Cataracts
A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens. As we age, the lens becomes cloudy and vision becomes blurred. Common symptoms of cataract include: blurry vision without pain, fading of colors, glare, light sensitivity, worsening night vision, and difficulty reading in dim light. Not everybody experiences all of these symptoms.
Both Dr. Frank Ashburn and Dr. Melanie Buttross diagnose cataracts and perform cataract surgery using the latest techniques, most modern equipment. Surgery is performed on an outpatient basis.
When is a Cataract “Ripe?”
In addition, some people have cataracts and don’t experience any symptoms at all. When vision is interfering with daily functions like driving, reading, working, or hobbies, cataracts can be removed. This happens at a younger age for some people, and for others, not at all. Only when cataracts are causing vision problems for the patient do they need to be removed.
Cataract Surgery Uses an Artificial Implant
Cataract surgery has been revolutionized over the past few decades. In short, the clouded natural lens is removed and an artificial lens implant is placed. The artificial lens is chosen based on the specific measurements of each patient’s eye.
There are many choices in lens implants and their powers. In addition, state of the art, or premium lenses, are now widely used to correct both distance and near reading vision.
Monovision, multifocal, and toric lenses to correct for astigmatism are excellent options. Our surgeons are happy to discuss these options, and help choose the right lens for you.
Scheduling Outpatient Cataract Surgery
Once a patient is diagnosed with a cataract and surgery is planned, measurements of the eye are taken in our office. Each patient is given a preoperative surgery packet and is instructed to take eye drops beginning the day before surgery.
Cataract surgery is done on an outpatient basis at the Friendship Ambulatory Surgery Center. Only one eye is done at a time. Our surgical scheduler for cataract surgery is Ms. Mina Lourenco.
What Happens at Friendship Ambulatory Surgery Center? make this link to sx center directions and map
On the day of surgery, patients report to the surgery center, and greet their surgeon in the preoperative area. Once in the operating room, they receive “twilight” anesthesia as well as topical numbing drops. The procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes to perform.
Afterwards, patients relax with a snack in the recovery room before going home. Patients will need a ride home from surgery. Once home, they take it easy and use prescribed eye drops.
Your Care After Cataract Surgery
All of the instructions are explained in person and printed on an instruction sheet. The next day, patients will see their surgeon in the office for the first post- operative check up. The second follow up visit is usually the following week.
Cataract Surgery Using the LenSx Laser
Laser surgery can now be part of your cataract surgery. Surgery with the LenSx laser allows for customization during surgery. The LenSx Laser can perform several of the most critical steps of the surgical process with an image-guided femtosecond laser. An OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) is used to capture high resolution images of the eyes during surgery. A bladeless computer controlled laser allows our surgeons, Drs. Ashburn and Buttross to perform cataract surgery with individualized specifications. This allows for better postoperative results and vision.
While this seems like a lot of information, our office staff and surgical coordinator will guide each patient through this process step by step.
