Cataract Surgery

As we get older, we all develop cataracts. A cataract is a gradual (but sometimes rapid) cloudiness that develops in the lens of the eye. With time, these cataracts causes vision problems such as blurriness, loss of depth perception, glare and changes in color perception. Luckily, cataracts may be “cured” with cataract surgery. Modern cataract surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that carefully removes the cloudy lens (cataract) using microscopic incisions in the eye. An implant is carefully folded and inserted into the position where the cataractous lens was. While it varies greatly, cataract surgery usually last from 8 to 20 minutes under local anesthesia with sedation provided by an anesthesiologist.

 

Implant choices

Today, the “one size fits all” approach to cataract surgery is no longer used. Each person who chooses to undergo cataract surgery should be well informed of which implant should be chosen during cataract surgery.

 

Standard Monofocal Implants

The modern standard monofocal implant is made from either silicon or acrylic. They are usually folded prior to insertion and maintains excellent shape stability after unfolding and positioning inside the eye. In healthy individuals with low levels of astigmatism, these lens can often provide excellent distance or near vision without the assistance of glasses or contacts.

 

Astigmatic Toric Implants

Astigmatism is a condition where an eye has more than one measurements of either near sightedness, farsightedness or both. Astigmatism can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses or laser vision correction (like LASIK), so that the person can see clearly. Astigmatism can also be corrected during cataract surgery with a Toric implant. Toric implants differ from Standard Monofocal implants in that they are shaped to optimal correct the unevenness in a person’s prescription. They are several companies that produce Toric implants.  Dr. Ky will help guide you to see if Toric implants are right for you.

 

Presbyopic (Far plus near) Implants

After cataract surgery with either a Monofocal or Toric implant, people can either see distance or near well, without the use of glasses. For those who qualify, some people may be able to have the Presbyopic implant. The Presbyopic implant have the ability to allow people to see both distance and near without the assistance of glasses. The two types of FDA Presbyopic implants are the Crystalens and the Multifocal implants. Dr. Ky is an expert with both types of presbyopic implants.