What is a cataract?
Cataracts are formed when the natural clear, crystalline lens of the eye becomes cloudy, which can cause vision that is comparable to looking through a frosty or fogged up window. Cataracts typically occur in our 40s and 50s when individuals notice that their vision is just not as clear, particularly at near. Cataract progression happens so gradually that many people don’t realize how much vision they are losing until their daily activities are affected. Vision loss and symptoms of cataracts cannot be corrected with glasses and require cataract surgery to remove the cataracts. Only after the procedure do patients realize how they were missing out on clear vision and vivid colors and wish that they had done the procedure sooner!
Symptoms of Cataracts
- Blurring or dimming of vision
- Sensitivity to light and glare
- Difficulty driving at night (glares/halos around lights)
- Loss of clarity and brightness of colors
- Loss of depth perception
- Frequent changes in glasses prescription
Causes of Cataracts
- Prolonged exposure to UV light
- Medical conditions (diabetes)
- Eye injury/trauma
- Medication side effects (steroids)
- Smoking
Cataract Surgery: The Path to Clearer Vision
At Bealka Eye Surgery, we offer the latest advances in cataract technology, including standard cataract surgery as well as laser-assisted cataract surgery.
Our physicians perform a minimally invasive, small incision, “no stitch”, state-of-the art ultrasound technique called “phacoemulsification” to remove the cataract. An ultrasonic energy probe is inserted through the incision to break up or emulsify the cloudy lens (cataract). The pieces are then suctioned out through the probe.
Once the cataract is removed, it is replaced with a patient specific, state-of-the-art lens implant. Bealka Eye Surgery is one of the few eye centers that offer you a full range of lens options so it is important to meet with our doctors and staff to explore which lens is the best match for your lifestyle. We appreciate that there is no one else exactly like you… that’s why we invite you to talk with us to understand exactly what you want for your vision moving forward.
Cataract surgery rarely requires any eye stitches. The result is often rapid visual recovery, relatively quick resumption of normal activities, and less lid swelling/bruising compared to the older technique.
Cataract Surgery Lens Options
Patients now have a wonderful range of options for intraocular lenses (IOLs) at the time of cataract surgery. Bealka Eye Surgery is one of the few eye centers that offer you a full range of lens options so it is important to meet with our doctors and staff to explore which lens is the best match for your lifestyle. We appreciate that there is no one else exactly like you… that’s why we invite you to talk with us to understand exactly what you want for your vision moving forward. At Bealka Eye Surgery, we customize and tailor your visual outcomes after cataract surgery according to your visual needs and hobbies. If you choose our advanced technology lenses, you can dramatically decrease your dependence on glasses or contacts. Although we cannot guarantee freedom from glasses, if you choose one of our Custom High Technology lenses, you can maximize freedom from glasses or contacts at all distances for most situations. Our advanced technology lenses can help you see your world in exciting new ways and can help decrease your dependence on glasses.
Monofocal Lens (Glasses All the Time)
This is the standard lens implant. During cataract surgery, we replace the lens to correct a large amount of patient’s near or farsightedness, but they may still require glasses to see at distance. Additionally, all standard cataract surgery patients will require glasses to see up close (i.e reading glasses)
Advanced Technology Lenses (No Glasses Most of the Time)
- Panoptix Trifocal Lens
The AcrySof Panoptix Lens is the first FDA-approve trifocal lens implant in the United States. The lens, manufactured by Alcon, is designed to deliver decreased reliance on glasses for distance, intermediate, and near vision compared to a monofocal lens. This lens implant option is also available in the toric version for patients with astigmatism. - Panoptix IOL
- Cataract vs. Panoptix Vision Stimulator
Panoptix Trifocal Lens
The AcrySof Panoptix Lens is the first FDA-approved trifocal lens implant in the United States. The lens, manufactured by Alcon, is designed to deliver decreased reliance on glasses for distance, intermediate, and near vision compared to a monofocal lens. This lens implant option is also available in the toric version for patients with astigmatism.
Cataract vs. Panoptix Vision Stimulator
Custom Technology Lenses (Glasses for Reading/Computer All the Time)
Toric (Astigmatism Correcting) Lens
Toric lenses are designed to assist in correcting astigmatism during your cataract surgery to decrease your dependence on glasses mainly for distance vision (you will still need glasses for reading/intermediate vision).
Standard vs. Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery
At Bealka Eye Surgery, we offer both standard (blade) cataract surgery and laser-assisted cataract surgery. During laser-assisted cataract surgery, portions of the procedure are performed by the laser itself rather than by a standard blade. Schedule a consultation with one of our eye surgeons to discuss whether you are a candidate for this procedure.
Cataract Self Evaluation (survey-the end will prompt patient to web register)
- Do you have difficulty driving at night?
- Do you feel as though you are having difficulty seeing street signs/objects at a distance?
- Does your vision seem blurry or dim?
- Have you been experiencing problems with headlights while driving at night/glares/haloes?
- When reading small print, do you need a brighter light to see?
- Do you have double vision?
Base on your answers, it sounds like it’s time for a cataract evaluation. Click the button below to take the first step in restoring your vision.
FAQs
What are cataracts?
Cataracts are a natural clouding of the clear, crystalline lens of the eye which causes the vision to blur. They are typically age-related but can also be caused by injury, medical conditions, medications, etc.
How do I know if I have cataracts?
A complete eye exam. Symptoms of cataracts are typically worsening vision, problems with night vision/driving, and glares/haloes around lights; however, a complete eye exam is your first step in diagnosis.
How are cataracts treated?
As cataracts progress, contacts/glasses are unable to fully compensate for the problem and cataract surgery is necessary to replace the natural lens of the eye and restore vision.
When should I have my cataracts removed?
It is time to speak to an eye surgeon when a person finds it difficult to perform their daily activities due to their vision. The level of vision impairment warranting cataract surgery can be very different for different people and will mostly depend on what you feel is your limit for functioning vision.
How much does cataract surgery cost?
Prices may vary, so please contact our office and we can go over the best lens options with you. We accept most major forms of medical and vision insurance.
