Cataracts

What Are Cataracts?

A cataract is the development of cloudiness of the natural lens of the eye. Much like the lens of a camera, our eye focuses light toward the back of the eye, onto the retina. Our eye’s lens also works to adjust the focus of the eye, allowing us to see both near and far.

When cloudiness begins to form on the lens of our eye, our vision becomes slightly impaired. Our eye’s lens consists of mostly protein and water – throughout the aging process, the protein may begin to clump, causing cloudiness of the lens and making it difficult to see clearly. With age, many people develop cataracts, but may not be aware until the cloudiness begins to affect their vision. Cataracts may form in both eyes or just one at a time.

Symptoms you may experience:

• Glare and halos
• Blurriness or sense of cloudiness
• Trouble with night vision
• Constant change in prescription
• Needing brighter light to read
• Fading or yellowing of colors

Glare

Surgery is not typically required in the early development of cataracts; in fact, treatment can merely include new glasses, magnifiers or additional aids. Over time, as the cataract continues to develop in opacity, surgery will be needed. When symptoms become bothersome or limit your daily activities, it’s time to consider surgery.

Cataract Surgery

1. A very small “no-stitch”  incision is made in the side of the cornea. Such an incision promotes fast and more comfortable healing. 
2. The bag of the natural lens is opened and a specific ultrasonic probe (phacoemulsifier) removes the cloudy lens. 
3. A small foldable artificial lens is inserted through the small incision to replace the cataractous lens.
4. The artificial intraocular lens implant is place inside the eye. It is not required to suture the “no-stitch” incision. 

Replacement Lens Options

Standard Lens

This lens replaces the cataractous lens. Will need glasses for distance and near after surgery.

This is the intraocular lens used in patients in whom far vision is prioritized , or those who have some pathology that discourages the use of multifocal lenses and do not have enough astigmatism in the cornea to justify a toric intraocular lens.

Toric

This lens reduces astigmatism and corrects distance vision. This will reduce the need for distance glasses. Patients will still need reading glasses.

Multifocal 

This lens corrects distance, intermediate, and near vision. This will reduce the need or dependence on glasses.

Multi-focal Extended depth of focus

This lens provides high quality vision, continuous vision- from near to far and points in between- and may reduce your dependence on glasses. It also corrects astigmatism. 

At West Texas Eye Associates of El Paso, our world-class surgeons offer the best and most advanced technology available.we believe in offering our patients the very best surgeons and advanced technology available.With our wide array of intraocular lens options we customized each treatment to fit your lifestyle, and needs.Our goal is not simply to restore the quality of your vision but to also reduce your dependence on glasses.

If you believe you or a loved one is suffering from the onset of cataracts West Texas Eye Associates of El Paso is here to help.Cataracts diagnosis requires nothing more than a comprehensive eye exam.Please call our office at 915-591-4441 for an appointment.