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.
What are Cataracts?
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.
What to Look For:
Additional Symptoms:
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:
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.
- 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 Options
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.
Cataract Lens Options
During cataract treatment, the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL). The right cataract treatment lens depends on your eyes, your lifestyle, and how you feel about glasses after cataract surgery. Below is a simple breakdown of today’s most common options and what each one tends to be best for. Talk it through with your Excel Eye Center surgeon so you can match the lens to your real day-to-day needs.
Standard Intraocular Lens (Clareon)
What It Does:
Offers a single fixed focal point, (most people chose to target distance with that focal point), whatever focal point not targeted will require glasses or contact for best vision. Such as readers for reading, or prescription glasses for distance.
Best For:
- Patients that want good clarity regardless of the lighting condition.
- Patients that are okay using glasses for specific tasks.
- Patients with little to no astigmatism.
Toric Intraocular Lens (Clareon)
What It Does:
Lens corrects for astigmatism, because they are able to be precisely aligned inside the eye. Still only provides a single fixed focal point (distance or near).
Best For:
- Patients with equal or more than 0.75 diopters of astigmatism that want good clarity regardless of the lighting conditions.
- Patients that are okay using glasses for specific tasks.
Vivity Intraocular Lens (Clareon)
What It Does:
Uses non-diffractive wavefront shaping to create a continuous zone of vision from distance to intermediate ranges, with some functional near vision that still may require readers to see fine print text. Reduced halos and glares then other multifocal/trifocal lens options.
Best For:
- Patients wanting an expanded functional vision range without compromising night vision clarity.
- Patients that work on screens or drive at night regularly for long periods of time.
- Patients that are okay using reading glasses on occasion.
Panoptix Intraocular Lens (Clareon)
What It Does:
Len utilizes diffractive optics that split light into three focal points: Distance, intermediate, and near. At the cost of glares, halos, from strong light sources, that will get less noticeable with time, although never completely fade.
Best For:
- Patients that strongly don’t want to use glasses at any distance.
- Patients that can tolerate visual artifacts such as halos and glares.
- Patients that occasionally drive at night.
Odyssey Intraocular Lens (Tecnis)
What It Does:
Also utilizes diffractive optics that split light into three focal points: Distance, intermediate, and near. However these lenses prioritize the intermediate and near visual quality. Comparable to Panoptix, in that glares, halos, from strong light sources, will get less noticeable with time, although never completely fade.
Best For:
- Patients that prioritize best vision in intermediate and near ranges.
- Patients that can tolerate visual artifacts such as halos and glares.
Light Adjustable Intraocular Lens (Rxsight)
What It Does:
The only monofocal lens capable of having the visual focus point adjusted post surgery. Allowing you to try out your vision after cataract surgery, before locking the focal point in. Lenses can be fine tuned for distance, intermediate, or near clarity. UV protective glasses must be worn until lock in. The number of adjustments are limited to 3 per eye, and can no longer be adjusted after locking in.
Best For:
- Patients who have had prior refractive surgery that may affect final vision result after cataract surgery.
- Patients who are capable of maintaining strict adherence to wearing UV-blocking glasses until final lock-in.
- Patients that are can tolerate a longer post-op period.
If you’re weighing lens options for cataract treatment, the best next step is a conversation with your doctor about your vision goals, hobbies, and any astigmatism or other eye conditions. Schedule a consultation with Excel Eye Center, and we’ll help you choose a lens that fits your life.
Light Adjustable Lens
Cataracts can significantly impact daily life, often leading to blurred vision, increased sensitivity to light, and difficulty distinguishing colors. At Excel Eye Center, we offer a leading-edge solution: the light adjustable lens.
Light adjustable lenses are the first and only FDA-approved intraocular lens that allows for customized vision correction after cataract surgery. Following lens implantation, our team uses specialized ultraviolet light treatments to precisely adjust the lens to the patient’s unique visual needs. This level of customization helps optimize visual outcomes—whether the goal is to reduce dependence on glasses, enhance distance vision, or fine-tune reading clarity.
For patients seeking greater control and precision in their cataracts treatment, the light adjustable lens represents a significant advancement in personalized eye care. Schedule a consultation with the experienced ophthalmologists at Excel Eye Center and take the first step toward clearer, more confident vision.
View Additional Information about Cataract Treatments
Cataract Lens Replacement Options
Cataract Surgery Vs Adjustable Lens
Meet Our Cataract Doctors
Locations We Treat Cataracts
Cataract Treatment FAQs
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.
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.
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.
When should you get cataracts removed?
Don’t wait it out. Redness, irritation, discharge—those are all signs that something isn’t right. Call us as soon as possible. We’ll get you in quickly, diagnose the issue, and get you on a treatment plan fast.
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.
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.
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