Cataract surgery has had many recent innovations in both procedure technology and intraocular lens implant advances. As a patient, it’s helpful to know that cataract surgery has a success rate that is over 99%. Intraocular lenses inserted during the procedure allow cataract surgical patients to regain the eyesight of their youth. Instead of dealing with glasses after surgery, eligible patients may have the choice to upgrade to “premium” lenses that enable vision at multiple distances. In addition to the new lens implants, less invasive techniques have come to fruition to enable much faster healing.
Cataract Surgery Choices
Are you seeking a Washington DC cataract surgeon?
Once you have decided to have cataract surgery, you will have a number of important decisions to make. The first item on the agenda is to select a skilled cataract surgeon. At Washington Eye Physicians & Surgeons, you will find fellowship-trained surgeons with sub-specialty expertise to assist in providing you with the most up-to-date techniques and equipment available in the country. All of this helps to insure a safe and comfortable procedure. Once you have selected a cataract surgeon, it is time to understand which lens implant option will be the most appropriate for you. It’s important to discuss your options with a qualified ophthalmologist. Your options will include monofocal lenses, astigmatism correcting lenses, multifocal lenses, or a combination of these technologies. We thank you for considering Washington Eye Physicians & Surgeons as an option for cataract treatment in Washington DC.
The Cataract Surgery Process
What happens during cataract surgery?
After the proper anesthesia and numbing of the eye, your cataract surgeon will be ready to make a small incision in your eye about 2mm wide. Modern day cataract surgery is also called microsurgery because the incision sizes have become so small. Once the incision is made, the cataract surgeon will insert a probe to break up the cloudy cataract and then remove the material. A suction tube will remove all of the loose debris and the lens capsule will be prepared for the artificial IOL implant. The rolled intraocular lens is then inserted through a small tube and then unrolls in place. Intraocular lenses will have haptics or “lens arms” to hold it in place. With the cataract removed and the IOL in place, light can once again travel unimpeded to the back of the eye and focus on the retina where the image is interpreted and transmitted to the brain. The end result is clear youthful vision.
Determining Your Cataract Lens Implant
An important part of your pre-operative process will involve choosing a lens implant. Implants are divided into 3 main categories
- Monofocal
- Astigmatism Correcting
- Multifocal
How do monofocal and multifocal lenses work?
Monofocal lens implants work when light enters the actual lens and it is bent to a specific focal point. Because the lens is monofocal, the light can only be bent to one focus point at a time. The light from these lenses is bent to focus specifically on the retina of the eye.
New lens implants are now available that can correct vision at near, intermediate and far distances. These types of lenses are commonly called “lifestyle lens implants” or premium lens implants and fall into the categories listed below. If you have astigmatism a monofocal Toric lens and or LensX femtosecond laser may be suggested. Multifocal, Toric, and accommodating lens implants are all considered premium lens implants.
After Cataract Surgery
Most patients are concerned about the cataract surgery recovery process. Our doctors at Washington Eye Physicians & Surgeons provide the best quality care and thoroughly explain what you can expect after cataract treatment. Recovery from cataract surgery is generally very quick. Most patients obtain better vision within the first 24 hours of the procedure. Itching and mild discomfort are normal after cataract surgery. Some fluid discharge is also common. Your eye may be sensitive to light and touch. If you have discomfort, your doctor can suggest treatment.
After one or two days, any moderate discomfort should disappear. Complete visual recovery varies from patient to patient but most patients return to their everyday activities within a day or two. If you have cataracts in both eyes, the second procedure will most likely be scheduled within a week or two. Your doctor will schedule exams to check on your progress. Each person heals differently so it is important to discuss the cataract surgery recovery with your eye doctor.
Schedule an appointment with the cataract specialists at Washington Eye Physicians & Surgeons to learn more about cataract treatment in the Washington DC area.
