Cataract Surgery at Shady Grove Ophthalmology
Do You Need Cataract Surgery?
Your eye has a clear lens through which light passes, allowing you to see. When the lens loses its transparency, the cloudy tissue that develops is known as a cataract.
Cataracts cause progressive, painless loss of vision. The lens clouds naturally as we age, so people over the age of 65 usually see a gradual reduction of vision. No one is exactly sure what causes cataracts. In younger people they can result from an injury, certain medications, or illnesses such as diabetes. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light may also play a role in the formation of cataracts. Studies have also shown that people who smoke cigarettes have a higher risk of developing cataracts than non-smokers.
Some signs that you might have cataracts:
Although cataracts usually develop without apparent pain, some indications that a cataract may be forming are:
- Blurred or hazy vision
- Double vision
- Poor vision in bright light
- Seeing halos around lights
- Yellowish tinged vision
- Night vision difficulty
If visual impairment interferes with your ability to read, work, or do the things you enjoy, then you will want to consider cataract surgery. Surgery is the only proven means of effectively treating cataracts. Cataract surgery is a relatively painless and is one of the most frequently performed procedures. It has a very high success rate and more than 90 percent of cataract surgery patients regain useful vision.
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(301) 279-0600
Contact us to schedule an evaluation to see if you have cataracts and if cataract surgery is right for you!
Understanding Cataracts and Cataract Surgery
Below is a introduction video that helps explain cataracts and cataract surgery.
What is the Treatment For Cataracts?
As part of the normal aging process, the natural clear lens inside of the eye becomes cloudy and opaque. This blocks and diminishes the passage of light onto the retina. During cataract surgery, your eye surgeon will remove the cloudy natural lens replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Cataracts are very common and surgery has been the only proven way to treat cataracts.
Pre- Operative Testing
We pride ourselves on having the most state-of-the-art technology available for our patients. During your consult advanced biometric testing was done to help Dr. Roberts select the best lens power to correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
Laser Cataract Surgery
The femtosecond laser has revolutionized cataract surgery. Traditional cataract surgery requires the surgeon to perform very precise incisions and break up the cataract using a hand-held metal or diamond blades in combination with ultrasound technology. The laser is also used to soften the cataract with very precise laser pulses which break up the cataract into very tiny pieces. With this use of the laser to soften the cataract it allows for a more gentle removal of the lens therefore less strain on the eye. Using a computer-guided laser helps automate this entire process and allows for a truly customized cataract removal treatment.
Laser Astigmatism Correction
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is not spherical in shape and has a relatively similar shape to a football. This is usually corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery. The femtosecond laser is approved to correct astigmatism with advanced computer guidance that creates small limbal relaxing incisions. It helps to relax areas of corneal steepening that causes corneal astigmatism.
Laser-Assisted Removal of the Cataract
Dr. Roberts will use the femtosecond laser to create a precise circular opening in the natural lens. Studies show that this opening is much more accurate when performed with the laser resulting in a more precise and accurate visual outcome. Once the laser has gained access to the cataract inside the natural lens, the laser then softens the cataract by breaking it up into small pieces. This allows for a gentler and easier removal of the cataract with less stress on the eye itself.
Goals for Cataract Surgery
Our surgical team, alongside Dr. Roberts, will develop and tailor a customized treatment plan that best suits your lifestyle and vision goals. This plan is based on the health of your eye and your desired vision after surgery. With modern technological testing, laser-assisted cataract surgery, advanced technology intraocular lenses, and our knowledgeable team we will strive to meet your visual goals.
What is Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery (LACS)?
Traditional cataract surgery is performed by surgeons with handheld eye instruments to perform very precise incisions in the eye in order to remove the old clouded lens and replace it with a new lens. This traditional method of cataract surgery is very reliable and has had very good results.
Today, technology has allowed us to move to an even higher level of precession with the advancement of “Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery” or LACS. With the use of a laser, Dr. Roberts is able to cut precise incisions in the eye to remove the clouded eye lens. The laser is also used to soften the cataract with very precise laser pulses which breaks the cataract up into very tiny pieces. With this use of the laser to soften the clouded cataract allows for a more gentle removal of the lens therefore less trauma and strain on the eye. Using a computer guided laser helps automate this entire process and allows for a true customized cataract removal treatment.
Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery (LACS)
A cataract is a very common eye condition. Cataracts cause the lens in the eyes to become cloudy or fuzzy making it difficult to see, which makes everyday tasks difficult. Normally people have issues with night vision and may find it difficult to distinguish two similar dark colors. Many people have sensitivity to sunlight and glare. Some cataracts grow denser and larger over the years and can cause severe vision changes. Today, technology has progressed and surgery is performed to correct vision loss before a cataract progresses far enough to cause you to become blind. Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed medical procedures today.
Traditional cataract surgery is performed by surgeons with handheld eye instruments to perform very precise incisions in the eye in order to remove the old clouded lens and replace it with a new lens. This traditional method of cataract surgery is very reliable and has had very good results.
Today, technology has allowed us to move to an even higher level of precession with the advancement of “Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery”. With the use of a laser, Dr. Roberts is able to cut precise incisions in the eye to remove the clouded eye lens. The laser is also used to soften the cataract with very precise laser pulses which breaks the cataract up into very tiny pieces. With this use of the laser to soften the clouded cataract allows for a more gentle removal of the lens therefore less trauma and strain on the eye. Using a computer guided laser helps automate this entire process and allows for a true customized cataract removal treatment.
