Cataracts

Have you been experiencing blurry, cloudy vision as you age? Have you been struggling with driving at night, needing a brighter light to read, or going through frequent prescription changes? You could have cataracts, a common eye condition that affects nearly everyone as they age.

At Berg-Feinfield Vision Correction, our cataract surgeons combine advanced technology with personalized treatments to deliver the best possible care and help you achieve your vision goals.

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What are Cataracts?

Cataracts are a common condition that affects the natural lens of the eye. The natural lens serves a vital purpose by bending incoming light onto the retina for clear vision.

However, the natural aging process can cause proteins within the lens to break down, forming clumps that cloud your vision and lead to symptoms such as blurry vision, light sensitivity, and colors appearing dull or faded. These vision changes often occur slowly over many years, with most patients not even realizing they have cataracts until they start experiencing challenges, such as trouble reading menus in a dimly lit restaurant or not being able to make out street signs when driving after dark.

While aging is the most common cause of cataracts, they can also form much earlier due to eye injuries, genetics, or certain medical conditions. At your eye exam with Berg-Feinfield Vision Correction, your eye doctor will determine the root cause of your cataracts to help determine the best treatment timeline for your needs.

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What are the Symptoms of Cataracts?

Most cataract patients don't experience significant symptoms at first, and many mistake visual challenges for a need for stronger reading glasses or better lighting. However, as they begin to develop further, you'll likely experience symptoms.

While these symptoms often indicate cataracts, they could be signs of other eye conditions. It's essential to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with your ophthalmologist to receive an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your condition.

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Knowing When It's Time for Cataract Surgery

Not everyone needs cataract surgery when they're first diagnosed. Some patients find they can still manage all their daily tasks with simple lifestyle changes, such as increasing lighting and getting stronger glasses.

However, once symptoms start preventing you from driving safely, navigating your home, or attending social events, it's time to consider the procedure. Your eye doctor will conduct a thorough consultation involving a comprehensive eye exam, a review of your symptoms, and a discussion about your lifestyle and visual goals.

This appointment is also when you will have the opportunity to explore different intraocular lens (IOL) options for your procedure.

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What are IOLs?

Cataract surgery works by removing your cloudy natural lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This lens is completely clear and cannot develop cataracts, providing long-term vision correction and protection.

Monofocal lenses are the standard IOLs used during cataract surgery and are often covered by insurance and Medicare. These lenses correct vision at one distance, with patients often opting for clear distance vision and using reading glasses for up-close tasks.

For patients who want to achieve more freedom from visual aids after cataract surgery and don't mind paying an additional out-of-pocket cost, Berg-Feinfield Vision Correction Center offers a wide selection of premium IOLs, including:

Alcon Clareon PanOptix

The PanOptix IOL is a trifocal lens that provides patients with clear vision at near, intermediate, and far distances using proprietary ENLIGHTEN technology. This is the ideal choice for patients looking to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses and contacts who don't mind occasional glare or halos when transitioning between different powers. Other benefits include blue-light filtering, protection against damaging UV rays, and clear vision, even in low-light conditions.

Alcon Clareon Vivity

The Vivity IOL is an extended depth of focus (EDOF) lens that utilizes proprietary, non-diffractive X-Wave technology to stretch light rather than splitting it. This directly translates into an expansive field of vision with fewer aberrations, such as halos and glare. While some patients still require glasses for tasks like reading fine print or knitting, it offers excellent intermediate and distance vision, ideal for those who spend a lot of time working at a computer or playing sports like golf and pickleball.

TECNIS Odyssey

The TECNIS Odyssey lens combines the visual freedom of a multifocal lens with the smoother transitions of an EDOF lens, offering patients the best of both worlds. It uses proprietary chromatic aberration technology that incorporates a unique diffractive design to reduce halos and glare. This provides uninterrupted, reliable vision whether you're out on the tennis court, tending to your garden, or delving into a good book!

enVista Envy

The Envy trifocal IOL is another excellent option for patients seeking reduced reliance on glasses and contacts, with fewer nighttime halos. This lens features ActivSync Optic Intelligent Energy Distribution technology that adapts to your vision to function in all lighting conditions. Imagine enjoying crystal-clear vision whether you're reading the menu at dinner, watching a movie at the theater, or exploring the nightlife in your city!

Light Adjustable Lens

The Light Adjustable Lens by RxSight is a one-of-a-kind IOL that allows patients to adjust their vision after cataract surgery. Its UV-sensitive technology allows your cataract surgeon to reshape your lens through quick, painless light treatments to reach your desired visual outcome. Between each session, you'll have the opportunity to test-drive your vision in the real world and adjust the lens until you achieve eyesight personalized to your specific lifestyle needs.

