Cataract formation is primarily due to aging. Other causes include trauma, medications such as steroids, systemic diseases such as diabetes and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light. Occasionally, babies are born with a cataract. Wearing sunglasses may reduce your risk for developing a cataract by limiting exposure to ultraviolet light. However, once a cataract has developed, the only cure is surgical removal. It is time to have surgery when your vision interferes with your lifestyle.
Although the formation of a cataract can make activities such as reading and driving difficult, good vision can be safely restored with outpatient cataract surgery. Now, with the development of no-stitch, a small-incision procedure, patients are experiencing a faster recovery.
Cataracts can create symptoms including:
Cataract surgery is the most common surgery in America. Our physicians remove the cataract through a small incision using an advanced technique known as phacoemulsification. Ultrasound energy is used to break up the cloudy lens material and remove it from the eye. A new plastic lens replaces the clouded one. Usually, this lens will last you the rest of your life. This lens correctly focuses light to the back of the eye. As with any surgical procedure, complications can occur during or after surgery and some are severe enough to limit vision. However, the overwhelming majority of patients are pleased with the improvement of both their vision and quality of life. Out of the one and a half million people who have this procedure every year, 95% have a successful result.
Carolina Centers for Sight is excited to offer laser-enabled cataract surgery featuring Alcon’s LenSx® laser. This innovative laser enhances cataract surgery with unrivaled precision and individualization. The pioneering technology incorporates computer control into vital steps of the procedure, providing cataract patients with the most advanced surgical option available.
Stitch-free cataract surgery facilitates rapid recovery with reduced discomfort and improved vision without the necessity for stitches. Our cataract surgeons skillfully create a small incision at the edge of the cornea, allowing them to remove the cataract and implant the IOL without the need for stitches. The area will naturally heal and close, minimizing discomfort and irritation that can sometimes occur with stitches.
With topical anesthetics, you can now have cataract surgery without the use of needles. This approach eliminates the discomfort and anxiety frequently associated with needles.
If you think you might need cataract surgery, the first step is to have a comprehensive eye examination. Your doctor will be able to determine if a cataract is the cause of your decreased vision. If it is, and if it is inhibiting your quality of life and the activities that bring you joy, then our surgeons can help you determine which cataract surgery option is best for your eyes and lifestyle.
Once you have cataract surgery, you cannot change your mind to upgrade to a premium lens implant. That is why it is so important to really think about this decision ahead of time. At Carolinas Center for Sight, we strive to answer all your questions and help you through this decision process. We understand that your lifetime of good vision depends on it.
A portion of the cost of laser cataract surgery and advanced lens implants is covered by Medicare and most health insurance plans, but an additional payment is typically required. At West Georgia Eye Care Center, you can take advantage of 24-month, 0% payment plans to help manage the out-of-pocket costs.
Our experienced eye surgeons are dedicated to discussing the best surgical options tailored to your visual health and specific needs. Collectively, our cataract surgeons have performed over 20,000 cataract procedures, helping patients regain their vision and quality of life. We offer both basic and advanced laser cataract surgery, along with a range of monofocal and advanced lens implants.
No, if both eyes require surgery, they are typically performed 1-2 weeks apart.
You will usually be at the surgery center for about 2 hours, but on average the surgery only takes about 10 minutes.
No, general anesthesia is not necessary to perform cataract surgery. You will receive a light sedation to help you relax. Although you will still be awake, most patients will not remember the surgery.
No. Eye drops are used to numb the eye. Patients feel pressure on the eyelids, cool fluid, and see a ring of lights.
Many will feel comfortable driving, but there are also many who may have an imbalance between their eyes after their first surgery. Those who have an imbalance and reduced depth perception are encouraged to limit driving during the week between surgeries. In addition, caution should be taken while walking up and down stairs and curbs after the first eye if the depth perception is initially reduced.
The most important thing is not to rub your eye. You will need to wear a clear, plastic shield at night for the first week to help protect the eye. Although the risk of infection is rare, we also ask you to avoid swimming in pools and hot tubs for the first two weeks.
Our surgeons and doctors are among the most experienced in the world.
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