A cataract is a clouded area of the lens of your eye. The lens of your eye allows you to focus your vision and is located behind the iris. When proteins in the lens break down, usually with age, the lens takes on a cloudy or foggy appearance. Symptoms follow, including blurry vision, double vision, or faded color vision.
Cataract surgery specialist and ophthalmological expert David Kamen, MD, strives for the best possible outcome for every patient at our Beverly Hills Eye Center office in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles. He helps you explore the ways in which you can customize your surgery and make the best choices for yourself in regard to your procedure.
Here’s what you can expect from cataract surgery:
Cataract surgery requires careful planning by your ophthalmologist. This starts with an examination, and if you don’t already have a diagnosis, you’ll get one at the time.
Your ophthalmologist measures your eye, asks about the medications you take, and may tell you to avoid or adjust certain medications leading up to your surgery. You’ll also receive eye drops ahead of time that contain medications to prevent swelling and infection during and after your surgery.
An advanced intraocular lens (IOL) replaces the natural clouded lens of your eye when you undergo cataract surgery. You have many options, and choosing a lens is an essential part of planning your procedure. Certain lens types can correct refractive errors, so you may not need glasses (or you can wear them less often) after your surgery.
Cataract surgery can replace your clouded lenses with:
A monofocal IOL is a basic type of lens with a single focusing distance. It’s the most common type of IOL but typically requires you to use reading glasses when viewing close-up objects.
Multifocal IOLs include different zones set for different distances of viewing. This means you can see close-up objects and far-away objects without having to get glasses for either.
Accommodative IOLs can change shape within the eye, much like your natural lens, in order to focus on objects at various distances.
If you have astigmatism, a toric IOL may be the best option for you. This implant corrects the abnormal curvature of your eye that causes your refractive error.
Once you’ve picked an IOL implant that suits your needs and expectations, your cataract surgery can proceed. After numbing your eye with local anesthesia, Dr. Kamen breaks down the damaged lens using a laser or ultrasound. The majority of the surgery is computerized and precise, and with Dr. Kamen’s method, there is no need for stitches.
If you’re ready to learn more about cataract surgery and explore the options it involves, schedule an appointment over the phone or online at Beverly Hills Eye Center today.
