What is a Cataract?

Cataracts are the leading cause of visual loss in adults 55 or older. A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside your eye. This lens, located behind the iris, works just like the lens of a camera – focusing light images on the retina, which sends images to the brain. The human lens can become so clouded it prevents light and images from reaching the retina. Think of it as a dirty or cloudy window in your home.

A cataract can be the reason sharp objects become blurred, bright colors become dull, or seeing at night is more difficult. It may also be why reading glasses or bifocals that used to help you no longer seem to be effective. Unfortunately, cataracts cannot be prevented. Eye injury, certain diseases, or even some medications can cause clouding, but the majority of cataracts are simply a result of the natural aging process.

The best way to treat a cataract is with surgery that removes the old, clouded lens and replaces it with a new, artificial one to restore your vision and, in many ways, significantly renew your vision and improve your quality of life.

Cataract Surgery

A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s generally clear lens, caused either by discoloration or the clumping of proteins. The most effective way to treat cataracts is cataract surgery, wherein the lens of the eye is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens.

Cataract surgery is an extremely common outpatient procedure, performed by our doctors at the Mohawk Valley Eye Surgery Center (conveniently located next to our offices).

The procedure itself takes approximately 10-15 minutes, is painless, and is a non-invasive surgery. Patients receiving cataract surgery will need someone to drive them home, as they will be given a small dose of anesthesia for comfort.

Prior to surgery, our doctors will review risks and benefits associated with cataract surgery with you so that you can make an informed decision about the procedure. Most patients are able to return to their normal activities the day after their surgery, and it is common to experience improved vision soon after the surgery is complete.

Active Lifestyle Lens Options

When the natural lens in your eye has clouded and hardened over time, you now have several options for a replacement lens. Youthful vision is our goal, and our doctors will discuss your options based on your lifestyle, occupation and hobbies.

Life without glasses or bifocals is something most people experienced when they were young. Today we are able to give patients choices after Cataract surgery, choices that affect their vision outcomes and possibly freedom from glasses.

There are several types of artificial lenses that are available to cataract patients today. These include:

Accommodating Lenses (those that flex like the eye’s natural lens)
Multifocal Lenses (designed to see near, intermediate and far through their lens’ optics)
Toric Lenses (designed to treat astigmatism).

What is the Femtosecond Laser?

The cataract surgery using manual phacoemulsification is one of the most common medical procedures and definitely one of the safest and most effective, but also totally dependent on the surgical skills and experience of the physician. New, advanced technology IOLs are nowadays on the market and patients want surgery at a younger age than ever before with very high expectations regarding the refractive outcome.

The Femtosecond Laser is an ultrafast laser system that emits laser pulses in femtosecond durations (one quadrillionth of a second). This advanced technology allows for precise and controlled laser energy delivery, enabling surgeons to perform a range of procedures with enhanced accuracy and safety.

Experience the advancements of Femtosecond Laser technology. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how this innovative technology can enhance the safety, precision, and effectiveness of your eye surgery. Our dedicated team is committed to providing you with the highest standard of care and helping you achieve optimal visual health and clarity.