Everything You Need to Know about Cataracts

Cataracts are one of the most common eye conditions in the United States today. In fact, statistics show that 70% of all people over the age of 75 will develop cataracts, which is why Kelly Eye Center offers extensive cataract treatment services to address all your needs. As the Triangle’s trusted source for vision services, we can help you better understand and manage your cataracts, so that you can enjoy optimal eye health.

As a patient, it is essential that you have an understanding of what causes cataracts and what treatments are available. Cataracts occur when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy. Cataracts can affect one or both eyes and are a normal part of the aging process, although risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure and other medical conditions can accelerate cataract development.

What Are the Symptoms of Cataracts?

Cataracts symptoms include seeing halos, blurry and distorted vision and dull colors, which can make daily activities more difficult. Frequently, initial symptoms and signs of trouble include: difficulty seeing road signs, the appearance of halos, glare from oncoming traffic, trouble reading and photosensitivity.

How are cataracts removed?

The good news is that cataract surgery is generally a simple outpatient procedure with little discomfort that requires only a few hours of time In addition, both a topical anesthetic and anesthesia are used to provide maximum patient comfort. The goal of the operation is to break the cloudy lens into pieces, remove the pieces and insert a man-made lens..

Kelly Eye Center is proud to offer leading advancements in cataract removal including blade-free laser cataract surgery, dropless cataract surgery and traditional cataract surgery. While all human eyes share the same basic structure, every eye is different in terms of size, depth, curvature of cornea and other key features. That is why we carefully measure each eye and create a detailed map prior to cataract surgery. These images, measurements and data are then used to plan and perform a personalized treatment for optimal results.

After cataract surgery, you will be free to return home and safely begin the healing process. The day after surgery, Dr. Kelly and his team will see you for a post-operative appointment to monitor your progress and ensure you’re healing properly.

During the initial recovery period, you will need to use eye drops as prescribed to protect against infection and inflammation. You should also avoid certain activities, such as swimming and heavy lifting. Within days, you should notice a marked improvement in your vision.

Your progress will be closely monitored in the weeks following surgery to ensure proper healing and vision achievement either by your primary care optometrist or by the team at Kelly Eye Center.

What Does the Cataract and IOL Consultation Involve?

The consultation lasts approximately two hours and during this time, the team at Kelly Eye Center will perform a series of measurements to better understand your eye and determine what type of IOL might be best for you based on your visual and lifestyle goals. After your eyes are fully dilated, Dr. Kelly will conduct a comprehensive ophthalmic exam and go over the risks and benefits of cataract surgery, as well as, all options available to meet your visual needs. Finally, if you are ready to proceed, you will have the opportunity to meet with our surgical coordinator to schedule your surgery.

Lens Replacement Options

Advancements in different types of Intraocular Lenses (IOLs) has resulted in lenses that can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism; this affords one the ability to see well at any distance after treatment, without the full-time use of glasses. Other special multifocal lenses allow focus at a fuller range of vision, reducing or eliminating the need for glasses at any distance. These extended function IOL’s, are not usually covered by health insurance, including Medicare. While these lenses provide patients with the convenience of “spectacle freedom” the majority of the time, they are not considered medically necessary by most health insurers. Ultimately, the “spectacle freedom” afforded by such extended function lenses comes with an added cost that is assumed by the patient.

Cost issues aside, not all lenses are appropriate for all patients. There are various factors that are individual to each patient that must be considered. At Kelly Eye Center we will personalize a recommendation for you based on your lifestyle, visual preferences, habits, and measurements.

Cataract Surgery Measurements and Technology

As part of a successful cataract surgery, the intraocular lens (IOL) that replaces your natural lens must be the correct size for your eye. Each eye has a specific length, different corneal curvatures, and variable intraocular dimensions. Because lenses rely on focal distances, it is vital that the focal length of the implanted lens is appropriate for the length of the eye. It is equally important to have a healthy cornea and tear film for the sharpest vision possible after cataract surgery, making accurate measurements vital to a successful outcomel. Along with ultrasound technology, we use advanced laser technology to provide the most comprehensive and accurate measurements for our patients.

To determine both the lens power that is right for you and exactly where the new lens is to be placed, we believe that more than two standard measurements are necessary. Subsequently, the following services may be utilized at your cataract evaluation:

TECNICS® Symfony and Symfony Toric

The TECNICS® Symfony and Symfony Toric lenses are designed to provide a fuller range of vision by correcting your cataracts and presbyopia. The lenses utilize an extended depth of focus design to help provide a more fluid range of vision. These lenses are best if you have an active lifestyle, and desire to be less dependent on glasses. The Symfony Toric lens is designed to also reduce astigmatism.

Strengths

• Excellent distance and intermediate vision
• Good reading vision
• Often provide independence from glasses for many activities

Limitations

• Reading glasses may still be needed depending on print size and if reading for long periods of time
• Halos or glare may be seen around lights at night
• The Symfony Toric lens can only reduce certain amounts of astigmatism
• May require fine-tuning with laser vision correction
• Must be a candidate

Additional costs above insurance co-pay, co-insurance and/or deductible apply.