Cataracts are one of the most common causes of vision loss in people over age 40. Data shows that there are more patients with cataracts than there are with glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy combined.
The good news is, laser cataract surgery is a simple, low-risk procedure to remove cataracts and restore your vision. At Levin Luminais Chronister Eye Associates in Thorndale and Eye Doctors of Chester County in Berwyn, we use state-of-the-art laser technology to provide the most advanced treatment for cataracts.
If cataracts make it difficult to perform daily activities such as reading, writing, driving, or recognizing faces, it may be time to consider cataract removal. Contact us today to discuss your options for cataract surgery in Chester County!
A cataract occurs when the natural lens of the eye becomes clouded with proteins. The lens is a transparent, flexible piece of tissue located directly behind the iris, the colored part of your eye. Its primary function is to help focus light and images on your retina, so you can see clearly.
As we grow older, the cells inside the eye start to deteriorate. As a result, protein in the lens may start to clump together and form a cataract. This natural “clouding” makes it difficult for light to pass through the lens, which can cause blurry vision. Over time, the cataract may worsen and result in additional vision loss.
The majority of cataracts are related to the aging process, but there are other risk factors such as diabetes, smoking, obesity, overexposure to UV light, alcohol abuse, eye injuries, and steroid use.
In the early stages of cataract development, most patients don’t experience symptoms. As the cataracts progress, you may notice:
The most effective way to diagnose cataracts is to have a comprehensive eye exam. Your eye doctor will dilate your pupils and perform a series of specialized tests to examine the lens of your eye. If a cataract is present, you will be informed of your options and a treatment plan will be recommended.
It’s important to note that not all cataracts require immediate treatment — cataracts develop gradually over time, so it could take years for vision to worsen enough to necessitate cataract surgery. The best way to know if you need cataract surgery is to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Only your doctor can determine which stage your cataracts are in and whether or not you’re a candidate for surgery.
Cataract surgery involves the surgical removal of the lens that contains a cataract. The clouded lens is then replaced with an artificial lens implant, also known as an intraocular lens (IOL).
At Levin Luminais Chronister Eye Associates and Eye Doctors of Chester County, we use advanced technology to perform laser cataract surgery, the most modern treatment option available for cataracts. The application of laser energy results in an ultra-precise corneal incision, which improves accuracy and safety for the patient. The procedure can be summarized in three steps:
Cataract surgery is a simple outpatient procedure, so no hospital stay is required. The full surgery takes about 15 minutes to perform and patients can typically go home within 30 minutes of their procedure. Since it is dangerous to drive while your vision is impaired, we recommend scheduling a ride home from our cataract center in Thorndale.
There are a wide variety of IOLs to choose from. Before cataract surgery, your doctor will discuss the options that best match your needs. Multiple factors are taken into consideration when recommending an IOL, such as your unique visual needs and lifestyle. In general, these are the most common types of IOLs:
While complications after cataract surgery are rare, there are some risks to take into consideration. Some patients may experience inflammation, infection, bleeding, or swelling after the procedure. Your risk of complications increases if you have an eye disease or a health condition. If you have glaucoma or macular degeneration, your doctor may recommend treatment for those conditions before undergoing cataract surgery.
Do you or a loved one have trouble completing tasks at home or at work because of blurry vision from cataracts? It may be time to consider cataract surgery. Don’t wait until your vision gets worse — schedule a consultation at our cataract center in Thorndale or Berwyn, PA!