Cataract

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.

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. We can now correct astigmatism at the time of cataract surgery by using a toric intraocular lens or corneal relaxing incisions, depending on the magnitude of astigmatism present.

Symptoms:

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

Risk Factors:

• 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.

Monofocal – the standard lens implanted. Mono meaning one gives you one range of vision to see clearly (distance or near) and you will need glasses for the other ranges of vision. Most commonly when patients elect distance vision, they will require reading glasses.

Multifocal – a premium technology lens. This lens allows you to see distance, intermediate and near without being dependent on glasses. Not every patient is a candidate for this type of lens.

Toric – an astigmatism-correcting lens. This allows the surgeon to correct your astigmatism at the time of surgery.

There are toric monofocal lenses and toric multifocal lenses. Not every patient has enough astigmatism to make this lens necessary. If only a small amount of astigmatism is present, the femtosecond laser can be used to make small incisions in the cornea to correct the astigmatism.

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 office for your post-op appointment to ensure the health of your eye and the success of your new lens.

---

"Dear Dr. Palay, I knew when I had cataract surgery that I'd be able to see better. I didn't know though, that it would change my life. It has made the biggest difference in everything. I see clearly, I can drive better, I read faster and accurately, and especially I am able to see colors correctly. I am continually surprised at the true color of something, instead of the faded out version it was before surgery. Best of all, I don't have to depend on glasses! I wake up every morning intensely happy with my new sight. Thank you so very much!" - Elaine M.

"If there is such a thing as a perfect experience, I and all those I have referred, have had it. Every experience has been perfect and pleasant. Those who greet you, all other technicians make every visit pleasant, even cataract surgery. Dr. Brown is the best and Dr. Barrows was great today! Keep it up!!" - Marianne B.

“Dr. Weissman performed bilateral cataract surgery on me in October 2021. Unknown to me at that time my corneas were a slightly different shape potentially complicating the cataract surgery. How fortuitous it was that Dr. Weissman also has a specialty in corneal surgery, in addition to being a great cataract surgeon. She navigated the surgery with skill and expertise fitting the new lenses to my unusual shaped eyes. The result is my eyesight is better now than when I was 25! Dr. Weissman is patient kind and skilled - the trifecta of a perfect surgeon! Just so happy with my new found eyesight!” – Mary E.

"My wife, Janice S., had two eye operations recently with Dr. Brown to remove cataracts from both eyes. She is very precious to me and I want to express to Dr. Brown my appreciation for taking care of her and the good job that he has done. I am aware of his efforts around the world to teach others of his techniques. It is obvious that he really cares about what he does, the sign of a great doctor. I pray that he will continue to take care of himself and have a long and glorious life." - Jim S.

"I feel so lucky to have had Dr. Palay perform my cataract surgery. He is so professional and competent and I would definitely recommend him and his staff." - Phyllis A.

“At 73, cataract surgery was my very first surgery. Dr. Weissman made the experience a most pleasant one, void of stress. She’s an expert and most professional. I’ve referred two friends who will be so appreciative of this brilliant doctor.” - Janie B.

"After having had both cataracts repaired, I cannot tell you, Dr. Brown, how happy I am thanks to you! I now literally have a new outlook on life and I must say, Dr. Brown you are certainly a man of renowned. My tennis game has improved and I thank you after making a great shot!" - Joan B.

“Dr. Perszyk did cataract surgery on me earlier this year. I had the utmost confidence in him and he proved that by providing an easy and pleasant experience. He and his team are so nice and provided comfort for an anxious person like me!” - Gary K.