CATARACT SURGERY
Are you in the early stages of developing a cataract? Are you seeking cataract surgery in Indianapolis? If so you have come to the right cataract surgery website. The doctors at Whitson Vision are dedicated to excellent outcomes in cataract surgery and have made all the necessary technological advancements to make sure each patient gets the best cataract care possible. If you are like most patients first starting to experience the onset of cataracts you might not even be aware you have cataracts. Many people will suffer for years with cataracts as they “ripen” and mature with cloudiness. Many cataract surgery patients complain about a dullness of colors and night driving problems. Cataracts will slowly limit a person’s ability to do simple and basic lifestyle things like reading a paper, driving, seeing road signs and even exercising. About 50% of people over the age of 60, and many younger than that, suffer from cataracts. In fact, cataracts are so common it is said that everyone will develop a cataract if they live long enough.
A Brief Look in Cataract History
Cataract surgery used to be a very complicated procedure, but with the beginning of phacoemulsification pioneered by Charles Kelman in the late 1960s and early 1970s modern cataract surgery is much safer, simpler and effective. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, more than 3 million people have cataract surgery each year. It has become one of the most common medical surgeries performed in the United States. Now, with modern cataract surgery techniques it has become outpatient procedure, which typically takes about 10-15 minutes to complete per case. If you are seeking cataract surgery in Indianapolis, Dr. Whitson is an excellent surgical ophthalmologist, well skilled in cataract surgery and premium lens implantation. Dr. Whitson and the Physicians at Whitson Vision have various vision correction options for after cataract surgery and can explain how to put you on a path to seeing better without complete dependence on glasses.
Understanding Cataract Surgery
The development of a cataract is part of the natural aging process. There are some factors that may increase the early development of a cataract, but sooner or later this is a vision issue that most people have to deal with. As you may have learned from our page defining a cataract, a cataract is a clouding of the eyes natural lens to a point where vision is not clear. In today’s modern world of medical technology cataract surgery is no longer something to fear. In fact it is actually something to look forward to, like a new opportunity.
How Cataracts Will Affect Your Vision
Protein deposits get clumpy inside your eye and when this protein starts to clump up, the natural lens of the eye get cloudy and actually limits the amount of light that can reach the retina, (back of the eye, where images are processed). This cloudiness will eventually become significant enough to obstruct vision. As a cataract develops a patient’s vision get duller, less colorful and cloudy. It happens slowly so many people do not notice this right away.
Signs That You May Have a Cataract
- Difficulty driving at night
- Colors start to fade toward brown
- Natural lens starts to get a yellowish color
- Vision gets cloudy like looking through wax paper
- Halos around lights
- The need for brighter lights and light sensitivity
- Double vision episodes
Cataract Surgery
Once you have been diagnosed with cataracts you will need to meet with a certified ophthalmologist so that the cataract can be removed. Many cataract patients are often alarmed at the thought of surgery. At Whitson Vision you can rest assured that only the safest and best eye surgery methods will be practiced. You can read through all of the information in our website cataract center so that you are better informed before the surgical process.
What to Expect on Your Cataract Surgery Day
You will arrive at the surgery center in Indianapolis about an hour prior to your procedure. Once you have been checked in you may be offered a sedative to help you relax. You will then be prepared for surgery. The area around your eyes will be cleaned and a sterile drape may be applied around your eye.
Eye drops or a local anesthetic will be used to numb your eyes. When your eye is completely numb, an eyelid holder will be placed between your eyelids to keep you from blinking during the procedure. Your eye will be completely numbed before the procedure.
An incision of 2.5 to 3 millimeters in length is then created at the junction of the cornea (the clear domed structure on the front of the eye) and the sclera (the white part of the eye).
Another dose of anesthetic is then administered inside the eye through this incision. The front part of the lens envelope, known as the lens capsule, is carefully opened so that the lens material can be removed. This is accomplished using a needle-like ultrasonic device, which pulverizes the hardened and yellowed lens proteins. The pulverized material is simultaneously vacuumed from the eye.
Once all of the cataract material has been removed, and assuming that the lens capsule which was opened at the beginning of the surgery remains strong enough to support the lens implant, a folded intraocular lens, specifically chosen by the surgeon to suit your individual needs, is then inserted through the original incision and maneuvered into the lens capsule and then centered. The lens will remain inside your eye in this location without moving. Intraocular lenses cannot be felt or sensed in any way by the patient.
The small incision is "self-sealing" and usually requires no stitches. The incision remains tightly closed by the natural outward pressure within the eye. This type of incision heals fast and provides a much more comfortable recuperation. Recovery from surgery is generally very quick, with most patients achieving noticeably better vision within the first 24 hours of the procedure. Patients are generally asked to use two different eye medications, administered as drops several times daily for the first few weeks after surgery. It is important that during the first seven post-operative days, patients refrain from strenuous activity such as lifting weights for exercise or lifting other heavy objects. Patients should also refrain from eye rubbing during the first few weeks following surgery.
After Cataract Surgery
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, moderate discomfort should disappear.
For a few days after surgery, your doctor may ask you to use eye drops to help healing and decrease the risk of infection. Ask your doctor about how to use your eye drops, how often to use them, and what effects they can have. You will need to wear an eye shield or eyeglasses to help protect your eye. Avoid rubbing or pressing on your eye.
When you are home, try not to bend from the waist to pick up objects on the floor. Do not lift any heavy objects. You can walk, climb stairs, and do light household chores.
In most cases, healing will be complete within eight weeks. Your doctor will schedule exams to check on your progress.
Understanding Intraocular Lens Implants
In recent years new cataract surgery technology has led to new forms of premium lens implants. These implants can help rid or reduce dependence on glasses after cataract surgery and enable quality vision at multiple distances. Some of these lenses are described as multifocal, accommodating, phakic and toric intraocular lenses. If becoming independent of glasses is something that you would find beneficial please feel free to consult one of our cataract surgeons to find out more. Listed below are a few lens implant options currently available. Click on each lens type to learn more
