Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgical procedure in the United States and is considered extremely safe and successful. If your vision is cloudy or not as clear as it once was, cataract surgery may be necessary.
What Are Cataracts?
A cataract is a common condition in which the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. Cataracts are a normal part of aging, and they usually develop slowly over a period of time. Once a cataract begins to form, it gradually grows opaque, causing blurry, dim, and faded vision that gets progressively worse over time. Left untreated, cataracts can eventually lead to blindness.
There are several misconceptions about cataracts. Cataracts are not:
What Causes Cataracts?
The lens of your eye is transparent so that light can easily pass through it. It is mostly made of water and has no blood supply.
Although new cells for the lens are being continuously created throughout your lifetime, several factors combine as you age to cause areas in the lens to become cloudy, hard, and dense. When this happens, the lens can no longer transmit a crisp picture to the retina, where it can be processed and delivered through the optic nerve to the brain.
If you live long enough, you will likely develop cataracts to some degree. Age-related cataracts are the most common kind of cataract. However, certain factors can speed up the clouding of your eye’s lens, such as:
What’s the Difference Between Traditional and Laser Cataract Surgery?
Traditional Cataract Surgery
Traditional cataract surgery (phacoemulsification) is one of the most frequently performed procedures worldwide and remains incredibly safe and effective. During this outpatient procedure, your surgeon manually creates a microscopic incision at the edge of the cornea using handheld instruments.
An ultrasonic device then breaks up the cataracted lens into tiny pieces through sound waves, allowing for easy removal and replacement with a new intraocular lens. The entire process typically takes around ten minutes per eye, and the incision closes naturally during recovery. Traditional cataract surgery offers several advantages, including lower cost, proven effectiveness, safety, and quick recovery time.
Laser Cataract Surgery
Laser cataract surgery utilizes advanced femtosecond laser technology to perform many of the steps that are done manually in traditional surgery. The laser creates exceptionally precise incisions, including a near-perfect circular opening for accessing the cataract. It can also soften and fragment the hardened cataract into smaller pieces, allowing for gentler removal with less inflammation. This advanced approach can simultaneously address both cataracts and astigmatism, potentially reducing dependence on glasses or contacts after surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Schedule Your Cataract Surgery Consultation Today
Don’t postpone crisp, clear vision for another day. Schedule a cataract evaluation at Kirk Eye Center today! With convenient locations throughout the Chicago area, we’re here to serve you.
