Did you know that cataract surgery is vision correction? The procedure has been perfected to the safe, vision correction procedure that it is today. Many people have very active lifestyles and notice in their 50’s and early 60’s that headlights are blinding and they can no longer see well to drive in the rain. When glasses and contact lens power adjustments are no longer helping with that blinding glare, know that is not the end of your night life. A visit with the eye doctor will help you to learn your options. It is truly a wonderful time to have cataract surgery because of all the choices for vision correction. We have been providing vision correction surgery for over 25 years at Advanced Eye Center in Gainesville, GA, make an appointment for you or your loved one today.

Learn More About Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery used to be risky due to the large incision to remove the natural lens in its early days. Since the 1980’s, an ultrasound unit called the phaco-emulsifier softens the natural lens allowing the surgeon to extract the lens material through a tiny incision. The eye surgeon is able to place a new lens rolled up in through this tiny incision and into the membrane or capsular bag that held the natural lens in its place.

There are many options for which types of lens you will choose. In the last few years technology has progressed to developing a femtosecond laser (the same technology used for laser flap creation in LASIK) that can soften the natural lens and make those incisions very precise and tiny so that the eye heals very quickly. This bladeless cataract surgery protects the natural delicate structures of the eye by reducing the amount of energy needed to soften the natural lens for removal.

With this technology, small incisions are created in the periphery of the cornea to allow for astigmatism reduction. This translates to sharper vision outcome for many patients. With LenSx, our femtosecond laser we offer bladeless laser cataract surgery which allows for less healing time, quicker recovery, and more precision in conjunction with the specialty lenses.

Additional Benefits to Surgery

The opportunity for lifelong vision correction from this procedure has never been better. We offer a wide variety of specialty lenses from which to choose. Instead of having only distance correction, you may choose to have excellent computer vision as well as distance. If you do lots of detailed near work you may decide to have excellent near vision for small details along with great distance vision. Along with your distance vision improvement, you may elect to add great vision for both computer and bookwork.

Click this link to read more about the different vision correction lenses available. Also talk with your surgical coordinator and your eye doctor about what is best for you.

Yag Capsulotomy – What is that?

Have you been hearing about a second cataract that you may develop after investing in your eyes? Cataracts do not come back after surgery. There is a normal clear membrane which is behind the lens called the “posterior capsule” which helps to hold the lens in place. This membrane sometimes becomes cloudy weeks to years after cataract surgery. In this case, a simple laser procedure called “YAG laser” can be performed to clear this membrane. No IV anesthesia is required. Your eye will first be dilated. Next you receive a few drops of numbing eye drops, and sit in a chair for this procedure.

The Yag Capsulotomy is not included as a part of your cataract surgery and is separately billable to your insurance. Typically, this film will not return, but rarely the opening in the membrane will tighten up over time and pull to obscure some of your view. If this were to happen, the Yag Laser could simply be repeated once again.

What to Expect From Your Visit

After check-in and the preliminary measurements, you will visit with Wendy the surgical counselor. She will explain all the options for vision correction with cataract surgery. Wendy will spend time with you and review your lifestyle and vision needs along with your options to help you make the best choices for you.

You will be able to choose the method for your surgery as well as the types of lenses placed. The Basic lens provided by your insurance offers distance only, which is anything past your fingertips and beyond. With astigmatism pre-operatively, you will need glasses for all activities after surgery with a basic lens. Everyone will need readers after cataract surgery with a basic lens. If you want more to help make your busy life free from the hassle of glasses, consider upgrading your eyes with specialty upgraded lenses.

Read more and watch the videos below to learn more about the different specialty lenses available today.

After your consultation for your procedure, you may find yourself with many questions after you leave. Call Wendy directly at 770-533-7373 to discuss your surgical options.

Your Cataract Options

While all these choices may seem overwhelming, it is our job to help inform you of your options and guide you to make the best choice for your budget. Make an appointment and let us upgrade your eyes today.

Method

  • Standard Phaco-emulsification with incision by hand
  • Laser-assisted cataract surgery, both bladeless and sutureless

IntraOcular Lens (IOL) Choice

  • Multifocal IOL – Provides clear vision, near and far, with minimal to no need for glasses.
  • Toric IOL – Excellent distance vision for those with astigmatism with little to no need for distance glasses. May still need reading glasses, but they would be non-prescription (OTC) magnifying readers.
  • Aspherical IOL (HD lenses) – Reduce or eliminate your need for glasses either distance or near or one of each if you do not have astigmatism. These are the most accurate lenses on the market providing Blu-ray-like clarity.
  • Monofocal IOL – Provides distance vision after surgery similar quality to a DVD if you do not have astigmatism.
  • Monovision – Provides distance vision in one eye and near vision in the other eye, again as long as you do not have astigmatism.