Cataracts

Cataracts are a clouding or discoloring of the eye’s natural lens. The lens is essential to the proper focusing of light entering the eye, and the clouded lens distorts and blocks the passage of light through the eye. This causes vision to become dull, blurry and indistinct. Cataracts can affect people of any age but are most common in older adults. Studies have shown that nearly two thirds of adults over the age of 60 have some sign of cataract formation.

Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is among the most common procedures performed in the United States. Modern cataract surgery is a brief outpatient procedure that takes around fifteen minutes. You will remain awake the whole time. Most patients recover good vision within a few days.

During the surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial replacement, called an intraocular lens or IOL. The tiny incision used to remove the old lens and implant the new one seals on its own. You will be given a medication schedule to follow. It is not normal to have extreme pain, redness, or a significant drop in vision at any time.

Less Dependence on Glasses After Cataract Surgery

In most cataract surgery, the new lens is focused to provide good distance vision. Glasses will be required for closer work such as reading, or to fine-tune distance vision. For cataract patients who wish to have less dependence on glasses and contact lenses after cataract surgery, Moyes Eye Center offers premium IOLs that are specially designed to provide good vision at all distances. For more information on these lenses, click here.

What To Expect During Your Cataract Evaluation

A cataract evaluation will encompass everything that our comprehensive eye exam does plus several additional tests. Specific attention to these areas will be additional:

• Glare testing 
• Immersion a-scan ultrasound 
• Orbscan corneal scanning

 

Please allow 120 minutes for this examination and to complete the scheduling of your procedure.

Call 816.746.9800 to schedule a cataract evaluation.

Click here to visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology's Eye Smart website for more information on cataracts.