Cataract Treatment
A cataract is a clouding or discoloration of the clear lens of the eye that blocks or obscures the passage of light, causing a gradual loss of sight. The amount and pattern of cloudiness within the lens can vary, and you may not know it is present. Cataracts occur as part of the normal aging process and studies show that virtually everyone age 65 has some cataract formation in their eyes. Most age-related cataracts progress gradually over many years. Other cataracts, especially in younger adults and people with diabetes, may progress rapidly. The aging process, family history, diabetes or other medical problems, smoking, trauma to the eye, some medications, and excessive unprotected UV exposure are known or suspected causes of cataracts.
Testing & Equipment
A thorough eye examination by your ophthalmologist can detect the presence of a cataract, as well as any other eye conditions. Cataract surgery is recommended when your decreased vision interferes with your everyday activities. Then, the only treatment is surgical removal of the clouded lens. During cataract surgery, a very small incision is made and a tiny ultrasonic probe is used to break up the cloudy lens and to gently clear it away. To restore vision, a new clear intraocular lens (IOL) is placed in the eye to replace the cloudy lens. Most patients notice an immediate improvement in their vision after surgery. Cataract surgery is performed on an outpatient basis in our Ambulatory Surgery Center located in Greenwood. If both eyes are affected, surgery on each eye is usually performed two to three weeks apart.
In some cases, the lens capsule can turn cloudy months after surgery. This can be treated using the YAG laser, a beam of light that makes an opening in the cloudy lens capsule. This procedure takes just a few minutes and can restore clear vision, and you resume normal activity immediately.
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY IOLs
The Indiana Eye Clinic offers Lifestyle Enhancing Cataract Care, a way to customize your cataract treatment to suit your visual needs. Advanced technology options in lens replacement allow you to enjoy life after cataract surgery with greater independence from eyeglasses, bifocals or trifocals. Unlike the standard IOL, the “Advanced Technology” lOL may provide quality focus at all distances. Your ophthalmologist and surgery consultant will help guide you to decide which lens will give you the best results.
The experienced surgeons at the Indiana Eye Clinic have improved the vision of thousands of people suffering from cataracts. Please contact us to discuss your options for cataract care.
Advanced Technology Equipment
ORA System™ Intraoperative Wavefront Aberrometer
The ophthalmologists at the Indiana Eye Clinic are the first eye surgeons in the State of Indiana to offer this first-in-class surgical device — the ORA System™ (formerly known as ORange). The ORA™ System utilizes Optiwave™ technology with a precise new light source and optics designed to take intraoperative wavefront aberrometry to a new level of performance.
ORA provides real-time measurements of the patient’s eye during cataract surgery. Using this revolutionary technology, the surgeon can evaluate the optical conditions in the eye throughout the procedure and can make surgical decisions or alterations during surgery, the precise moment that can best effect visual outcomes. The ORA System™ can assist the eye surgeon in more accurately determining factors such as intraocular lens implant accuracy and astigmatism correction. Better technology = better outcomes!
For more details about cataract surgery and the use of ORA System™ as part of your procedure, please contact us for information.
