Cataracts are a common vision problem associated with aging. Nearly 70% of individuals over the age of 80 will have cataracts. In most cases, cataracts develop in patients over the age of 50 and become more prevalent with age. Cataracts1 are a clouding of the natural lens of the eye that occurs when certain proteins clump together. Once cataracts form, they will not resolve naturally or through the use of medications. While early cataracts may not need to be addressed, cataract surgery2 will be required once cataracts begin to impair vision. Fortunately, modern cataract surgery is an incredibly safe and effective procedure that can successfully restore vision.
Patients who have been diagnosed with cataracts that are affecting their visual function are candidates for cataract surgery. There are certain instances in which we may not recommend cataract surgery immediately. These include:
In all other cases, we recommend that patients undergo cataract surgery as soon as cataracts negatively impact their vision. Once the vision is impaired, there is no reason to delay the surgery, as cataracts will only worsen as time goes on.
Modern cataract surgery3 involves the removal of the damaged lens of the eye and insertion of an artificial lens, known as an intraocular lens (IOL) to restore vision. It is a relatively straightforward procedure that is performed on an outpatient basis and takes less than 30 minutes per eye. The following provides an overview of how the surgeons at Beach Eye Medical Group perform cataract surgery.
After the surgery, most patients will notice an immediate improvement in their vision. The majority of healing occurs in the first week and complete recovery occurs within a month.
At Beach Eye Medical Group, Irvine we’re proud to offer the most advanced technology to our cataract surgery patients. We have the ability to use Wavefront technology created by NASA to take measurements of the eye prior to surgery and create a unique map of the eyes. This gives us valuable data that allows us to select the optimal IOL during surgery, ensuring the highest quality results with the sharpest vision. Before the use of Wavefront technology, surgeons would implant whatever IOL was convenient, economical, or available. Now, we can actually select the standard IOL that optimizes your vision and sharpens even night vision. Beach Eye Medical Group has the only eye care specialists that offer this technology in Orange County. When our patients leave the surgical center, they can feel confident knowing that they have gotten the best result from their surgery.
Traditionally, cataract surgery is performed with a thin blade used to carefully remove the cataract from the eye. With technological advancements in medicine, we are able to offer laser cataract surgery – a bladeless cataract removal procedure with the precision and accuracy of a laser. Using a laser-guided system, our cataract surgeons expertly remove the cataract and place an IOL or intraocular lens on the eye. Depending on the patient’s needs and preferences a different IOL or surgical method will be used.
Cataract surgery is performed to remove disruptive cataracts that cloud the vision, but it can also correct common eye conditions. Conditions such as astigmatism, presbyopia, and farsightedness can be relieved using one of our premium intraocular lens implants. Depending on the patient’s specific eye condition, our cataract surgeon will recommend the best lens implant for them.
Read MoreIntraocular 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.
Read MoreLight 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 the best possible visual outcome. 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 tailored visual experience. Contact us to learn more or to schedule an appointment at our Huntington Beach, Irvine, Long Beach or Newport Beach office.
Read MoreReferences
1 Cataract Surgery: Risks, Recovery, Costs. Available: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-cataract-surgery
2 About Cataract surgery. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cataract-surgery/about/pac-20384765
3 Phacoemulsification and modern cataract surgery. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10541151/
4 IOLs (Intraocular Lenses). Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/25099-iols-intraocular-lenses
5 Light Adjustable Lenses (LAL®️). Available: https://rxsight.com/
My visit was very good. Staff was excellent and Covid safety measures in place. Dr. was clear in explaining my cataracts and the surgery to correct. Look forward to seeing at night and the surgery.
