Cataract Treatments

Q: What can cause cataracts to form?

Cataracts often form slowly with increasing age. A cataract occurs as the eye lens becomes more cloudy or opaque. You may be at greater risk for cataracts if you have diabetes, smoke, or are obese. You are also at greater risk if you have a family history of cataracts or have had an eye injury, inflammation, or eye surgery. Cataract symptoms include blurred vision, sensitivity to light, difficulty seeing at night, and faded colors.

Q: Can a cataract be treated without surgery?

The best and most long-lasting treatment for cataracts is surgery. There is no other way to cure this condition except for cataract removal by surgery. Early cataract symptoms can be treated with eyeglasses or medication, but no medication eliminates existing cataracts. New eyewear and ideal lighting conditions can mitigate effects, but this can be insufficient.

Q: How can I prevent cataracts from forming?

You can help prevent cataracts by living a healthy lifestyle that includes eye-healthy food choices, not smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight. Protect your eyes from injury and sun damage. Wear sunglasses and a hat with a brim when you are outside in the sun. Wear eye protection when there is a risk of injury from certain sports, work, and leisure activities.

Q: When should you get cataracts removed?

Doctors generally suggest cataract surgery when vision loss impacts everyday activities such as driving, reading, or watching television. If your vision loss impedes your quality of life, consult your eye doctor.

Q: How long is cataract surgery?

Surgery for cataracts is quick, generally 10 to 20 minutes. There is also preparation time before surgery, about 15 to 30 minutes of recovery, and monitoring time before you go home. The whole procedure is completed on the same day.

Q: How long does it take to recover from cataract surgery?

Generally, your eye will begin to improve in the first 24 hours. You may experience light sensitivity for 2-3 days following the procedure. Most people experience improved vision in the first two to three days. Full recovery takes 4 to 6 weeks.

With age, changes occur in almost all eyes. Between the ages of 60 and 80 years old, the lenses become gradually more cloudy and opaque. When a lens is opaque, this is called a cataract. This process begins to block light from passing through the front of the eye, causing symptoms such as trouble reading in dim lights, glare while driving at night and other difficulties with overall quality of vision. Because it occurs in both eyes and over such a long period of time, many patients do not realize that their symptoms come from a cataract until they are evaluated by an eye doctor in the office.

Cataracts are removed with surgery. This allows light once again to pass through to the inside of the eye and is able to improve vision significantly. While there are many ways to remove a cataract and different techniques and tools utilized, there is no way to remove the lens without physically entering the eye with instruments designed for this delicate surgery. New techniques to more safely perform cataract surgery are being developed each year.

Once removed, the eye needs an intraocular lens implant to see clearly. Man-made lens materials have been used for many years that do not degrade with time and are not recognized as foreign to the body. Once a cataract is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens, the lens will never need to be replaced again.

Overall, cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the world, providing improved eyesight to millions of patients each year. If you or someone you know is considering cataract surgery, it is important to consult with a cataract surgeon that you can have confidence in and who will help you achieve the best results after surgery is performed.

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The Symptoms Of Cataracts

Initially, cataracts may go unnoticed because they develop slowly over time; however, as they progress, the following symptoms may become more apparent:

Blurred Vision

Cataracts often cause blurred vision as they develop. You may notice that your vision becomes hazy or cloudy, making reading, driving, or performing everyday tasks difficult.

Sensitivity To Light

Cataracts can cause increased sensitivity to light. Bright lights or lights that can cause glare, like sunlight or car headlights, tend to cause the most irritation.

Difficulty Seeing At Night

Many individuals with cataracts experience difficulty seeing in low-light conditions. Night driving may become more challenging due to decreased vision and increased sensitivity to glare.

Faded Colors

Cataracts can affect your perception of colors, making them appear dull or faded. Colors may lose their vibrancy or become less distinguishable from one another.

