Cataract Surgery

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 and ReZOOM lenses, allow patients to see both near and far following surgery. These so-called presbyopia correcting lens implants are an exciting new development that we can offer to our cataract patients.

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