Cataract Surgery is a very common vision correction procedure. Typically, cataract surgery involves using a small incision phacoemulsification technique. Basically, the smallest incision possible is made so that the unwanted natural crystalline lens material can be removed with an ultrasonic needle. A normal incision is about 2.5 to 3 millimeters in length and is created at the intersection of the cornea and the sclera.
An anesthetic is then administered inside the eye through this incision. The front part of the lens envelope, known as the lens capsule, is delicately opened so that the hardened, unwanted lens material can be removed. A needle-like ultrasonic device is used to destroy the hardened and yellow proteins that make up the cataract. As the cataract is being destroyed, a vacuum is being used to remove the pieces from the eye.
Once the cataract has been completely removed from the eye an intraocular lens(IOL) is put into place through the incision. The intraocular lens is centered in the lens capsule to help improve vision after cataract surgery. The IOL will remain permanently inside your eye in this location, acting similar to a contact lens. IOLs cannot be felt or sensed in any way by the patient. Our doctors will go over your options for intraocular lenses, explaining the benefits of each F.D.A. approved IOL.
In the past, cataract patients only had the option of a monofocal intraocular lens implant. Monofocal means that the vision would only be corrected at one distance which would require patients to still have to wear glasses. In recent years the FDA has approved several advanced intraocular lens implants to be used by ophthalmologists for cataract patients. The advanced intraocular lenses have the advantage of allowing people to be able to see both near and far distances after surgery, thus being named multifocal intraocular lens implants. If you have worn glasses prior to cataract surgery, this might be an opportunity to eliminate your need for glasses after surgery. The main difference between the conventional and new IOLs is in the ability to focus at multiple distances.
Lens Implants
The lens you chose matters. While a monofocal lens can help you see far away, the Panoptix lens gives you a full range of vision. Panoptix Trifocal IOL is a type of multifocal IOL used to focus images clearly onto the back of the eye (retina) to allow clear vision after cataract removal. In addition, the center of the IOL allows for better near (reading) vision and intermediate (computer work) vision.
Toric Lens Implants
A patient with cataracts and an astigmatism may request the Toric IOL be implanted during their cataract removal procedure. With the Toric IOL a patient can treat both there cataract and astigmatism in one out-patient procedure. The Toric IOL is an artificial lens that will replace the natural cloudy lens that is currently impairing your vision.
If you would like to learn more about Cataract Surgery or Intraocular Lens Implants please call us today! New Orleans location 504-891-1988 or Metairie location 504-454-0158.