CATARACTS
Dr. Patrick Tsai has been performing cataract surgery since 2004 and have successful done over 5,000 of these surgeries with extraordinary results and happy patients/outcomes.
A cataract is a common condition that causes a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, and affects millions of people each year, including more than half of all Americans over the age of 65. Cloudiness develops as a result of a buildup of protein in the lens.
Cataracts cause a progressive, painless loss of vision. The lens clouds naturally as we age, causing people over the age of 65 to see a gradual reduction of vision. The exact cause of cataracts is unknown, although it may be a result of age, injury, certain medications, illnesses (such as diabetes), prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light and smoking.
Cataracts Symptoms
Patients with cataracts often do not experience any symptoms when the condition first develops. Cataracts will continue to progress with no apparent pain, although patients may experience:
- Blurred or hazy vision
- Double vision
- Poor vision in bright light
- Seeing halos around lights
- Poor vision at night
- Yellowish tinged vision
- Frequent changes in eyeglasses or contact lens prescription
Cataract Surgery
During cataract surgery, the cloudy, damaged lens will be removed and replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL) made out of acrylic material that will last the rest of your life. The lens is implanted in your eye, replacing the eye’s natural lens. There are different types of IOLs, and each offers many pros and cons. Dr. Patrick Tsai will discuss the best lens options with you. These artificial lenses, known as intraocular lenses (IOLs), were originally not able to correct astigmatism or near vision, leaving most patients dependent on eyeglasses or contact lenses for near vision. Many cataract patients, in addition to suffering from either nearsightedness or farsightedness or astigmatism, also suffer from presbyopia, natural changes to the eyes that occur as we age.
New advances in technology have allowed for the development of multifocal IOLs, which let patients see clearly at most distances, and can even reduce astigmatism as well. Premium lens implants are ideal for cataract patients who are also suffering from presbyopia and want a replacement lens that provides a full, larlger range of clear vision without the dependency of prescription glasses.
If you suffer from cataracts and astigmatism, a TORIC IOL can correct your vision after cataract surgery. A Toric IOL can correct cataracts and astigmatism to provide you with sharp vision in one range.
There are several different types of premium lens implants multifocal and accommodative available for cataract patients. Dr. Tsai will work with you to decide which lens is best for your individual eyes to help you enjoy long-lasting, clear vision at near, intermediate and far distances. The choice is customized for your individual eyes.