Cataract Surgery, Orange County, CA

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Cataracts are a common vision problem associated with aging. Nearly 70% of individuals over the age of 80 will develop cataracts. In most cases, cataracts begin to form in individuals over 50 and become more common with age. Once cataracts form, they cannot resolve naturally or through medication. Although early cataracts may not need immediate attention, cataract surgery is required once they begin to impair vision. Fortunately, modern cataract surgery is a highly effective and safe procedure that can successfully restore vision.

What Are Cataracts?

Every time you look at something, light rays enter your eye via the pupil. The lens focuses this light onto the retina, at the back of your eye. The retina is made up of light-sensitive cells. For the light to be focused correctly, the lens must be clear. If the lens becomes cloudy, this is referred to as cataracts.

The risk of cataracts increases with age. As we age, the lens in our eye thickens, losing both flexibility and transparency. The lens is made up of water and protein. Over time, layers of protein grow on the lens. As these protein layers build up and harden, they cause the lens to cloud.

Risk Factors for Cataracts

In addition to aging, there are several other factors that increase the risk of cataracts:

• Diabetes
• Family history of cataracts
• Prolonged exposure to sunlight
• Smoking
• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• Long-term steroid use, especially a combination of oral and inhaled steroids
• Previous eye injuries or surgeries

Symptoms of Cataracts

If you have cataracts, you may notice that your vision has become blurry, dim, or cloudy. Eventually, this change in your vision could interfere with your daily activities. Cataract symptoms often develop slowly, and you may not notice them at first. Additional symptoms include:

• Difficulty seeing in low light or at night
• Sensitivity to light
• Glare
• Halos around lights
• Faded or yellowed colors
• Needing brighter light for activities like reading
• Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions
• Double vision

What to Do if You Have Cataracts

• Wear UV-blocking sunglasses and a hat outdoors
• Quit smoking
• Use brighter lights for reading and other activities
• Use a magnifying glass when reading
• Limit night driving if you experience problems with glare or halos
• Manage diabetes
• Get an eye exam to ensure you have the correct eyeglasses or contact lens prescription

Avoid any eye drops or treatments that claim to dissolve cataracts. These claims are not supported by medical evidence.

Additional Types of Cataracts

There are three other types of cataracts that do not result from aging:

• Congenital or Developmental Cataracts: These occur in infants and children and can be hereditary or due to birth defects, though sometimes no cause is found.
• Disease- or Medication-Related Cataracts: These develop due to eye disease, chronic conditions like diabetes, or prolonged steroid use.
• Traumatic Cataracts: These form after an eye injury, either immediately or months later.

Why Choose Beach Eye for Your Cataract Surgery in Orange County?

At Beach Eye, cataract surgery is performed by a team of highly skilled ophthalmologists led by Dr. Samir A. Shah, M.D., a board-certified specialist recognized nationally for his expertise and exceptional outcomes. With a complication rate under 0.5%—well below the national average, Dr. Shah brings experience from renowned institutions like UCLA Medical Center and Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Dr. Shah has been repeatedly recognized as one of "America’s Leading Ophthalmologists" by the Consumer Research Council, and is joined by experienced cataract surgeons Dr. Anna Do, Dr. Caleb Shumway, and Dr. Kevin Jwo. Together, they are committed to delivering outstanding visual results.

Our Newport office is accredited by Medicare and the Health Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP), ensuring high standards of safety, care, and innovation. As a modern ambulatory surgery center, we combine advanced technology—including Corneal Wavefront Refraction—with personalized treatment to help restore your vision with confidence.

When to Visit an Ophthalmologist

If you think you have cataracts, schedule an eye exam with an ophthalmologist. An eye exam will determine whether you have cataracts or another vision problem. You should get your first cataract exam at the age of 40, even if you don’t suspect cataracts. Early detection is essential for protecting your vision. After age 40, get checked every two years; after age 65, get an annual check-up. If your ophthalmologist determines that you do have cataracts, he’ll monitor your vision to see if it gets progressively worse.

Am I Too Old For Cataract Surgery?

