Surgical Services
Cataract Consultations & Surgical Care
Your eye has a clear lens through which light passes, allowing you to see. When the lens loses its transparency, the cloudy tissue that develops is known as a cataract. Cataracts affect millions of people each year, including more than half of all Americans over the age of 60. Cloudiness develops as a result of a buildup of protein in the lens. Over the course of time, cataracts cause a progressive, painless loss of vision. Cataracts can occur in either one eye or both eyes.
No one is exactly sure what causes cataracts. It may be the result of the following:
- Injury
- Medication
- Illness
- Diabetes
- Alcohol use
- Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light
- Smoking
- Family history of cataracts
- Exposure to radiation
- A result of eye surgery
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 some of the following symptoms:
- Blurry or hazy vision
- Double vision
- Colors that appear to be faded
- Poor vision in bright light
- Seeing halos around lights
- Poor night time vision
- Yellowish tinged vision
- Frequent changes in lens prescriptions
Early cataracts, which are still fairly new, can sometimes be treated with non-surgical methods such as:
- New eyeglass prescription
- Anti-glare sunglasses
- Magnifying lenses
- Installing lighting that is brighter
If the cataracts begin to interfere with your ability to read, work or do the things you enjoy, you may want to consider cataract surgery to restore your vision. If cataracts are in both eyes, your surgery will be performed on one eye at a time, usually four to eight weeks apart. Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgical procedure in the United States. Approximately 90 percent of the people who have had cataract surgery have improved vision after the procedure.
Cataract surgery replaces the cloudy natural lens of the eye with a clear artificial lens, known as an intraocular lens (IOL).
Dr. Matthews performs a minimally invasive, small-incision, cataract surgery called phacoemulsification of cataract. During this procedure, a tiny incision is made in the eye making room for a small ultrasonic probe. This probe breaks up, or emulsifies, the cloudy lens into tiny pieces. The lens pieces are then suctioned out through the probe. Because of its small size, the incision will be able to heal on its own with only topical eye drops.
After the cloudy lens has been removed, the artificial IOL is implanted in the eye. The advanced foldable IOLs is inserted through the same small incision that was made to remove the original lens. This process significantly reduces recovery time while improving safety and reducing the risk of bleeding, scarring, irritation and distortion.
Multifocal Lens Implants
AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL
AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL is an intraocular lens that provides a full range of vision for patients after cataract surgery, significantly decreasing their dependence on glasses or contact lenses. The ReSTOR IOL replaces the natural lens of the eye which has been removed during surgery. Its optic design enables it to bend light to a focal point of the retina, facilitating distance vision. By distributing light on the retina in such a way that images at various distances are clearly perceived, it provides multifocal visual clarity.
The ReStor IOL has been shaped using a special process called apodized diffraction to provide increased depth of focus. Diffraction involves the bending or spreading of light to multiple focal points as it passes through the lens. Apodization is a process through which such light is gradually tapered to create a smooth transition which allows accurate focus at various distances.
The lens of the ReSTOR IOL is convex on both sides, or biconvex, and is made of soft plastic so that it can be folded prior to insertion. This allows the surgeon to make an incision smaller than the diameter of the lens itself. After the IOL has been surgically inserted into the eye, it gently unfolds to restore vision. The IOL is constructed with supporting arms which provide for proper positioning in the eye.
Any individual who desires multifocal vision without the use of reading glasses, bifocals or contact lenses may be a candidate for ReSTOR IOL. While the ReSTOR IOL was originally designed for patients with cataracts, having cataracts is not necessary to qualify for the ReSTOR IOL. Patients with chronic infections, uncontrolled diabetes or other health problems may have to wait until these conditions are under control before they can undergo this corrective eye surgery.
There are several benefits to ReSTOR IOL treatment which include:
- A soft, foldable acrylic lens
- Smaller incision in the eye
- Correction for both cataracts and presbyopia
- Filtering of blue light for more vivid color perception
- Correction of spherical aberrations that appear with age
The ReSTOR IOL procedure is a relatively simple one. The cataract-impaired lens of the eye is removed through a tiny incision on the edge of the cornea and replaced with the ReSTOR IOL. The procedure does not take long to complete and is performed as an outpatient surgery. After approximately an hour of medical observation, the patient is able to leave the surgery center almost immediately. The patient usually returns for a follow-up appointment with the physician the day after the procedure. The recovery period from the ReSTOR procedure is quite short. Patients are generally able to return to normal activities the following day.
