Cataract Surgery Specialist

What is a cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens of your eye, typically due to age-related changes in the eye. Changes in your eyes that increase your risk for cataracts can begin in your 40s and by age 60, you may notice increased cloudiness in your lens.

A healthy lens bends light that enters your eye, so you can see clearly. As the lens clouds over, your vision may become blurry and you may be more sensitive to the glare from lights. Cataracts can also cause double vision and you may no longer see bright colors as you normally might.

In addition to aging, you may also be at increased risk for cataracts due to:

• Diabetes
• Eye injury
• Family history
• Certain medications

If you spend time in the sun without proper protection from the ultraviolet (UV) rays, you may be more likely to develop cataracts.

When do I need cataract surgery?

You may be a candidate for cataract surgery if the clouding of your lens becomes severe enough to interfere with your quality of life. If you can no longer see well enough to work, read, or drive, Dr. Prince may recommend cataract surgery to eliminate your symptoms.

Dr. Prince and his team provide comprehensive cataract evaluations to assess your overall eye health and visual acuity before suggesting surgery. They discuss in-depth all of your options for treatment during your consultation and perform surgery in a superb facility that features state-of-the-art equipment and personalized, individual attention.

What happens during cataract surgery?

The goals of cataract surgery are to remove the clouded lens and replace it with an artificial one. Typically, you can expect surgery on just one eye and several weeks of recovery before Dr. Prince can treat your other eye.

The type of lens Dr. Prince implants depends on your eye health and vision. Intraocular lenses (IOL) are a popular option if you need to improve your vision. As there are a variety of IOLs available, Dr. Prince will determine which type based on your specific needs before surgery. 

Options include:

Multifocal lenses

Multifocal lenses work much like bifocals or progressive lens glasses, allowing you to see at different distances.

Fixed-focus monofocal lenses

Fixed-focus monofocal lenses provide single-focus strength to improve distance vision.

Accommodating-focus monofocal lenses

Accommodating-focus monofocal lenses offer single-focus strength and can shift focus to objects up close or at a distance based on your own muscle movements.

Toric lenses

If you have vision issues because of astigmatism, you may benefit from toric lenses.

Dr. Prince implants the lens, which becomes a natural part of your eye. He only needs to make a small incision to remove the old lens and replace it with the artificial one.

How long does it take to recover from cataract surgery?

Following your surgery, your vision begins clearing within a few days as your eye heals. You may have some mild discomfort or itchiness in the initial days after the procedure.

You may need to wear a patch over your eye to keep out debris and use eyedrops to prevent infection and promote healing.

While you may be able to get back to your usual routine within a few days, it can take up to eight weeks for your eye to fully heal. Dr. Prince and his team continue to monitor your eye health and vision during post-surgery follow-ups.

If you need surgery for cataracts, schedule a consultation to discuss your options by calling the office of Andrew M. Prince MD Ophthalmology and Ophthalmic Surgery nearest you.