CATARACT SURGERY
The Cataract Surgery Process
Choosing a New York, Ohio or Erie PA cataract surgeon can be difficult if you are not properly educated about cataracts and how this cataract is removed. Cataract surgery is the only way to remove a cataract and restore clear vision.
During cataract surgery, the natural lens of your eye is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens implant. The surgical process involves a small incision phacoemulsification technique and why many eye doctors refer to this as micro-surgery. This means that the cataract surgery is performed using the smallest possible incision, and removal of the lens material is accomplished using an ultrasonic needle. Once the eye has been properly dilated, the eye is then prepared with a cleaning solution. Topical anesthetic is then administered to the surface of the eye. Next, under a microscope an incision of less than 3 millimeters in length is then created at the junction of the cornea (the clear structure on the front of the eye) and the sclera (the white part of the eye).
Another dose of anesthetic is then administered inside the eye through this incision. The front part of the lens envelope, know as the lens capsule, is carefully opened so that the lens material can be removed. This is accomplished using a needle-like ultrasonic device, which pulverizes the hardened and yellowed lens proteins known as the cataract. The pulverized material is simultaneously vacuumed from the eye. Once the cataract material has been removed a foldable (IOL) intraocular lens is then inserted through the main incision and positioned into the lens capsule. The lens will remain inside your eye in this location without moving. Intraocular lenses cannot be felt or sensed in any way by the patient. Patients can now elect to have premium lens implants during the cataract surgery process that may enable vision without glasses after surgery. Please feel free to consult one of our physicians or staff members regarding this amazing new technology.
After Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is virtually painless and recovery is quick. You will notice improvement in your vision; however, you may still need glasses for some tasks. We ask that you arrange transportation after the surgery as your vision will be impaired. Most patients only experience relatively minimal discomfort after cataract surgery, and they may also encounter some mild redness or a sensation of itchiness in the affected eye. Laser Eye Surgery of Erie will provide you with eye drops and a protective shield to wear over your eyes at night to prevent complications.
How will I feel After Cataract Surgery?
Most patients feel pretty good after cataract surgery but rest will be required. Because your eyes will be treated with anesthetic, you should feel little to no discomfort. Within the next 24 hours, drops will be arequired to guard against infection and help your eyes heal.
Advancements in cataract surgery
The cataract surgery of today has come a very long way as it is one of the most commonly performed surgeries every year in the US. The days are gone when cataract surgery required a two-week stay in the hospital, with your head immobilized with sandbags until you healed. Cataract surgery at Laser Eye Surgery of Erie is an outpatient procedure that takes a half-hour or less and lets you get back to your normal activity level within a few days.
Anesthesia Improvements in Cataract Surgery
One of the most dramatic advancements in cataract surgery involves anesthesia for the procedure. Long ago, patients were put to sleep for cataract surgery. More recently, patients were given a shot behind the eye before surgery to numb it. But now, the vast majority of cataract surgeries are performed under topical anesthesia, with only a few numbing drops placed on your eye before the start of the procedure. This eliminates both the risks and discomforts of the shot. Also, the shot made the vision blurry for several hours after surgery—with just the numbing drops, some patients notice improved vision within minutes after the surgery is completed.
Cataract Removal Improvements
The technique of cataract removal has also undergone major improvements. Once upon a time, the cataract was removed whole through an incision over a half-inch long. Modern cataract surgery is performed through an incision less than an eighth of an inch long. A small instrument is inserted through this tiny incision, and is used to break the cataract into many small pieces that are removed without the need for a large incision. There are many advantages to a smaller incision, including a faster recovery time, less need for glasses after surgery, and a smaller risk of infections after surgery. In addition, while the old incisions required many stitches to close up, modern cataract surgery can often be performed without any stitches, or with one stitch at most.
Lens Implant Improvements
As previously mentioned the cloudy lens of your eye is removed in cataract surgery and replaced with a clear lens implant. Previous to these modern times, there were no implants, and patients had to wear thick glasses after surgery just to see. Today, there are implants that are placed directly into the eye, reducing or eliminating the need for any glasses after surgery. The newest implants (called premium lens implants, toric implants, and presbyopia-correcting implants), can even provide sharp vision at both distance and up close, reducing or eliminating the need for any kind of glasses, including reading glasses, after surgery.
If you would like additional information regarding Erie, PA IOL premium lens implants please feel free to contact our office for additional information. Our cataract eye doctors will personally assist you with choosing the right premium or multifocal lens implant that best suits your lifestyle. Some of the lens implant types that are used at our New York, Ohio or Erie PA cataract surgery centers include: The Acrysof Restor and the Acrysof Toric lens implant. Please feel free to visit our premium lens implants page for more information.
"The laser corrective surgery is probably one of the best decisions I have made in my lifetime. I wore glasses for 34 years, and it is truly a blessing not to wear them anymore. The procedure is short and virtually painless. As a person who has had this done I would recommend laser surgery to anyone who is a candidate and who can afford it. Dr. Haverly's staff was very, very professional and courteous. It is truly a miracle. Thank you."
Mark Jordanm, Coordinator, age 39
"I had laser refractive surgery because I did not want to bother with contacts. I like being able to see clearly when I wake up in the morning and not have to fumble around for glasses. It's wonderful being able to see objects in the distance without aid. I highly recommend Laser Eye Surgery of Erie. The surgery was quick and painless. Dr. Haverly, Dr. Gellis, and the office staff have been wonderful through this experience."
Joanne Troutman, Clerical Worker, age 40
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