There may be some itching, discomfort and sensitivity to light after surgery. These symptoms are usually managed satisfactorily with eye drops that have been prescribed by the ophthalmologist. These symptoms almost always subside within a few days as the eye heals and patients may begin to enjoy the clarity of vision the new lenses provide.
As with any surgery, ReSTOR IOL surgery has potential complications. The chief risk associated with ReSTOR IOL treatment, and with all multifocal lens procedures, is that certain individuals simply do not adapt to the new way of seeing. Although most patients adjust in less than a month, many take as long as 6 months to a year to make the adjustment. A small number of patients are never able to adapt to the multifocal lenses which, although rare, is a serious complication.
Most of the risks associated with the ReSTOR IOL treatment are side effects common to all cataract procedures and all are complications at the surgical site. These risks may include:
- Swelling or bleeding
- Infection
- Retinal detachment
- Glaucoma
- Secondary cataract formation
- Eye redness or irritation
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision, halos or glare in low light
In general, ReSTOR treatment has a high rate of success with few complications. A majority of patients report improved vision right after surgery.
Toric Lens Implants
AcrySof® IQ Toric IOL
Intraocular lenses are used during cataract surgery to replace the damaged lens of the eye with an implant that clears up and corrects vision, oftentimes leaving patients with little to no dependence on glasses.
Up until now, patients with astigmatism did not have the same opportunities that other cataract patients have had in correcting their condition with the types of IOL lenses that were available. Typically, the astigmatic patient would need an additional surgical procedure, such as refractive surgery or LASIK, to correct their vision after the procedure. If the patient did not want to undergo another surgical procedure, the only option for correction would be the use of either contact lenses or glasses to address their astigmatism.
Toric IOLs are able to accommodate for the condition of astigmatism. Toric IOLs are specially designed to correct astigmatism along with overall vision during cataract surgery, offering complete vision correction.
The advanced Toric IOLs correct the imbalance caused by an irregular cornea shape in patients with astigmatism. There are several different types of FDA approved Toric IOLs which can correct up to 3 diopters of astigmatism.
The ReStor IOL has been shaped using a special process called apodized diffraction to provide increased depth of focus. Diffraction involves the bending or spreading of light to multiple focal points as it passes through the lens. Apodization is a process through which such light is gradually tapered to create a smooth transition which allows accurate focus at various distances.
The lens of the ReSTOR IOL is convex on both sides, or biconvex, and is made of soft plastic so that it can be folded prior to insertion. This allows the surgeon to make an incision smaller than the diameter of the lens itself. After the IOL has been surgically inserted into the eye, it gently unfolds to restore vision. The IOL is constructed with supporting arms which provide for proper positioning in the eye.
The cataract-impaired lens of the eye is gently removed through a tiny incision that is made on the edge of the cornea. The lens is then removed and replaced with the Toric IOL. The procedure does not take long to complete.
Following the procedure, patients will be able to return home after about an hour of observation. A follow-up appointment is usually scheduled for the day after the surgery to monitor the patient's recovery. Recovery from the surgery is usually short, and most patients are able to return to their normal activities almost immediately.
There may be some itching, discomfort and sensitivity to light after surgery, which can be managed through eye drops that have been prescribed by your doctor. These symptoms usually go away within a few days as the eye heals and patients can begin to enjoy the many benefits of their new lens.
As with any surgery, Toric lens surgery has potential complications. The most common side effects of all cataract procedures include:
- Redness
- Irritation
- A sensitivity to light
- Infection
These risks, however, are rare and are often outweighed by the potential benefits of restoring vision.
Complications specific to Toric IOL may include:
- The lens rotating out of position
- Loss of sharpness of vision
Toric IOLs are considered safe for most patients with astigmatism and are the only solution to correct vision problems associated with both cataracts and astigmatism.
Multifocal Lens Implants
AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL
AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL is an intraocular lens that provides a full range of vision for patients after cataract surgery, significantly decreasing their dependence on glasses or contact lenses. The ReSTOR IOL replaces the natural lens of the eye which has been removed during surgery. Its optic design enables it to bend light to a focal point of the retina, facilitating distance vision. By distributing light on the retina in such a way that images at various distances are clearly perceived, it provides multifocal visual clarity.
