CATARACTS
Blade-free Cataract Surgery
Cataracts and Blade-Free Surgery
Virtually everyone will develop cataracts as they grow older. More than half of the people over the age of 60, in fact, suffer from cataracts. If you’ve been told that you have cataracts, you’re not alone. Each year, nearly 2 million people undergo successful cataract surgery to restore clear vision. At North Columbus Eye Center, Dr. Joseph Ceravolo offers advanced technologies that make the cataract procedure safer and more comfortable with a fast recovery time.
What Are Cataracts?
A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s lens. This lens, which is responsible for focusing an image after it enters the eye, is normally crystal clear. A cloudy lens will block the passage of light through the eye, resulting in cloudy or blurred vision.
Symptoms of cataracts may include:
- Declining vision with age
- Blurred or double vision
- Seeing halos around bright lights
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Vision that worsens in sunlight
- Difficulty distinguishing colors
- Poor depth perception
- Frequent prescription changes for glasses
- Difficulty reading
A cataract usually cannot be viewed from outside of the eye and must be diagnosed during an eye examination. A variety of methods are used to determine the type, size and location of the cataract. The instruments utilized in this diagnostic process are used to illuminate and magnify the structures of the eye.
Treatment
If diagnosed, a cataract cannot be cleared by medication or eye drops. The only way to restore clear vision is to have the cloudy cataract lens surgically removed, while a replacement lens must be implanted to restore vision. In your treatment, first, the surgeon removes the cataract with a special device, requiring a micro-incision no more than 3 millimeters (⅛ inch) in width. Next, a flexible lens implant is folded and passed through the small opening. The incision is so small, no stitches are required as the tiny opening is self-sealing.
The gold standard of cataract replacement lenses are Active Life Lenses®. These implanted lenses have revolutionized cataract care by allowing patients the freedom to enjoy improved vision at multiple distances. In fact, many of our Active Life Lens® Procedure patients report they do not need corrective eyewear for their daily activities or hobbies.
The development of cataracts does not have to mean loss of sight. Treatment of cataracts is 95% successful in restoring good vision.
Recovery
Recovery time is minimal thanks in large part to the contributions and advancements of ophthalmic anesthesia, the use of medication inside the eye, and developments in microscopic incision. The eye will take several days to weeks to heal completely. However, most patients are able to return to their normal lives within 48 hours of surgery! Please remember that no two eyes heal exactly the same and sometimes vision recovery can vary. It is important that you follow postoperative instructions and use the different eyedrops as instructed. It is important that you refrain from strenuous physical activity and from rubbing your eyes during the first few weeks after surgery. Returning to an active lifestyle is one of the primary benefits of cataract surgery.
Cataract FAQs
What is a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. Most cataracts are related to aging. Cataracts are very common in older people. By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery. A cataract can occur in either or both eyes. It cannot spread from one eye to the other.
What is the lens?
The lens is a clear part of the eye that focuses light on the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. The retina picks up this light and sends it to through the nervous system where the brain converts the light to an image.
How do cataracts develop?
Age-related cataracts develop in two ways.
- Protein gathers or clumps on the surface of the eye reducing the sharpness of the image reaching the retina.
- The clear lens slowly changes to a yellowish/brownish color, adding a brownish tint to vision.
Who is at risk for cataracts?
The risk of cataract increases as you get older. Besides age, other risk factors for cataract include
- certain diseases like diabetes
- personal behavior like smoking or alcohol use
- environmental factors such as prolonged exposure to ultraviolet sunlight.
What are the symptoms of a cataract?
The most common symptoms of a cataract are
- cloudy or blurry vision
- colors seem faded
- glare—headlights, lamps, or sunlight appearing too bright, or a halo may appear around lights
Are there other types of cataract?
Yes. Although most cataracts are related to aging, there are other types of cataract. These include
- secondary cataract
- traumatic cataract
- congenital cataract
- radiation cataract.
How is a cataract detected?
Cataract is detected through a comprehensive eye exam that includes a visual acuity test, a dilated eye exam, and tonometry.
How is a cataract treated?
The symptoms of early cataract may be improved with new eyeglasses, brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses, or magnifying lenses. As your cataract progresses, surgery is the only effective treatment. Surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens.
How do I know if cataract surgery is right for me?
A cataract needs to be removed when vision loss begins to interfere with your everyday activities such as driving, reading, or watching TV. You and your eye care professional can make this decision together. Once you understand the benefits and risks of surgery, you can make an informed decision about whether cataract surgery is right for you.
If I have a cataract in both eyes, how is the surgery performed?
If you have cataracts in both eyes that require surgery, the surgery will be performed on each eye at separate times, usually two weeks apart.
Is cataract surgery effective?
Yes. Cataract removal is one of the most common operations performed in the United States. It is also one of the most effective and safest types of surgery. In about 90 percent of cases, people who have cataract surgery have better vision afterward.
What happens to the lens?
After the natural lens has been removed, it is replaced by an artificial Active Life Lens, called an intraocular lens, or an IOL. A LifeStyle Lens is a clear, plastic lens that requires no care and becomes a permanent part of your eye. Light is focused clearly by the IOL onto the retina, improving your vision. You will not feel or see the new lens.
What are the risks of cataract surgery?
As with any surgery, cataract surgery poses risks such as bleeding or infection. Your doctor may ask you to temporarily stop taking certain medications before your surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding during surgery. After surgery, you must keep your eye clean, wash your hands before touching your eye, and use the prescribed medications to help minimize the risk of infection. Avoiding serious infection can reduce the chance of negative risks.
What happens before surgery?
At your initial evaluation, your doctor will perform some tests. These tests measure the curve of the cornea and the size and shape of your eye. This information helps your doctor choose the right type of Active Life Lenses.
What to expect the day of surgery
Once you arrive at the facility, you will be prepared for surgery in Pre-op. After pre-op you will be taken to a Surgical Suite where Dr Ceravolo will perform your cataract surgery. After the procedure you will be taken to the Post-op/Recovery area. When the post-op nurses determine you are ready to leave, you will be released to your driver.
Can problems develop after surgery?
Cataract surgery is very safe. Problems after surgery are rare, but they can occur. These problems can include swelling, redness, infection, bleeding, pain, loss of vision, double vision, and high or low eye pressure. With prompt medical attention, these problems usually can be treated successfully.
When will my vision be normal again?
Many everyday activities can be resumed quickly but your vision may be blurry. The healing eye needs time to adjust so that it can focus properly. Your doctor will advise you on when you may return to driving and other activities.
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