Types of Eye Exams for Detecting Cataracts

Here are some common exams ophthalmologists use to diagnose cataracts:

• Slit-Lamp Exam: The ophthalmologist uses a microscope to examine the cornea, iris, lens, and areas between the iris and cornea in sections.
• Retinal Exam: Your pupils will be dilated to help the ophthalmologist see the back of your eye. They will use a slit lamp or ophthalmoscope to check for cataracts and other issues affecting the retina or optic nerve.
• Refraction and Visual Acuity Test: The doctor tests each eye for clarity by having you read letters of different sizes.

Your Cataract Surgery in Orange County

Ophthalmologists may recommend cataract surgery when vision loss due to cataracts significantly affects daily life. The surgery involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with a clear intraocular lens (IOL). The procedure is outpatient and does not require an overnight hospital stay.

Learn More About The Surgical Procedure

Preparing for Cataract Surgery

Before the surgery, our ophthalmologists will perform a comprehensive health assessment of your eyes. It serves as an opportunity for the eye specialist to detect any risk factors that you may have in undergoing the surgery. A full eye evaluation and risk factor assessment are required before going in for surgery.

We may perform a refraction to determine nearsightedness, farsightedness, or any signs of astigmatism prior to surgery. This will be followed by accurate measurements of your eyes to determine critical factors for cataract surgery including the length of your eyes and your corneal curvature.

You will also discuss the options for intraocular lenses that you can choose from. Depending on whether you want to continue using your eyeglasses after surgery or not, our specialist will guide you in selecting the ideal IOL for your needs. You should also take this opportunity to review what other medications you use, particularly if you use any blood thinners or Flomax.

Cataract Surgery at Beach Eye

Phacoemulsification is the most common type of cataract surgery. While Dr. Shah personalizes each surgery to the specific needs of the patient, a typical procedure at Beach Eye looks like this:

• Anesthesia and Eye Preparation: Numbing eye drops are applied to keep you comfortable. An eye speculum is placed to hold the eye open during the procedure.
• Corneal Incision: the surgeon makes a small incision along the edge of the cornea (the transparent part of the eye that covers the pupil and the iris). This wound is small enough and self-seals, so sutures are not needed.
• Capsulotomy: The surgeon must open the front portion of the lens capsule. Using a needle, he makes a small hole in the capsule and then carefully creates a round, smooth opening using a gentle tearing technique.
• Emulsification and Removal: Ultrasound energy breaks the lens into small fragments, The surgeon then aspirates all of the fragments out of the lens capsule.
• Insertion of IOL: Once the lens has been completely removed, the intraocular lens can be implanted. The lens is folded so that it can be inserted through the tiny opening. Once in place, the lens springs open and settles into its final position inside the lens capsule.
• Post-Op Monitoring: As a patient, you will typically remain at our outpatient surgery center for a short time until you feel well enough to return home. Anti-inflammatory and antibiotic eye drops will be provided, along with instructions for how often and how long to use them.

Resume Activities

After cataract surgery, your eye doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops for two days to prevent infection. You’ll wear an eye shield immediately following surgery and then while you sleep for several nights. Avoid rubbing your eyes while you’re healing. For your first week of recovery, avoid any strenuous activity as well as getting dirt, dust, or water in your eye. It’s normal to have blurry vision for up to a few weeks after surgery.

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How Lasers Enhance Cataract Surgery

At Beach Eye, we use advanced laser technology for most cataract surgeries, enhancing precision and outcomes compared to traditional methods. Here’s how laser surgery works:

• 3D Imaging & Precision Guidance: A high-resolution 3D image of the eye guides the surgeon, ensuring accuracy using a femtosecond laser.
• Capsulotomy: The laser precisely removes the front portion of the lens capsule while preserving its integrity to securely hold the intraocular lens (IOL). This method is 10 times more accurate than manual techniques.
• Lens Fragmentation & Removal: The laser softens and breaks up the lens into tiny fragments for safe removal. Unlike traditional ultrasound methods, which can cause incision burns and corneal swelling, laser-assisted fragmentation reduces the need for ultrasound energy, minimizing inflammation and improving recovery.
• Astigmatism Correction (If Needed): The laser can also refine corneal shape, reducing astigmatism and potentially decreasing the need for glasses post-surgery.

