Cataracts

A cataract is a cloudy area in the normally clear lens in the front of the eye. They are not a film over the eye and they are not caused by "overusing" the eyes -- rather, they are caused by a chemical change of unknown origin in the eye. They cause blurred or distorted vision.

Risk factors for developing cataracts include being over 55 years old, having eye injuries or disease, having a family history of cataracts, smoking cigarettes or using certain medications.

Vision with cataract.

There is no pain associated with the condition, but there are several symptoms that indicate failing vision due to cataracts. These include:

• Blurred/hazy vision
• Spots in front of the eye(s)
• Sensitivity to glare
• A feeling of "film" over the eye(s)
• A temporary improvement in near vision

Replacement surgery may be recommended for people who are significantly affected by cataracts.

Cataract Surgery

If cataracts interfere with your ability to read, work, or do the things you enjoy, you'll want to consider Cataract Surgery. It is the only proven means of effectively treating cataracts.

The most common surgical procedure in the U.S., cataract surgery is relatively painless and has a very high success rate -- more than 90 percent of patients regain useful vision. During the procedure, the natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one called an intraocular lens or IOL.

We perform a minimally invasive, no-stitch cataract surgery called phacoemulsification ("phaco") surgery. First, the eye is numbed with anesthesia. Then a tiny incision is made in the eye to make room for a small ultrasonic probe. This probe breaks up, or emulsifies, the cloudy lens into tiny pieces and gently sucks, or aspirates, those pieces out of the eye.

After the cloudy lens has been removed, a new IOL is implanted in its place. With the recent advance of foldable IOLs, these artificial lenses can be implanted through the same small incision from the phaco procedure. Once moved into position inside the eye, the IOL unfolds to its proper shape, restoring clearer vision.

Cataract surgery: Removal of the clouded lens (left) and replacement with an artificial IOL (right).

Click here for more information on Cataract Surgery

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IOLs and the ReSTOR^® Lens

AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL: Finally, the opportunity for freedom from reading glasses and bifocals. Until recently, life without reading glasses or bifocals was not an option for most middle aged or cataract patients. You now have an option! not just for cataract patients.

The AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL
(Intraocular lens (IOL): An artificial lens that is implanted in the eye to replace the eye's clouded crystalline lens during cataract or clear older lens for standard refractive surgery).
is a unique technological innovation that can provide you with quality vision throughout the entire visual spectrum near through distance with increased independence from reading glasses or bifocals! Technology for IOLs has been advancing rapidly. The latest FDA-approved IOLs can be implanted through a tiny incision, then work in harmony with muscles in the eye so that after cataract surgery, patients retain the ability to focus on objects at all distances.

How does the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL work?

As we perform daily activities such as reading, watching television or working at the computer, our eyes are constantly focusing on objects at varying distances up close, far away and everything in-between. The ability to quickly change focus throughout this range of vision is called accommodation. Unfortunately, this ability diminishes as we grow older, causing us to become dependent on bifocals or reading glasses. However, the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL was designed to provide quality near to distance vision. Similar technology has been used for years in microscopes and telescopes to improve image quality, and has now been patented for use in intraocular lenses by Alcon.

Click here for more information on the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL

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Custom IOL Fitting with the Zeiss IOL Master^®

The Zeiss IOL Master measures your eyes so Dr. Mang can select the best replacement lenses for you after cataract surgery. Click image to enlarge.

Every person's eyes are unique, like fingerprints. If you're undergoing cataract surgery, you'll want your new artificial lens (the IOL) to "match" your eye so you can enjoy the best vision possible. The Zeiss IOL Master^® measures key features of your eye (including axial length, corneal curvature and anterior chamber depth) so Dr. Mang can choose the IOL that's right for you. The results of the test are used to calculate the implant power of the IOL to help you achieve 20/20 vision after cataract surgery.

Approved by the FDA in 2000, the IOL Master is the only product in the world that makes these "optical biometry" examinations possible. Its laser technology has been proven to be five times more accurate than earlier methods such as ultrasound/sonography. And it's more comfortable for patients than ever before. It takes only moments to perform the measurements, and unlike older machines such as the A-Scan, the IOL Master never touches your eye.

More and more doctors are using the IOL Master because it produces a more accurate measurement and is easier for patients. We have had the IOL Master at NVLC for several years. In fact, we were one of the first to have this technology in the area.

Click here for more information on the Zeiss IOL Master^®

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