What is a Cataract?
A cataract occurs when the eye's natural lens becomes cloudy. As this happens, vision
steadily declines and becomes impaired.
The most common reason that people develop cataracts is due to aging. However, you can also develop cataracts for other reasons like trauma, genetics, or other medical conditions.
If you have cataracts, they usually develop slowly and gradually over time. They may affect
one or both eyes. As the natural lens in your eye becomes cloudy, it obstructs the passage of light, making
it more challenging to see things clearly.
Because of this, you may notice your vision becoming blurry
and distorted, or feel like you're looking at the world around you through a foggy or dirty window.
How Do You Know If You Have Cataracts?
If you have a cataract, you may notice signs like:
These are only some of the signs of cataracts. If you suspect you could have cataracts, schedule an appointment with your ophthalmologist at Gadsden Eye Associates.
What is an IOL?
An intraocular lens (or IOL) is an artificial lens implanted in your eye during cataract surgery. The IOL replaces your natural lens and lets you see clearly after cataract surgery. There are many IOLs available, and depending on the one you choose, you can look forward to better vision than you had before cataract surgery.
The IOL you choose will depend on your lifestyle goals, visual needs, and budget requirements, as premium lenses are paid for out of pocket but provide patients with significantly better vision, making them well worth the investment. Your Gadsden Eye Associates ophthalmologist will review the available IOLs and make the best recommendation for you based on these things.
Request an AppointmentIOL Options Offered at Gadsden Eye Associates
Gadsden Eye Associates offers some of the most advanced and state-of-the-art intraocular lens options. These include:
PanOptix Trifocal IOL
The PanOptix is the first and only trifocal IOL to receive FDA approval. It provides patients with clear vision up close, far away and at intermediate distances.
With the PanOptix trifocal lens, you can reduce your dependence on visual aids and achieve a fuller range of visual capabilities. Your vision will be crisper, sharper, and more vibrant than ever before.
Vivity Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) IOL
The Vivity IOL is the first and only non-diffractive extended depth of focus lens. It gives patients excellent intermediate vision while allowing them to see well up close.
The Vivity IOL also gives patients enhanced contrast sensitivity and reduces halos and glare. Using proprietary X-WAVE technology, the Vivity lens stretches and shifts light without splitting it, providing patients with a continuous extended focal range that uses all available light energy.
Toric IOL
If you have astigmatism, a toric lens may be the best choice. Toric lenses are the only IOLs specifically designed to treat astigmatism.
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is an irregular shape, leading to distorted or blurry vision. Choosing a toric IOL allows patients with astigmatism to achieve clearer vision during a single procedure. Most premium IOLs, including the Vivity IOL and the PanOptix IOL, are also available in toric models.
What to Expect
Traditional vs. Laser Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is a highly effective procedure that removes and replaces the natural lens with an intraocular lens. But at Gadsden Eye Associates, we also offer the option of laser cataract surgery.
Traditional cataract surgery uses a blade to create an incision in the eye to access the natural lens. Phacoemulsification breaks up the cataract into smaller pieces using ultrasound waves, making removing it easier. The fragmented cataract and natural lens pieces are removed using gentle suction through the same incision. After removing the cataract, the IOL is placed in the eye, where it takes the place of the natural lens. It's then positioned correctly by your cataract surgeon to help restore your ability to see clearly.
The Benefits of
Laser Cataract Surgery
Laser cataract surgery, unlike traditional methods of cataract surgery, uses laser technology to create precise incisions while ensuring more accurate lens fragmentation and astigmatism correction in patients. Using lasers in cataract surgery improves patient outcomes and safety and provides the best possible vision in patients.
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We'll Determine the
Best Procedure for You
The signs of cataracts are not exclusive to this eye condition, so it's essential to determine what is causing any vision changes you may be experiencing. If it is cataracts, your eye doctor will monitor their progression.
Since cataracts develop so gradually, you will likely not need cataract surgery immediately. Most cataract surgeons only recommend the procedure once you can no longer do what you love due to increasingly impaired vision. If your cataract surgeon determines cataract surgery is right for you, Gadsden Eye Associates will help guide you through your IOL options.
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