The ReStor IOL has been shaped using a special process called apodized diffraction to provide increased depth of focus. Diffraction involves the bending or spreading of light to multiple focal points as it passes through the lens. Apodization is a process through which such light is gradually tapered to create a smooth transition which allows accurate focus at various distances.
The lens of the ReSTOR IOL is convex on both sides, or biconvex, and is made of soft plastic so that it can be folded prior to insertion. This allows the surgeon to make an incision smaller than the diameter of the lens itself. After the IOL has been surgically inserted into the eye, it gently unfolds to restore vision. The IOL is constructed with supporting arms which provide for proper positioning in the eye.
Any individual who desires multifocal vision without the use of reading glasses, bifocals or contact lenses may be a candidate for ReSTOR IOL. While the ReSTOR IOL was originally designed for patients with cataracts, having cataracts is not necessary to qualify for the ReSTOR IOL. Patients with chronic infections, uncontrolled diabetes or other health problems may have to wait until these conditions are under control before they can undergo this corrective eye surgery.
There are several benefits to ReSTOR IOL treatment which include:
- A soft, foldable acrylic lens
- Smaller incision in the eye
- Correction for both cataracts and presbyopia
- Filtering of blue light for more vivid color perception
- Correction of spherical aberrations that appear with age
The ReSTOR IOL procedure is a relatively simple one. The cataract-impaired lens of the eye is removed through a tiny incision on the edge of the cornea and replaced with the ReSTOR IOL. The procedure does not take long to complete and is performed as an outpatient surgery. After approximately an hour of medical observation, the patient is able to leave the surgery center almost immediately. The patient usually returns for a follow-up appointment with the physician the day after the procedure. The recovery period from the ReSTOR procedure is quite short. Patients are generally able to return to normal activities the following day.
There may be some itching, discomfort and sensitivity to light after surgery. These symptoms are usually managed satisfactorily with eye drops that have been prescribed by the ophthalmologist. These symptoms almost always subside within a few days as the eye heals and patients may begin to enjoy the clarity of vision the new lenses provide.
As with any surgery, ReSTOR IOL surgery has potential complications. The chief risk associated with ReSTOR IOL treatment, and with all multifocal lens procedures, is that certain individuals simply do not adapt to the new way of seeing. Although most patients adjust in less than a month, many take as long as 6 months to a year to make the adjustment. A small number of patients are never able to adapt to the multifocal lenses which, although rare, is a serious complication.
Most of the risks associated with the ReSTOR IOL treatment are side effects common to all cataract procedures and all are complications at the surgical site. These risks may include:
- Swelling or bleeding
- Infection
- Retinal detachment
- Glaucoma
- Secondary cataract formation
- Eye redness or irritation
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision, halos or glare in low light
In general, ReSTOR treatment has a high rate of success with few complications. A majority of patients report improved vision right after surgery.
Chalazion
A chalazion is a small, non-infectious lump that develops in the upper or lower eyelid due to the blockage of the meibomian gland, an oil gland in the eyelid. The meibomian gland produces fluid that lubricates the eye. While children do develop chalazions, they more commonly affect adults between the ages of 30 to 50.
There are almost 100 meibomian glands in the eyelid, located near the eyelashes. When the duct that drains the gland is blocked, the fluid becomes backed up inside the gland and forms a chalazion. A chalazion may also form as a result of an eyelid infection.
- A bump or lump in the upper or lower eyelid
- Tenderness of the eyelid
- Sensitivity to light
- Excessive tearing
- Blurry vision
- Blepharitis
- Astigmatism
Chalazion usually resolve on their own, over the course of time. It can take a few months before they disappear. To treat a chalazion, the following options are available:
- Warm compresses applied four times a day for 10 to 15 minutes each time
- Antibiotic ointment
- Steroid injection
- Surgical drainage
While older children and adults may undergo the surgical drainage procedure in a doctor's office under local anesthesia, general anesthesia is usually recommended for a chalazion removal in young children. If a chalazion recurs in the same place, a tissue biopsy may be conducted in order to rule out a more serious issue.
