Cataract Surgery Michigan

Cataract Surgery

Clear Corneal Cataract Surgery
We want you to know that we understand what an important decision it is to have cataract surgery, and that we appreciate your confidence and trust. Be assured that we will always provide the most current, state-of-the-art clinical and surgical techniques available today.

1. Dimming and blurring of vision
2. Halos around lights at night
3. Increased glare
4. Double vision
5. Frequent changes or cleaning of glasses

What is a cataract ?
The crystalline lens of the eye focuses light rays so that images are clear and distinct when they strike the retina in the back of the eye. However, when the lens opacifies, usually due to aging, light rays become obstructed and vision becomes dim and hazy. When this occurs, it is called a cataract. Heredity, disease, injury, and medications can also play a role in the development of cataracts.

Clear corneal cataract surgery
In clear corneal cataract surgery, a micro incision is made into the perimeter of the cornea on the side of the eye which is closest to the temple. This stepped incision ( 3 mm or less ), provides a corneal flap through which the cataract is removed and an intraocular lens is injected. It is the architecture of this incision which makes it self sealing. Clear corneal cataract surgery can be performed under topical or local anesthesia on an outpatient basis.

What is phacoemulsification ?
Clear corneal cataract surgery utilizes an ultrasonic probe, called a phacoemulsifier, which vibrates 40,000 times per second to break a cataract up into tiny microscopic pieces which are vacuumed out of the eye through the micro incision. In traditional cataract surgery, a much larger incision is needed because cataracts are removed in one piece.

Intraocular lenses restore focus
When the clouded lens is removed during cataract surgery, a replacement lens is needed to restore focus to the eye, these lenses are called intraocular lenses (IOLs). Prior to surgery, the patient's eye is measured to determine the prescription of the IOL needed for the patient to achieve the best possible vision. The IOL is then surgically implanted in the same chamber that once housed the natural lens of the eye. It was with the advent of foldable IOLs that phacoemulsification became the best way to remove cataracts, because foldable IOLs could be injected through the same micro incision used to remove the cataract, thus making small incision surgery possible.

How will I know when I'm ready for cataract surgery?
The decision to have cataract surgery is best left up to the patient. For the active retiree or working person who depends on sharp vision to carry out their daily tasks, the decision to have cataract surgery might be made sooner, but generally patients decide to have cataract surgery when they begin to have trouble reading, watching television, or driving a car. Some cataracts are slow to form while others mature in only a matter of months. Your doctor can give you an estimate as to when your cataracts might be ready for surgery.

What are the benefits of clear corneal surgery ?
Clear corneal cataract surgery offers many benefits to patients, primarily due to the size and location of the micro incision. In traditional, and other small incision cataract surgery, incisions are made above the iris, not temporally, and usually require one or more stitches to close, which can cause post-operative astigmatism. In clear corneal cataract surgery, no stitches are needed, and it can be performed under topical or local anesthesia. The results are a faster recovery, less surgically induced astigmatism, a quicker return to normal activities, and fewer complications.

Postoperative instructions
Prior to leaving the surgical facility, postoperative instructions will be discussed with you. With clear corneal surgery, you should reach your best vision within a few days and most normal activities can be resumed almost immediately.