When a cataract clouds your eye’s lens, Laser Cataract Surgery corrects this issue by removing that lens and replacing it with an artificial one.
As our eyes age, their structure begins to change. The proteins that make up the lens of your eyes bunch together over time, clouding your vision. More than half of Americans over the age of 80 have cataracts, and most commonly diagnosed in people close to age 50. Dr. Gerald Walman has transformed Walman Eye Center into one of the most successful ophthalmology practices for cataract treatment and surgery in Phoenix and Sun City. If you are concerned that your blurry vision may be a symptom of cataracts, keep reading.
When a cataract clouds the lens of your eye, the surgical treatment option involves removing that lens and replacing it with an artificial one. These artificial intraocular lenses, or IOLs, traditionally have a single-focus that allows you to see clearly at one distance; however, modern multifocal lenses allow patients to see clearly at all distances, reducing or even eliminating their use of corrective eyewear. In addition, we also have the option of utilizing Toric lenses which can eliminate astigmatism and strengthen your vision for distance without having to depend on glasses that correct for astigmatism.
In the early days of cataract surgery, the intracapsular method of removing the cataract was utilized. This involved removing the clouded lens together with it’s capsule in one piece; a method that is now considered outdated. Nowadays, extracapsular cataract surgery is utilized, whereby your lens is removed, but the capsule remains in place adding support and improving the healing ability and stability of your eye. The extracapsular approach is the most commonly performed method of cataract surgery today. Once the lens of the eye has been removed, the IOL will be placed. The surgery usually takes less than 15 minutes while the patient is under local anesthesia.
In the last two decades, the extracapsular method of cataract surgery has been accomplished by breaking up the clouded lens with ultrasound (phacoemulsification). However, recent improvements in technology now allow the use of a computer-guided laser (Femtosecond Laser) to precisely perform many of the steps of the procedure. In summary, with today’s technology we can restore vision after cataracts with techniques that are Accurate, Bladeless, and Customized.
Many of our patients visit us for the first time wondering whether surgery is the best option to treat their cataracts. First and foremost, we emphasize the importance of a one-on-one consultation with our experts. With a detailed analysis and comprehensive examination, Dr. Walman and his team can create a customized treatment plan that suits your needs.
If your sensitivity to light has slowly progressed, you are having trouble driving at night, or are experiencing blurred vision, it would be worth your while to have your eyes checked at Walman Eye Center. We also suggest making an appointment with us before you get your driver’s license renewed to ensure your safety.
The technology we use is so advanced that our patients should not have to live with decreased visual function related to cataracts.
It is safer and more effective to remove cataracts at an earlier stage rather than wait until they are too mature.
The fact that you have a cataract does not mean it has to be removed. It is important not to treat cataracts too early but still take care of them before they drastically affect your vision.
Scheduling an evaluation of your eyes at our Phoenix or Sun City facility is the best first step toward determining the right course of action.
Thanks to the expertise of Dr. Walman and his team, the advanced technology we use, and the uniquely personal atmosphere in our office, cataract treatment has never been more comfortable or effective. All of our outpatient procedures are done in ambulatory surgery centers that feature the field’s most advanced technologies. Advances in cataract treatment have dramatically reduced patient recovery time, allowing you to return to normal activity the very next day.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CATARACTS. If you have questions about our cataract treatment options and would like to schedule a consultation in Phoenix or Sun City with Dr. Walman and his team, please contact us today.
