Learn if You are Ready for Cataract Surgery

Using modern, safe surgical techniques, cataract surgery has become one of the most commonly performed procedures. Cataract surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, and patients typically go home after the procedure and recover in the comfortable surroundings of their own home. The actual surgery only takes about 20 minutes to complete.

Justin Wilkin, M.D. – Cataract Surgeon

How traditional cataract surgery is performed

Cataracts are removed in our state-of-the-art eye surgery center using a no stitch, no needle small incision surgery known as phacoemulsification. Anesthetic eye drops are administered. An incision of 2.5 to 3 mm is created at the junction of the cornea (the clear domed structure on the front of the eye) and the sclera (the white part of the eye). Using a process called phacoemulsification, the cataract is broken into many small pieces using an ultrasonic device and suctioned from the eye. Once a cataract is removed, it will never redevelop. A replacement Intraocular Lens (IOL) is inserted through the original incision and centered on the lens capsule of the eye. IOLs are soft and flexible and cannot be felt or sensed in any way by the patient. IOLs never wear out and, except in very rare instances, never need to be replaced.

Cataract surgery is virtually pain-free

Most patients report very little discomfort during the 20-minute procedure. Surgery is performed on one eye at a time. If necessary, the second eye surgery will be performed after the first has fully healed (usually about two weeks later).

Puneet Panda, M.D. – Cataract Surgeon

Laser cataract surgery

We also perform laser cataract surgery for some patients. During this laser-assisted cataract surgery procedure, a laser replaces the phacoemulsification part of the process. Not all cataracts must be removed. Some patients can live with cataracts; however, if they begin to affect your daily life, you should consider cataract surgery. Contact us today to schedule a cataract evaluation to learn about your vision improvement options.