Cataract Surgery Specialist

What are cataracts?

A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens in your eye that bends light rays to enable vision. When clouding occurs, it can seem like you’re looking at the world through fog or a dusty car windshield. Colors can appear less vibrant, and objects can look blurry or hazy. 

Aging is the primary cause of cataracts. As the years pass, the proteins in your lens begin to break down. If you’ve sustained an eye injury, spent a lot of time in the sun, or have certain medical issues like diabetes, you have an increased risk of developing cataracts.  

What is cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery is a treatment option that improves cataracts by removing the clouded lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. It’s a common ophthalmology procedure and is both safe and effective when performed by an experienced specialist. 

Not everyone with a cataract needs surgery. If your cataract isn’t interfering with your ability to drive, work, read, and manage normal daily tasks, you may be able to delay or avoid surgery. 

Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure, and the entire process usually takes an hour or less. Dr. Paikal administers local anesthetic to keep you comfortable, and special eye drops to dilate your pupil. He then creates an incision, removes the clouded portion of your lens, and inserts an artificial lens into position. 

If you also have astigmatism, an irregularly shaped cornea, a toric intraocular lens is a great option. This type of lens is manufactured with different powers in various areas of the lens, allowing for customized vision correction. Another option is the TECNIS SymfonyⓇ lens, created to allow for continuous vision adaptation without glare, halos, or nighttime dysphotopsia. 

What can I do to help prevent cataracts?

It may not be possible to fully prevent cataracts, but there are steps you can take to protect your eye health and potentially delay the development of cataracts. These include:

• If you’re a smoker, find a smoking cessation program that works for you
• Come in for routine eye exams at least once every other year
• Choose a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, including lots of dark leafy greens
• Wear sunglasses daily to protect your eyes from sun damage

If you have additional questions or concerns about cataracts, or would like a thorough eye exam to gain more insight into your eye health, reach out to David Paikal, MD, today. Schedule an appointment by calling the office to speak with a team member.