Once the cataract is removed an already predetermined intraocular lens is inserted into the eye. The new clear lens will allow light to be clearly focused onto the eyes retina and provide clear vision again. By using the newest state of the art laser assisted cataract surgery techniques a much higher quality of vision is achieved.
Laser assisted cataract surgery is now the recommended method of cataract surgery for many. Laser cataract surgery is relatively painless and provides extremely good results. If you are having issues with your vision, or have been diagnosed with cataracts, contact Dr. Roberts at Shady Grove Ophthalmology for an eye consultation.
Below is a video that discusses traditional cataract surgery verses laser assisted
Intraocular Lenses (IOLS)
An intraocular lens (IOLs) is what the natural lens (where the cataract develops) is replaced with. This allows light to focus back onto the retina. In the past, patients have had to wear very thick eyeglasses or special contact lenses. IOLs have evolved tremendously throughout the past 4 decades. They last a patient’s entire lifetime. Intraocular lenses have the same effect as glasses and contacts. This is an exciting time for people requiring an intraocular lens implant, as your choices are now safer and more effective than ever. With modern-day cataract surgery, patients have the unique opportunity to customize their visual outcomes. Your eye surgeon is an expert on all available lenses and how their individual benefits pertain to each patient’s needs.
Intraocular Lens (IOL) Options
Materials continue to improve, becoming more pliable and biostable and giving lensmakers greater freedom to address specific vision needs. The earliest IOLs were made of thermal plastic a material that improved dramatically over the years, but still had inherent restrictions for microsurgery. Today’s state-of-the-art acrylics offer better plasticity and stability and give surgeons superior control during microsurgery.
Monofocal IOL
If you are a patient and have cataracts in both eyes, Monofocol Intraocular lenses may provide the best result. A Monofocol IOL is used to provide the patient with a fixed focus for one distance. At Shady Grove Ophthalmology, Dr. Anthony Roberts will work with you to decide what distance would be appropriate for you whether that be near focus, mid-distance focus, or distant focus. With a Monofocol IOL, you are only able to choose one distance and the focus will not change after surgery. Traditional cataract surgery using a Monofocol IOL would give the patient focus for both eyes for distance and the patient would then use reading glasses to see near objects.
Toric IOL
For Cataract patients who have astigmatism, and who do not wish to wear eyeglasses to see clearly at a distance, choosing a Toric Lens Implant can help them be free of glasses for tasks such as driving, which requires clear distance vision. Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is more oval or football-shaped instead of being a perfect sphere. The resulting vision is often blurry and distorted. Mild forms of astigmatism may not need correction, but the stronger the prescription gets, the more patients become dependent on glasses to see. Toric Lens Implants do not correct Presbyopia, and therefore even with Toric Lens Implants to correct astigmatism after Cataract Surgery, most patients still require reading glasses or bifocals to be able to comfortably perform near vision tasks such as reading and intermediate vision tasks such as computer work.
Multifocal
A Multifocal Lens Implant is a lens that has a different power in the center of the lens and another power in the border of the lens so that vision can be focused far or near out of the same eye. These different zones of lens power work together to provide the eye with near and distance vision. The lenses are made of plastic or silicone materials and placed permanently in the eye after the removal of the eye’s natural lens. Subsequently, a Multifocal Lens can help correct Nearsightedness, Farsightedness, and Presbyopia. Our eyes are continuously focusing on objects at different distances. Whether it be watching television, sitting at a computer, or driving, our eyes automatically focus on different things at different distances quite quickly. As we age, the ability for our eyes to change focus (or accommodate) weakens, which leads to the need for bifocals and reading glasses.
Extended Depth of Focus IOL (Vivity)
The Vivity intraocular lens is a new intraocular lens that uses proprietary, non-diffractive technology called X-Wave. With X-Wave, the user can see with all available light, resulting in an uninterrupted range of vision. This includes when you’re in bright and dim lighting. That means you’ll achieve excellent distance and in-between vision, as well as being able to see well up close. With other IOLs, the light is split into several separate focal points. This often results in patients seeing visual aberrations like glare, starbursts, and halos around lights, even after cataract surgery. For patients that choose the Vivity lens, they report fewer visual disturbances.
Another advantage of this premium lens is the X-Wave technology even protects your eyes from the sun’s UV rays and damaging blue light from digital devices. The Vivity lens also comes in a toric lens model for patients with astigmatism as well to ensure that astigmatism is corrected during cataract surgery.
For patients that suffer from astigmatism, Shady Grove Ophthalmology may suggest the Alcon ArcySof IQ Toric which provides stability and exceptional performance.
AcrySof IQ PanOptix IOL provides vision correction at all distances with reduced need for glasses. Learn more!
Our Practice
At Shady Grove Ophthalmology, we understand the importance of your vision. Dr. Anthony O. Roberts is committed to using some of the most advanced technology available for vision correction, cataract removal, and treatment of eye disease. With innovative laser systems, multi-focal intraocular lens implants, and state-of-the-art techniques for cataract surgery, Dr. Roberts aims to give all of our patients the safest, most effective eye treatments. Our entire office staff prides itself on delivering personalized premium quality eye care to all our patients.
