Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world, and if you have cataracts, deciding to undergo cataract surgery is the only answer. Cataract surgery is actually the most commonly performed procedure in the United States and has an extremely high success rate.
There have been many, many advancements in cataract surgery since its inception. There are now options to undergo the procedure without the use of manual blades. This procedure is known as bladeless laser cataract surgery and it’s ideal for patients undergoing astigmatism correction at the time of surgery. In addition, the board certified cataract surgeons at New Vision Eye Center are now providing “dropless cataract surgery” to appropriate patients. In fact, for the majority of patients, cataract surgery is performed in this manner, so that the patient does not have to use preoperative and postoperative drops. Prior to this advancement, patients would have to purchase expensive drops to prep for the procedure, and then use them afterward to assist in the healing process. These drops can be difficult to instill into the eye, and they could also irritate the eye. Thanks to these advancements, cataract surgery has gotten a whole lot easier. Read on to discover how:
Laser Cataract Surgery
This cataract surgery uses lasers rather than manual blades to perform many parts of the cataract surgery procedure. This option is gentle for patients and is basically pain-free.
Patients who are the most likely to benefit from cataract surgery tend to have the following symptoms:
- • Difficulty seeing while driving at night
- • Seeing halos around lamps
- • Perceiving colors as dull or faded
- • Experiencing double vision
- • Constantly changing vision prescriptions
If you have these symptoms, you may want to ask your eye doctor if it’s time to have your cataracts treated – and if laser cataract surgery is right for you.
Laser cataract surgery relies on special technology to treat cataracts (the femtosecond laser). In fact, it’s the same technology that has made “all laser LASIK” surgery possible.
The process starts with laser creating an incision in your cornea. Then, the laser performs a capsulotomy. This means that the laser dissects the cloudy lens in your eye, which is then removed using phacoemulsification. Lastly, the surgeon inserts a new intraocular lens into place, specially powered and pre-planned, to correct the patient’s distance or near vision. Now, the patient is able to see clearly again.
Using a laser for these steps of cataract surgery improves accuracy, safety, and outcomes. In addition, this is an ideal approach for correcting the patient’s astigmatism at the time of cataract surgery.
Making Cataract Surgery Easier for You
Now, about those pesky drops we talked about earlier in this article. Prior to the advancement known as “dropless cataract surgery,” patients were instructed to instill one or two different drops for a week prior to the procedure and then for a month following their surgery.
Now, unless there is a special reason not to, such as an allergy, all cataract surgeries are performed in a way that makes it much more simple for the patient. The surgeons at New Vision Eye Center instill a formula called tri-moxy* in the eye during the procedure. By doing so, all of the patients and pre-op and post-op medication needs are met.
Tri-moxy* is a blend of three medications. These include an antibiotic to avoid any infection, as well as an anti-inflammatory for comfort, and a steroid to speed the healing process.
If you think you may have cataracts or just want an eye exam to be sure your vision is at risk, call us for an appointment. At New Vision Eye Center, we have a skilled team of doctors and surgeons on staff providing world class eye care to residents of Fort Pierce, Sebastian, Vero Beach, and the surrounding area. We offer a huge range of treatments as well as diagnostic services. Contact us to set up an appointment today. 772.257.8700
*Tri-Moxi (a combination of triamcinolone acetonide, moxifloxacin hydrochloride, and vancomycin) is a compounded proprietary ophthalmic solution formulated by prescription for each patient.