Cataracts
ABOUT CATARACTS
Over fifty percent of people over the age of 60, and quite a few 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 cataract is a progressive clouding of the eye’s natural lens that interferes with light passing through to the retina. Sufferers usually describe the condition as being similar to looking through a waterfall, or a piece of wax paper, with gradual blurring or dimming of vision.
Reading may become more difficult and driving a car can actually become dangerous. Cataract sufferers may also be troubled by a bothersome glare, halos around lights, or even double vision. As the cataract becomes worse, frequent changes in eye-glass prescriptions may become necessary.
Currently there is no medical treatment to reverse or prevent the development of cataracts. Once they form, there is only one way to achieve clear vision again, and that is to physically remove the cataract from the eye.
THE CHOICE IS YOURS
It can take months or years for a cataract to develop. Learn more about cataracts surgery cost. How do you know when it is time to have a cataract removed? The answer is quite simple. The time to have your cataract removed is when you believe your quality of life would be better if you could see better. Only you can decide when it is time to open your eyes to a bright, clear world.
WHAT ARE MY IOL OPTIONS?
When you choose to have cataract surgery with Snead Eye Group, you and your doctor will choose which replacement lens, or IOL, is best for you. Because there are many factors which will determine the best lens option, we will assist you in making an informed decision on the lens most suitable for your lifestyle.
MULTIFOCAL LENSES
Presbyopia is a condition that causes near vision to decrease as we age, making it difficult to see things up-close. Multifocal lenses are designed to combat the effects of presbyopia for clear distance vision plus a full range of intermediate and near vision, reducing the need for corrective lenses or even reading glasses. Multifocal lenses are for individuals who desire the least amount of dependency on glasses. The lenses are FDA approved and and give patients clear vision
TECNIS
The Tecnis® Multifocal IOL is an implant specifically designed to offer both distance and near vision after cataract surgery. This premium lens brings objects at varying distances into focus using a technology called diffraction. A series of rings on the entire inner surface of the Tecnis lens focuses the light from objects in your vision at varying distances. This allows for a smooth transition of focus between distant, intermediate, and near targets.
TORIC LENSES
Toric or astigmatic lenses are for individuals who desire better distance vision and the correction of their astigmatism. Astigmatism is when the eye is longer, or shaped like a football rather than a basketball. As light rays are prevented from meeting at a common focal point, images become distorted. Astigmatism is quite common and can be corrected with intraocular lenses and limbal relaxing incisions performed with the LenSx laser during cataract surgery.
THE ACRYSOF IQ PANOPTIX TRIFOCAL IOL
Redefine your vision with the AcrySof® IQ PanOptix® Trifocal Lens, the first and only trifocal lens available in the United States. Delivering an outstanding range of vision, the PanOptix® Lens is the latest advancement from the AcrySof® Family of Lenses.
The AcrySof® IQ PanOptix® Trifocal IOL is a type of multifocal IOL used to focus images clearly onto the back of your eye (retina) to allow clear vision after the cataract removal. In addition, the center of the AcrySof® IQ PanOptix® Trifocal IOL allows for better near (reading) vision and intermediate (computer work) vision versus what a monofocal lens would provide.
LENSX FEMTOSECOND BLADELESS LASER CATARACT SURGERY
Snead Eye Group is committed to offering the latest technology and state-of-the-art equipment for superior surgical outcomes. Snead Eye Group is the only practice in the Southwest Florida area offering LenSx Femtosecond Cataract Laser surgery in BOTH of their surgery centers. Snead Eye Group is proud to offer the revolutionary LenSx® Femtosecond Cataract Laser which provides cataract patients with an optimized refractive cataract surgery experience.
Typically, cataract surgeries are performed manually where the surgeon uses a blade to create all of the incisions during the procedure. With the introduction of the first FDA cleared custom cataract laser, the cataract surgeons at Snead Eye Group can create incisions and reduce Astigmatism with a laser. The incisions are more accurate and precise, thus eliminating some of the variables that have complicated cataract surgery results in the past.
SUCCESSFUL CATARACT SURGERY
Everyone heals somewhat differently, but many cataract patients report improvement in their vision almost immediately after the procedure.
Because cataract surgery at Snead Eye Group only uses a topical anesthetic and a self-sealing incision, most patients return to their normal work and lifestyle routines within a day or two.
According to a survey conducted by the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, more than 98% of cataract patients had their vision successfully improved after surgery.
Many patients experienced vision that is actually better than before they developed cataracts.
Cataracts Will Not Grow Back
However, some patients may experience clouding of a thin tissue called the capsule or “bag” that holds the intra-ocular lens (IOL.) In most cases a laser is used to painlessly open the clouded capsule and restore clear vision.