Cataracts tend to develop as part of the aging process of the eye, so everyone eventually has cataracts. The natural lens inside the eye is clear when we are born and begins to become yellow and cloudy as we age. There is no pain associated with the cataract development but there are symptoms and other risk factors.

• Blurred/hazy vison
• Glare/halos around lights at night
• A temporary improvement in near vision
• Needing more light to see to read

• Being over 55 years old
• Eye injury
• Eye disease
• Family history of cataracts
• Smoking
• Use of certain medications

Because cataracts develop slowly, it can be difficult to determine a specific time when cataract surgery becomes necessary.

The decision to proceed with cataract surgery is based on a patient’s symptoms. Difficulty seeing to drive at night, seeing road signs clearly, blurred vision that impairs reading, hobbies or other activities such as golf or tennis are all common complaints that lead to the decision for cataract surgery. It is no longer the norm to wait until a cataract is “ripe.”

Cataract surgery is the only way to remove a cataract from your eye and restore your vision. It is very important to understand that the presence of cataracts does not indicate the immediate need for surgery. You can manage them for years with glasses or contact lenses. Surgery is necessary when your cataracts start to interfere with your daily activities.

Annual visits with your eye care professional are important as you age to monitor changes in your vision due to cataracts. This will enable your eye care professional to make recommendations on whether surgery is necessary and which type of lens implant is right for you.

As we perform daily activities such as reading, watching television or working at the computer, our eyes are constantly focusing on objects at varying distances up close, far away and everything in between. The ability to quickly change focus throughout this range of vision is called accommodation.

Multifocal lenses are designed to correct a range of vision. The ReSTOR IOLens is a multifocal lens that is designed to provide quality near, intermediate and distance vision.

The Toric IOL is a breakthrough in IOL technology that can correct corneal astigmatism along with near -or far-sightedness. Astigmatism is a term that describes the shape of the cornea. It is not a disease. An ideal cornea is spherical like a basketball. A cornea with astigmatism is shaped like a football. This prevents light from being focused clearly on the retina.

Patients with corneal astigmatism who elect to receive the Toric IOL should have better vision without glasses as compared to those receiving a conventional IOL.

Atlanta Ophthalmology Associates offers a state of the art laser technology for use in cataract surgery called femtosecond. This innovation allows our surgeons to perform some of the most challenging steps in cataract surgery by using a laser.

“Femto” is a blade-free advancement alternative to traditional cataract surgery as seen in the video above. It is painless and offers more precise outcomes, as well as increasing the chances of freedom from glasses. Laser cataract surgery optimizes surgical accuracy and most importantly; patient safety, comfort and recovery.

This technology allows for a quick and painless procedure which usually takes 15 to 30 minutes with a rapid recovery time. The use of a topical and/or local anesthetic means you can be in and out of the surgical center the same day with no overnight stay.

Once the surgery is complete, your surgeon will cover the eye with a bandage or shield and after a short recovery you can have someone drive you home. We will see you the following day in our offices for your post-op appointment to ensure the health of your eye and the success of your new lens.