accomplished using an ultrasonic probe. This is truly a minimally-invasive procedure, giving you immediate results with almost zero downtime.
As a first step, the hardened cataract needs to be removed. A micro-incision about of about 3 millimeters is created at the junction of the cornea and the white part of the eye known as the sclera. The lens capsule is then opened and the ultrasonic probe is inserted so that the cataract can be removed. The ultrasonic probe pulverizes the cataract and removes it.
After the cataract is removed, the surgeon is ready to implant a man-made intraocular lens. This is a crucial point of understanding for patients. Patients can either receive a monofocal lens, which will only correct vision for one distance, or they may upgrade to a premium lens implant, which can reduce or eliminate their need for glasses after cataract removal surgery. There is an additional cost to upgrade to the premium lens, while Medicare covers traditional monofocal lenses.
The intraocular lens (IOL) is a foldable lens that slides through a tube, rolled up, and unfolds in the capsular bag. The Atlantis Eyecare cataract surgeon may center the new lens with the lens capsule if necessary. Once the lens is centered, the surgery is complete. In most cases no stitches are required to seal the incision due to the 3mm size.
The cataract removal procedure is virtually painless and usually takes 10-25 minutes. Patients can usually return to their normal activities the following day. Contact our eye care office in Huntington Beach to learn if cataract removal surgery is right for you.