Cataract Surgery

Cataracts are the clouding of the natural lens in the eye. In addition to the cornea and retina, the lens is responsible for clear vision. The clouding of the lens decreases the amount of light that enters the eye, thereby causing blurred vision. Aging and exposure to sunlight can cause cataract growth. Cataracts can also occur as a result of injury to the eye and diabetic eye disease.

Common symptoms of cataracts are:

• Cloudy or fuzzy vision
• Appearance of halos or glare around lights at night
• Difficulty driving at night
• Double vision

Although vision loss from a cataract often happens slowly and may never become severe, many people get along well by keeping glasses or contact lens prescriptions up to date and by increasing the amount of indoor lighting. Whether or not you need cataract surgery depends on how much of a problem the cataract causes for daily living activities such as driving, watching television, playing golf or reading. Dr. Rowan makes sure that every patient understands cataract surgery is an elective procedure. Ultimately, cataract surgery may be the only option to improve best vision.

With Dr. Rowan, cataract surgery is a ten minute procedure that involves only topical anesthetics. You are mildly sedated, so it is a painless procedure. Cataract surgery is a bloodless surgery; therefore, there is no need for a patch or sutures. In addition, there are no restrictions after cataract surgery. Most patients return to all their normal daily activities. Some patients even play golf the same day.

When your natural lens is removed during cataract surgery, it is replaced by a new intraocular lens. This lens provides a unique prescription for each individual. There are many intraocular lens options available to replace your natural lens. These intraocular lenses are made to fit each person’s needs. Dr. Carey T. Rowan will evaluate your eyes and discuss these lens options with you during your preliminary examination; together you will make a decision on which implant best suites your needs.

Classic Intraocular lenses are implanted for distance vision. Glasses may still be needed for intermediate and near vision ranges.

Standard Monofocal Intraocular lenses are generally implanted for distance and near vision combined. Glasses may still be needed for intermediate and near ranges. This lens is implanted so one eye is focused at distance and one eye is focused at near. This is called monovision. Monovision is easy to adapt to and works very well for many active people.

Deluxe Crystal Intraocular lenses are the latest innovation in refractive technology that allows multiple focal zones of visual acuity. Deluxe Crystal lenses are generally implanted for patients with a more active lifestyle. Unique technology allows the natural muscles of the eye to focus the implant for maximum clarity of distance and intermediate vision. Glasses may still be required for extensive reading, although your dependency on spectacle correction is greatly reduced.