Early Warning Signs Of Cataracts

As we age the lens in our eyes become gradually cloudy and opaque, forming a cataract. You can watch for the following warning signs, any of which could indicate a potential cataract:

● Frequent Changes In Eyeglass Prescriptions
● Double Vision
● Halos Around Lights
● Poor Night Vision

Cataract symptoms eventually reach a point where conservative measures such as, new eyeglasses and ideal lighting conditions are not sufficient. If you experience any of these vision issues, you may be developing a cataract.

Cataract Treatment

Here at Excel Eye Center our physicians are trained in the latest techniques in cataract surgery. We offer the latest intraocular lens (IOL) technology, including, multifocal, toric (astigmatism correcting), light adjustable lenses, and standard mono-focal lenses. Our ophthalmologists specializing in cataract removal provide personalized care tailored to each patient’s needs.

Cataract surgery involves removing the clouded natural lens and replacing it with an artificial lens implant. This will allow light to, once again, pass through to the inside of the eye, restoring vision clarity. It is a relatively quick and painless procedure performed at an outpatient center. The surgery involves making a small incision in the eye and using ultrasound technology to break up the cloudy lens. Then the surgeon removes the fragments and inserts an IOL to replace the natural lens. Your unique visual needs will determine the IOL used, allowing for customized treatment.

Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the world, providing improved eyesight to millions of patients. Most individuals experience improved vision shortly after surgery and can resume their normal activities within a few days. The results of cataract surgery can be life-changing, allowing you to enjoy clear vision and the improved confidence that comes with it. If you or someone you know is considering surgery, it is important to consult with a cataract surgeon that can help you achieve the best results.

Cataract Lenses

Cataract surgery is an exciting opportunity to invest in your vision long-term. When considering cataract surgery, it’s important to note that you’ll have a few different lens options.

Like glasses, all cataract lenses have prescriptions. Specific lenses, such as a trifocal lens, allow you to see with clarity far away, at arm’s length, and up close. Other lenses allow you to see nearby or far away objects while still needing some corrective glasses. Fixed lenses have a fixed prescription before surgery, while adjustable lenses are customizable after surgery, allowing you to fine-tune your vision to your needs.

Ask your doctor at Excel Eye Center which is best for you. Contact us to make an appointment today for your cataract needs.

“Cataracts slowly worsen the quality of vision in each eye as we age. When appropriate, surgery offers a permanent way to improve a patient’s vision. Patients are often pleasantly surprised when they have cataract surgery both with the process of surgery and the results that are achieved. We will provide a careful and thorough evaluation for each patient with an individualized treatment plan to achieve their unique visual goals. No “one size fits all” approach is adequate for our patients. I enjoy seeing the experience of patients as they marvel at the improvements to their vision after cataract surgery. Knowing that all patients will experience vision loss from cataracts with age, it is a service that I am happy to provide to as many patients as need it.”

– Dr. Smalley

Meet Our Cataract Doctors

James G. Theurer, MD

Aaron D. Smalley, MD

Justin T. Wilkinson, MD

Joseph S. Schmutz, MD

Peter A. Ririe, MD

Mason A. Schmutz, MD

Christopher J. Ricks, MD

Nathan G. Lambert, MD

Austin J. Woolley, MD

See What Our Clients Have To Say

Irene says…

Excellent, the very best Physicians!! Look no further — Dr. Theurer!! He’s perfection in detail and care. Also, staff is very kind, friendly, efficient and professional.

Sheryl says…

My experience with cataract surgery was excellent. Dr. Ririe was very thorough in explaining the process and very kind, as was his staff. I would recommend the Excel Eye Center to anyone needing eye care.

Lydia says…

Dr. Smalley and his office provide the most thorough eye care! No wonder their chosen name is Excel!

Ken says…

I had such a wonderful experience with cataract surgery in both my eyes from Dr. Lambert at Excel Eye Center in Saratoga Springs. The staff was so kind and knowledgeable and personal. I just can’t recommend them highly enough.

Cataract Treatment FAQs

What can cause cataracts to form?

Can a cataract be treated without surgery?

How can I prevent cataracts from forming?

When should you get cataracts removed?

How long is cataract surgery?

How long does it take to recover from cataract surgery?

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Cataract Treatments