Cataract Surgery
Cataract by Definition
Did you know that cataracts will affect over half of all adults over age 60? A cataract is a gradual clouding of the natural lens of the eye. Symptoms of cataracts include reduced depth perception, annoying glare in sunlight, diminished color perception and poor night vision. A cataract is not a "film" over the eye, and neither diet nor lasers will make it go away. The best way to treat a cataract is to remove the old, clouded lens and provide a replacement.
So what exactly is a Cataract –
As light passes through the cataractous lens, it is diffused or scattered. The result is blurred or defocused vision. Simply put, a cataract is a "clouding" of the lens in your eye. The lens, located just behind the iris, or the colored part of your eye, works like the lens of a camera. It picks up images, then focuses the lights, colors, and shapes on the retina - the transmitter located at the back of your eye that sends the images to your brain.
The human lens, made mostly of protein and water, can become clouded--so clouded it keeps light and images from reaching the retina. Eye injury, certain diseases, or even some medications can cause the clouding. But, in over 90% of cases, clouding is caused by the aging process.
The Miracle of Cataract Surgery
When your cataract has been removed it may seem like a miracle. All the things you couldn't see clearly are bright, clear, and vivid again. In fact, many people will tell you they haven't seen life so clearly in years.
Dr. Shultz is considered a leader and pioneer in IOL technology and Cataract Surgery techniques. He continues to perform FDA investigations on involving cutting edge technologies, and frequently teaches the latest advances in Cataract Surgery to doctors Worldwide. Our practice has extensive training in cataract removal, and we continuously strive to provide cataract patients with the safest, most pain-free recovery of vision possible. New advances and techniques have made cataract surgery one of the most successful and life-improving surgical procedures performed. All of our cataract surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis, and more than 95 percent of surgeries improve vision. When your cataract has been removed it may seem like a miracle. All the things you couldn't see clearly are bright, clear and vivid again. In fact, many people will tell you they haven't seen life so clearly in years. Once you see how good the world looks, you'll be so glad -- like millions of others just like you -- that a cataract is one thing you can live without. As with any surgical procedure, there are risks. You and Dr. Shultz or Dr. Chang will consider the potential risks and benefits and determine if cataract surgery is right for you.
The Miracle of Cataract Surgery
Femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery is the most advanced surgical treatment for cataracts available anywhere. This state-of-the-art procedure allows for a less invasive operation while maintaining the highest standards of surgical care. In Laser assisted Cataract Surgery, the laser is used to create a perfect opening in the cataract, next it is used to break up the cataract to facilitate removal of the pieces, and finally tiny incisions are made to allow access to remove the cataract. The actual procedure usually takes between six to ten minutes, and only drops are used to numb the eye during surgery. The laser capsulotomy allows for perfect position on the new lens implant to ensure the lens does not tilt or shift after surgery. Since the incision area is so small, stiches are generally not required, and patients heal quicker and resume normal activities much faster than ever before.
How Will It Feel
Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure. You'll spend just a few hours at the Surgery Center. Because your eyes will be treated with anesthetic, you should feel little to no pain or discomfort.
After the surgery, you'll be given a short time to rest. Then, the very same day, you can go home. Within the next 24 hours, Dr. Shultz or Dr. Chang will want to see you for an evaluation. Drops will be prescribed to guard against infection and inflammation to help your eyes heal.
Once you see how good the world looks, you'll be so glad -- like millions of others just like you -- that a cataract is one thing you can live without.
Femtosecond Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery
About the Surgery
Femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery is the most advanced surgical treatment for cataracts available anywhere. This state-of-the-art procedure allows for a less invasive operation while maintaining the highest standards of surgical care. In Laser assisted Cataract Surgery, the laser is used to create a perfect opening in the cataract, next it is used to break up the cataract to facilitate removal of the pieces, and finally tiny incisions are made to allow access to remove the cataract. The actual procedure usually takes between six to ten minutes, and only drops are used to numb the eye during surgery. The laser capsulotomy allows for perfect position on the new lens implant to ensure the lens does not tilt or shift after surgery. Since the incision area is so small, stiches are generally not required, and patients heal quicker and resume normal activities much faster than ever before.
How Will It Feel
Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure. You'll spend just a few hours at the Surgery Center. Because your eyes will be treated with anesthetic, you should feel little to no pain or discomfort.
After the surgery, you'll be given a short time to rest. Then, the very same day, you can go home. Within the next 24 hours, Dr. Shultz or Dr. Chang will want to see you for an evaluation. Drops will be prescribed to guard against infection and inflammation to help your eyes heal.
Once you see how good the world looks, you'll be so glad -- like millions of others just like you -- that a cataract is one thing you can live without.