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Cataract surgery has come on tremendously since the procedure became mainstream back in the mid-20thcentury. Today, computer-assisted laser surgery and incredible intraocular lenses can turn cloudy eyesight into clarity almost instantly—something millions of people around the world are benefitting from every day.
However, there’s no denying that being told you need an eye operation to remove cataracts is likely to fill you with anxiety. One way to help allay this fear is through knowledge. The following looks at the many advances in cataract surgery that—if you’re going to have a procedure imminently or in the future—you’ll benefit from.
Read on to find out more.
Traditional cataract surgery involves the surgeon making a manual incision to the eye, inserting a probe, and using ultrasound to break up the existing lens. A new, artificial lens—known as an intraocular lens (IOL)—is inserted, before closing the incision without stitches. The eye then takes up to 12 weeks to heal.
Traditional cataract surgery, such as this, is still performed today. While the results are excellent, the downside is that it can’t be used if you choose one of the more advanced IOLs. Nor can it be carried out concurrently with a process that treats astigmatism.
Despite this, it remains a popular choice for those with simple cataract surgery needs. Another driving factor for traditional cataract surgery is that most medical insurances (including Medicare) will only fund this option, rather than the more advanced form of the operation.
Laser-assisted cataract surgery follows the same basic procedure with some significant improvements. Firstly, a computer program is used to definitively map the interior anatomy of the eye. Once done, this guides the laser to make the incision and break up the diseased lens. The lens is then inserted with highly accurate precision. For the more advanced IOLs (discussed below) this pinpoint accuracy is crucial for them to work correctly, hence they can only be fitted if you have this advanced form of cataract surgery.
If required, the same laser can simultaneously be used to reshape the cornea, a process that can treat astigmatism.
Laser-assisted cataract surgery has become very commonplace and, for many ophthalmologists, is the preferred form of treatment. However, the real advances that we want to talk about come in the form of the IOLs—some of which really are the stuff of science fiction…
Originally, the artificial lens that was inserted during surgery only provided focused vision at a single distance. Patients would have to decide if they wanted good near or far vision and corrective eyeglasses were prescribed to make up for the shortfall.
Today, this is very different. Advanced lenses are available that can provide excellent vision at all distances, much like bi and trifocal eyeglass lenses. There are even ones that use the eye’s natural muscle movements to change focus.
These advances mean that cataract surgery doesn’t simply restore your eyesight from the symptoms of the disease, but it can actively improve it beyond your wildest dreams. Of course, these come at a cost as they’re not covered by insurance. They also require laser cataract surgery to fit, rather than the traditional method.
If you’re interested in such lenses, it’s important to discuss the pros and cons of each type with your surgeon before deciding. Not all of these advanced lenses suit everyone, so your circumstances and eye health will need to be considered. But if a life without eyeglasses is something you’ve always dreamed of, then a cataract procedure could deliver.
Modern Cataract Surgery is the dedicated cataract clinic of the world-leading West Boca Eye Center. Here, patients benefit from the very latest cutting-edge treatment carried out by one of the foremost cataract surgeons in the world, Brent Bellotte MD. He and his team provide a second-to-none service for every type of cataract.
Whether yours are age-related, caused by trauma, or the rare congenital/childhood cataracts, you can rest assured that you’re in safe hands.
Head to https://www.moderncataractsurgery.com/ to find out more and call today for more information.