Laser cataract surgery has revolutionized precision and reliability in vision correction. As technology advances, Beach Eye remains committed to offering the most cutting-edge techniques for optimal patient outcomes.

	Customized Solution	Indications
Recommended IOL	Toric lenses	Multifocal IOL
Revisions during surgery	Limbal relaxation incisions may be made alone or combined with implantation of Toric lenses	No additional revisions required
Glasses after surgery?	Reading glasses may still be required	Many patients will no longer require prescription lenses

What Makes Standard Cataract Surgery at Beach Eye Exceptional?

We use Corneal Wavefront Refraction, which helps identify spherical aberrations in the cornea. Correcting these aberrations can improve vision to youthful levels.

Types of Lenses Used at Beach Eye Medical Group

At Beach Eye Medical Group, we are proud to provide advanced lens options designed to enhance vision and improve outcomes after cataract surgery. Our selection of innovative intraocular lenses ensures each patient receives a solution to their visual needs.

• Intraocular lenses are thin artificial lenses implanted on top of the eye during cataract surgery. At Beach Eye Medical Group, we offer various types of intraocular lenses (IOL’s)4 for conditions such as astigmatism and presbyopia. We also offer monofocal, multifocal and accommodating premium IOL’s as well.
• Light Adjustable Lenses (LAL®) represent a cutting-edge advancement in cataract surgery, offering patients the unique ability to customize their vision post-operation. Unlike traditional intraocular lenses, LAL®5 can be precisely adjusted after surgery to ensure successful visual outcomes. This innovative technology allows for non-invasive adjustments to the lens's power, providing patients with unparalleled clarity and reducing the need for corrective eyewear. With LAL®, patients actively participate in refining their vision, leading to higher satisfaction and a more personalized visual experience.

Post-Cataract Surgery Instructions

If you are healthy, your cataract surgery recovery process should be quick. Statistics show that the vast majority of cataract surgery is highly successful. To ensure that you are back on your feet quickly post-surgery, Dr. Shah will issue some instructions which include:

• Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities
• Do not drive for a few days after surgery
• Avoid bending below the waist
• Try to avoid heavy coughing or sneezing
• Avoid eye rubbing
• Minimize exposure to eye irritants such as excessive wind, grime, or dust
• Avoid swimming and getting water in the eye

If you are interested in seeing what your recovery process will look like, you can read more about it in our “What to Expect After Cataract Surgery” blog post.

Risks Associated with Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is a safe and common procedure that can significantly improve quality of life. However, like any surgery, it carries some risks and complications associated with it.

Common Cataract Surgery Complications Include

• Posterior Capsule Opacity (PCO): Occurring in 20-30% of cases, PCO results from microscopic cell growth on the lens capsule, leading to clouded vision.
• Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL): The artificial lens may shift due to surgical placement, eye rubbing, or trauma.
• Swelling of the Cornea or Retina: Fluid buildup in the retina (cystoid macular edema) or cornea can cause blurred vision, with diabetics at higher risk.
• Ptosis (Droopy Eyelid): Affecting up to 6% of patients, post-surgical ptosis can result from swelling, anesthesia reactions, or surgical technique.

If you experience complications after cataract surgery, prompt evaluation is crucial. At Beach Eye Medical Group, our expert team specializes in diagnosing and treating complex cataract cases. We also serve as consultants for managing complications that other eye doctors may find challenging. Contact our Huntington Beach office today to schedule an appointment.

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At Beach Eye Medical Group, we offer cutting-edge cataract surgery and personalized vision correction. Whether you're considering your options or ready to move forward, our expert team is here to guide you.

Experience clearer vision with Orange County’s trusted cataract specialists. Learn more or schedule an appointment at our Huntington Beach, Irvine, Long Beach, or Newport Beach offices.

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