Cataracts can't be treated with medication or lasers. Surgery
is still the only treatment option and one of the most common
and reliable operations. Each year, more than a million people have their
vision improved through cataract surgery. During surgery, the cloudy
lens is removed and replaced with a clear, man made intraocular lens
(IOL).
In order
to treat cataracts, your doctor uses a microscope and small
instruments to make an incision and remove the old lens.
Depending on the condition of the lens, it will either be removed in
one piece or broken apart with soundwaves (ultrasound). The pieces will
then be removed. The natural membrane (capsule) that held your lens is
left in place.
Once your old lens has been removed, your doctor inserts
the new lens (IOL) through the incision. The IOL is
then positioned in the capsule that held your old lens.
With the new lens in place, your doctor is ready to close
the incision. In most cases, the incision is self-sealing
(no-stitch). That means it will stay closed on its own without
stitches. Sometimes, however, a stitch may be needed.
Newer lens implants, such as the ReSTOR lens, allow patients to see
both near and far following surgery. These so-called presbyopic
or multifocal lens implants on exciting new level of vision
for our offer patients. We are happy to offer this new technology.
