CATARACTS AND YOUR VISION
A cataract is the hardening and clouding of the eye’s natural lens, one of the eye’s primary focusing mechanisms. When cataracts occur, the sharp images and bright colors that you have always enjoyed may become blurry and dull. The quality of your night vision also decreases, and you may notice glare and halos around lights. When cataracts develop, you may also become more dependent on glasses or bifocals.
Many factors are involved in the development of cataracts. Exposure to UV rays, exposure to environmental pollutants, use of steroid medications, and uncontrolled diabetes are only a few of the known causes of cataracts.
The development of cataracts may also be the result of the natural aging process. Statistics show that 20.5 million older Americans suffer from cataracts, and 50% of older adults will develop cataracts by the age of 80.
There are a variety of treatment options available at Carolina Vision Center.
SYMPTOMS OF CATARACTS
- Hazy, blurred vision
- Diminished visual acuity and poor vision quality
- Glare or halos around lights, especially at night
- Dull colors
- Increased dependence on glasses
TREATMENT OF CATARACTS
In recent years, many advancements have been made in the science of cataract treatment.
Sometimes, a doctor may choose to treat cataracts with glasses.
However, when cataracts interfere with the quality of your life and your vision, your doctor may recommend implantable intraocular lenses (IOL) as a treatment option. These biocompatible, artificial lenses are inserted into your eye to replace your cloudy, hardened natural lens. In the lens replacement procedure, your surgeon will first dissolve and remove your natural, cloudy lens through a process called phacoemulsification. Then, your surgeon will replace your natural lens with an IOL. The procedure is fast and painless, and it is performed on an out-patient basis in our local surgical center. One eye is treated on the day of your procedure. The second eye will be treated at a later time. Most patients return to their normal activities in the days following the procedure. For most patients, there is an adjustment time of approximately six weeks to 12 weeks when the brain is learning to see with its new lens. Vision will gradually improve over this time. Individual results vary based on your choice of lens, your vision, the anatomy of your eyes, and your lifestyle.
To determine the most effective cataract treatment for you, Dr. Woodcock and the team at Carolina Vision Center will perform a thorough examination of several aspects of your eyes and advise you on the best method of care.
To schedule an appointment for an evaluation, call us today at (910) 485-EYES.
LENS OPTIONS
A standard, mono-focal IOL can effectively correct your distance vision. However, these lenses do not correct near or intermediate vision. Patients who receive standard IOL’s may need to wear glasses for optimum near and intermediate vision and for activities such as working on a computer or reading.
Many patients who opt for a standard, monofocal lens receive the Tecnis lens. The Tecnis lens has a modified prolate lens surface, which provides recipients with improved overall functional vision and greater contrast sensitivity in varying light conditions. In simple terms, the Tecnis lens improves one’s ability to see clearly in low light conditions. Therefore, the Tecnis lens enhances a cataract patient’s ability to see at night and to perform daily activities.
For patients with astigmatism, your doctor may recommend a Toric lens. The Toric lens is uniquely designed to reduce or eliminate corneal astigmatism and significantly improve uncorrected distance vision simultaneously.
However, there are other lens options. Premium IOL’s can effectively correct a full range of near, intermediate and distance vision. Patients can greatly reduce and usually eliminate their dependence on glasses with these advanced technologies.
We currently offer three premium IOL options at Carolina Vision Center: Tecnis Multifocal, Crystalens and ReSTOR.
To learn more about these remarkable lenses, visit the link below.
DOCTOR WOODCOCK’S EXPERIENCE
When you trust your eyes to Dr. Michael Woodcock, you trust your eyes to the best! Dr. Woodcock is one of the most experienced, skilled and respected cataract surgeons in the United States, and he is a pioneer in the field of cataract treatment. He has performed over 25,000 successful cataract removal and lens replacement procedures since 1996. He was the first certified ReZoom surgeon and Crystalens surgeon in the state of North Carolina, and he is the most experienced Tecnis Z 9001 surgeon in the world.