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A cataract is a cloudy area in the normally clear lens in the the eye. Cataracts are caused by a chemical change of unknown origin in the eye, and cause blurred or distorted vision. They cannot be prevented from forming, but early detection through regular eye exams can help maintain the clearest vision possible.
People at risk for developing cataracts are over 55 years old, have had eye injuries or disease, have a family history of cataracts, smoke cigarettes or use certain medications. There is no pain associated with the condition, but there are several symptoms that indicate failing vision due to cataracts. These include:
- Blurred/hazy vision
- Spots in front of the eye(s)
- Sensitivity to glare
- A feeling of "film" over the eye(s)
- A temporary improvement in near vision
Vision loss from cataracts can often be corrected with prescription glasses and contact lenses. For people who are significantly affected by cataracts, replacement surgery may be the preferred method of treatment. During cataract replacement, the most common surgical procedure in the country, the lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one called an intraocular lens or IOL. Currently technology allows for the replacement olf the lens with a multifocal lens, the ReSTOR lens, which allows vision for both near and far without glasses 80% of the time. Using the new lens technology of the Acrysoftoric implant, astigmatism can also be corrected at the time of cataract surgery. In many cases the optics of the eye can be further improved over it original natural state by implanting the AcrySof IQ lens, a wave-front corrected implant.
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Flexible IOLs have been used for years to help patients enjoy clear vision after cataract surgery. The advanced ReSTOR® lens improves upon ordinary IOLs by providing a full range of focusing distances. A series of 12 gradual "step heights" create seamless focusing ability from near to far, while the edge of the IOL enhances distance vision. A feature called apodization also helps the eye distribute light evenly in different lighting conditions. Best of all, up to 80% of patients who use the ReSTOR® lens don't need glasses or contact lenses after surgery.
www.acrysofrestor.com
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Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is usually recommended to patients over 55 who are not candidates for LASIK. Using methods similar to those in cataract surgery, a ReSTOR® intraocular lens is implanted in place of the eye's natural lens. This lens allows most patients to experience visual correction without the need for distance or reading glasses or contact lens. Refractive Lens Exchange is done as an out-patient procedure at the Eye Surgery Center of Winchester under local anesthesia and takes approximately 15-30 minutes. In most cases the patient can return to full activity the day after surgery with functional vision returning to the eye at that point.
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Conductive Keratoplasty or CK is a safe, non-laser, non-cutting technique approved by the FDA to reduce or eliminate presbyopia or hyperopia. The CK procedure releases radiofrequency energy through a probe as thin as a strand of human hair, treating your vision condition without cutting or removing tissue. The controlled release of RF energy in a circular pattern shrinks tissue in the cornea to reshape it, improving the way the eye focuses light.
CK was the first FDA-approved method for treating Presbyopia. It takes less than five minutes per eye and uses only a topical anesthetic. Post-operative discomfort is minimal and vision improves almost immediately.
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