Cataracts
The normal human eye has a clear lens which is located near the front of the eye. A cataract is a clouding of this normally clear leans causing the patient's vision to be foggy or blurred. The natural process of aging may cause the lens to harden and turn cloudy and is usually the most common cause of cataract development.
Cataracts generally develop gradually over many years. Most people are not aware that a cataract is developing until they have difficulty reading the eye chart at their routine doctor's visit. They may also notice one or more of the following symptoms: blurred or cloudy sight, sensitivity to light with a glare or halo around objects, difficulty in driving (especially at night), feeling as if a film is covering the eye, seeing colors that appear dull or washed out or poor depth perception.
Cataracts that appear in children are sometimes hereditary and are called congenital cataracts. They are present at birth. Certain infections or diseases of the eye, such as diabetes, can also cause the lens to cloud and form a secondary cataract. An eye injury whether from a hard blow or a chemical burn can cause a traumatic cataract.
Cataracts cannot be treated simply with stronger glasses or eye drops. The only effective treatment is cataract surgery. This involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear lens implant (IOL). In the past, patients were advised to wait until the cataract had become particularly cloudy. Now, with the advances in surgical techniques, diagnostic equipment and intraocular implants, there is no need to postpone surgery for better vision.
The Eye Surgery Center of Arkansas has performed thousands of cataract procedures using intraocular implants. Cataract surgery is done on an outpatient basis at our facility and our doctors use the latest small incision, no-stitch cataract techniques. Once it is determined that a patient requires surgery, the doctors and staff visit with the patient and family to discuss the patient's condition and answer any questions concerning the procedure.
A local anesthesia with mild sedation is used; thus no general anesthesia is required. The patient does not see or feel the surgery, and the procedure takes about 20 minutes to perform. After a short stay in the post-operative recovery area, the patient may return home within a half-hour following the surgery. The patient will return for a brief office visit the following morning. A small bandage placed over the eye after surgery is then removed and a prescription for eye drops, along with complete instructions, is given to the patient.
The standard lens used in cataract surgery is called a monofocal IOL. This IOL is a single focus lens, so it is ideal for improving sight at either near or far distance. Most patients who choose traditional monofocal lenses are able to see distance clearly after surgery, therefore reading glasses or bifocals are generally needed for reading and close work.
Southern Eye Associates now offers three deluxe refractive IOL;s to correct cataract patients, in addition to the standard monofocal IOL. They make it possible for the patient to see well without glasses or contacts, be it near, intermediate, or far. Click on the lenses listed below for detailed information on the unique performance of these deluxe implants.
Southern Eye Associates has a three different lenses to correct cataract patients. Click the below one to find out more information on each.
Post operative instructions after Cataract and Deluxe Lens:
Use drops as directed by physician
You may resume normal activity within two days
Be careful not to rub the eye or get hit in the eye
Where protective eyewear while outdoors for two weeks
The Eye Surgery Center of Arkansas accepts Medicare assignment and is a Medicare- licensed, outpatient surgery facility. With Medicare and supplemental insurance, all surgical costs are covered. Contact the Eye Surgery Center of Arkansas at 800-634-7299 to make an appointment for your complete vision examination.
