A
cataract is a clouding of the naturally clear lens of your eye. This
lens is inside the eye and is found right behind your iris - the
colored part of your eye. Cataracts are a normal part of aging, but,
left untreated, they can cause gradual loss of vision or even blindness.
The surgeons at Graystone Eye can help restore vision through an
ultrasound procedure called "phacoemulsification."
In
addition to standard lens implants historically used for cataracts,
Graystone now offers the ReSTOR® lens
for better vision at all ranges, delivering a high level of glasses-free
vision. FDA approved for use in the US since 2005, over 21 million
ReSTOR® lenses have been implanted worldwide
since 1994, making it the most commonly used implant in the world.
What
To Expect On The Day Of Your First Appointment
Your
doctor or optometrist will schedule an appointment for you with the
Graystone eye specialist who will perform your surgery. On
the day of your appointment, please bring a list of all your medications,
as well as your Medicare and insurance cards. It will be necessary
to arrange for someone to drive you home after your appointment,
as your eyes will need to be dilated and it may be difficult for
you to drive. A complete eye examination and medical history will
be done, as well as appropriate eye tests and specialized eye measurements.
This will allow the surgeon and his team to gather all the necessary
information for performing your surgery. The
nurse will schedule your procedure at the hospital or surgery center
and provide detailed instructions regarding what to expect. Because
only local anesthesia with mild sedation is used, even patients with
severe chronic illnesses can safely have their cataracts removed.
The surgeons at Graystone Eye always consult with your medical doctor
if there is any question regarding your general health.
What Happens On The Day Of Surgery?
On
the day of your surgery, you will report to the hospital or surgery
center at the scheduled time. You will receive all the necessary
medications and anesthetics. Cataract
surgery is performed by a special ultrasound procedure called "phacoemulsification" which
allows the surgeon to remove the cataract through a very small incision.
Usually there are no sutures involved. The cloudy lens is replaced
with an artificial lens allowing the vision to become clear once
again. Nearsightedness and farsightedness can also be corrected during
this surgery by using the appropriate power of the intraocular lens.
Since
cataract surgery is performed under local anesthesia there is no
discomfort and you will be awake for the entire procedure.
The
eye is usually patched for a few hours after the surgery. Normal
activities can usually be resumed very quickly.
What
Happens After My Surgery?
Following
surgery you will be given your postoperative instructions and discharged.
It will be necessary to arrange for someone to drive you home after
your surgery as it will be difficult for you to drive. Your eye will
be examined the following day by either your surgeon or optometrist.
Your eye doctor may also prescribe new glasses in 4 to 6 weeks.
Note: The information on this Web site is provided as general health guidelines and may not be applicable to your particular health condition. Your individual health status and any required medical treatments can only be properly addressed by a professional healthcare provider of your choice. Remember: There is no adequate substitution for a personal consultation with your physician.
