We all know cataracts cause blurry vision, glare and halos around lights, poor night vision, loss of the vibrancy of colors and more. We also know surgery is performed whereby the cataract (natural lens) is removed and an intraocular lens inserted. In the past, the “new” lens would only correct distance vision; glasses were usually needed to enhance distance vision if someone had an astigmatism, and glasses were required for near vision.
In the past, the visit to prepare for surgery was very routine in that you were diagnosed, some measurements were taken, consent was signed, and then the patient went home and waited for the surgery day to come.
Things have really changed! New technology allows patients to determine if they want to be less dependent on glasses, if they wish to have a wider range of vision, if they wish to have the “standard” procedure or would rather have the latest laser procedure. Thanks to innovative medical advances, cataract surgery is one of the safest and most successful procedures performed today and vision can be more “fine-tuned.”
Traditionally, the surgeon would accomplish the surgery by making a tiny incision in the eye using an instrument about the size of a pen tip. Now, patients also have the option of choosing a bladeless, computer-controlled laser to perform several of the most critical steps of cataract surgery. This laser option allows the surgeon to plan and perform surgery to accurate, individualized specifications not attainable with traditional surgical methods. Along with new methods for surgery, new intraocular lenses have been developed to make the lenses more helpful to patients and more in line with their daily activities.
- A monofocal lens will correct either nearsightedness or farsightedness, but will not correct astigmatism. This is the most basic of all the lens implants.
- A toric lens implant will help patients with cataracts and astigmatism. Both conditions will be corrected simultaneously, therefore, providing less dependency on glasses after surgery.
- Multifocal lenses potentially help achieve an improved range of vision, not just one.
The above has been available for some years now. However, the latest and most useful cataract surgery technology is called the ORA. This equipment is utilized in the operating room. The ORA allows the physician to take a measurement of the eye after the removal of the cataract. The measurement at this time is unobscured by the natural cloudy lens, thereby providing a confirmation that the most accurate replacement lens has been chosen. At that time, the surgeon can increase, decrease or change the lens option based on the new information provided.
At Summit Eye Care we offer the most advanced technological options available for cataract surgery. We want to utilize the technology that will assist us in providing the best vision possible to our patients. We are happy to answer any questions you may have. Remember that cataracts are a fact of life for thousands of people, but having them is not something you have to live with. Call today for your consult.