At your pre-cataract surgery consultation, your eye doctor will review your IOL options and help you select the best lens for your budget, vision, and lifestyle.

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What to Expect During Cataract Surgery

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Before Surgery

Before undergoing cataract surgery, your eye will be numbed with anesthetic drops to ensure your comfort. Your eye doctor may also offer you a mild sedative if you are feeling anxious.

Traditional cataract surgery involves using a special instrument to make a small incision near the edge of your cornea, then breaking up the natural lens with ultrasound technology before removing the fragments and replacing them with your chosen IOL. Berg-Feinfield Vision Correction is proud to offer our patients laser-assisted cataract surgery using the state-of-the-art Alcon UNITY Cataract System and the Alcon LenSx femtosecond laser.

This advanced technology allows for greater efficiency, precision, and personalization during your procedure for optimal results. It also utilizes advanced imaging and measurement technologies to maximize safety and accuracy.

Traditional and laser cataract surgery take around 10 to 20 minutes per eye, with one eye being operated on at a time. If you have cataracts in both eyes, your ophthalmologist will likely schedule your second procedure around two weeks later, depending on your chosen IOL.

Cataract Surgery Recovery

After cataract surgery, you will need to have a friend or loved one drive you home to begin recovery. This person will also need to drive you to your follow-up appointment the next day, where you'll likely be cleared to get behind the wheel again.

Immediate recovery involves prioritizing rest while following your eye doctor's instructions for optimal healing. These instructions include:

  • Applying prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops
  • Wearing UV-protective sunglasses while outside
  • Avoiding getting water in your eye
  • Refraining from touching or rubbing your eye
  • Wearing a protective eye shield while you sleep
  • Refraining from strenuous activity, including heavy lifting, contact sports, and bending over for long periods of time

Most patients can return to normal activities such as driving, work, and light exercise within 1 to 3 days, with vision improving gradually over the following weeks. Once you've fully recovered, you can enjoy crisp, clear, cataract-free vision during all of your activities, and depending on the lens you choose, better vision than ever before!

Frequently Asked Questions about Cataracts

Q: What are the risk factors for cataracts?

A: While age is the most significant risk factor for cataracts, you may develop them earlier if you:

  • Have diabetes
  • Smoke
  • Have a family history of cataracts
  • Have eye conditions like glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, or uveitis
  • Have a history of eye injuries or procedures
  • Have had radiation treatments on the upper body
  • Use corticosteroids
  • Have had excess sun exposure
  • Have been exposed to air pollution, pesticides, or industrial chemicals
Q: How are cataracts diagnosed?

A: Diagnostic testing typically involves three key assessments. A slit-lamp exam allows your eye doctor to examine your lens, cornea, and iris using a specialized microscope after dilating your pupil.

They may also perform a retinal exam to check your retina and optic nerve for cataracts or other conditions, such as glaucoma. A visual acuity test measures how clearly you see by having you read letters from an eye chart with both eyes. Your doctor may compare current results with previous tests to track changes in your vision over time.

Q: If I have cataracts, is surgery my only option?

A: Unfortunately, there are currently no other successful treatments for cataracts other than surgery. If you are suffering from uncomfortable and vision-impairing cataracts, but are not ready for surgery, you may find some relief from specially formulated prescription eye drops as a temporary solution.

Q: What are the risks associated with cataract surgery?

A: Cataract surgery is a routine procedure with minimal risk of side effects and a comparatively low risk of infection. However, rare risks may include an inflammatory reaction, macular edema, retinal detachment, bleeding, and IOL dislocation. Your eye doctor will discuss all risks before the procedure.

Q: Can cataracts come back after surgery?

A: No, cataracts cannot return after surgery because the natural lens, where cataracts form from protein buildup, has been permanently replaced with an IOL. However, some patients develop posterior capsular opacification, commonly called "secondary cataracts."

This occurs when cloudy patches form on the lens capsule during the healing process after surgery. Fortunately, this condition is easily treatable with a quick laser procedure called posterior capsulotomy, and vision typically returns to normal within a day.

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You don't have to live with clouded, blurry vision. If you think you may have cataracts, it's time to schedule an appointment at Berg-Feinfield Vision Correction today! Our team of experienced ophthalmologists can help you reclaim your vision, independence, and active lifestyle!
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