A cataract is a clouding of the lens inside the eye, this leads to a decrease in the vision. The visual loss is because the opacified lens obstructs light from being focused on the retina. The visual symptoms include:
- Glare symptoms with bright lights (i.e. driving at night)
- Difficulty reading fine print
- Frequent changes in the prescription of your eyeglasses
- Difficulty telling the difference between navy blue and black
- Colors appear dull and not vibrant.
- Changes in contrast.
Cataract surgery is indicated when it affects your daily living activities. One major visual concern is the loss of depth perception. After a complete eye examination with other diagnostic studies that confirm the presence of a visually significant cataract surgery is indicated. Cataract surgery is elective and it is indicated when the patient is having problems performing their daily visual tasks.
IOL Selection
During cataract surgery an intraocular lens (IOL) will be implanted into the eye to sharply focus light to the retina. Prior to surgery the patient and the surgeon must discuss the different types of IOL’s and how the patient will visually function post-operatively.
- Monofocal IOL’s: These IOL’s have the ability to focus to a single point. They can focus either for distance, intermediate, or near. The patient and the surgeon must discuss where the single focus will be after cataract surgery. In addition it is important to consider the refractive state of the other eye. Most patients enjoy having both eyes work together to prevent an imbalance. Usually glasses are necessary post-operatively.
- Monovision/Blended: This is a state that has one eye for distance and the other eye for near (reading). There is an adaptional process for you to be able use the image that is focused and suppress the blurred image. Many times patients are independent of their eyeglasses.
- PREMIUM IOL’s (Multi-focal IOL’s): These IOL’s are designed to focus light for distance, intermediate, and near. According to some studies 90% of all patients are independent of glasses following premium IOL cataract surgery. Premium IOL surgery is not for all patients; it is not indicated in the presence of diabetes, glaucoma, or macular degeneration. Generally, these IOL’s are not covered by most insurance programs.
Restor Multi-focal IOL (Alcon)
An IOL implanted in the eye
York Eye Institute performs cataract surgery and depending on the patient’s wishes monofocal, mono-vision, and premium IOL’s can be implanted. Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure; it is performed in a surgical center taking about 15-20 minutes in the operating room. State of the art biometry equipment facilitates implantation of premium IOL’s and usually patients can be independent from glasses.