Cataract
The lens of the eye is a critical component of the human visual system. It serves to focus images in the eye. As people age, the lens becomes cloudy, thereby blurring vision. In cataract surgery the core of this cloudy lens is removed leaving a thin transparent platform in which we implant a replacement lens. Modern cataract surgery is performed as a same day procedure without hospitalization. Most people return to their usual activities within a few days. The physicians of Long Island Eye Surgeons are experienced and skillful in this field. They perform surgery, utilizing the most advanced technology, safely and painlessly. In most patients the surgery can be performed with self-sealing microscopic incisions that do not require stitches. Our success rates speak for themselves. In fact, many of our cataract patients have been referred by friends and family who have undergone cataract surgery.
Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery
IOLs
Advanced Technology IOLs
Through advanced lens technology, patients are now offered many choices that can improve their vision and quality of life. These new IOLs are available in many different materials and designs. One design may be great for one person but not another and it is up to the patient and the doctor to decide which lens and technique is best for the patient’s lifestyle needs. In many cases with lifestyle implants, patients are less dependent on wearing corrective lenses again.
Multifocal Lens Implants – TECNIS®
Cataract surgery, which replaces the eye’s cloudy lens with an artificial clear lens (called an intraocular lens, or IOL), is the most common operation in the U.S. More than half of adults over age 65 have some degree of cataract development, which causes painless, progressive vision loss. People 65 and older are also more likely to be involved in car crashes than people in their 30s, 40s and 50s. Fortunately, new technology has allowed for the development of an innovative night vision-enhancing IOL that can help elderly drivers with cataracts avoid accidents.
Candidates for Tecnis
The Tecnis Multifocal IOL is ideal for cataract patients who have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Difficulty reading
- Difficulty seeing objects up close
- Difficulty with driving, especially at night
- Need for bifocals
- Glasses prescription that changes frequently
Results
After cataract surgery with the Tecnis Multifocal IOL, patients were able to achieve clear vision at all distances and all night levels, with as many as 9 out of 10 patients eliminating the need for glasses. While results are noticeable right away, vision will continue to improve over time as the eye adjusts to the lens.
Accommodative Lens – Crystalens®
Crystalens® is a new replacement lens (IOL) that works naturally with muscles in the eye to retain the eye’s ability to “accommodate” –- to shift focus between nearby and distant objects. With older IOLs, patients lose this ability and require corrective eyewear to see clearly at near and intermediate distances.
Unlike rigid lenses, the flexible silicone Crystalens features innovative hinges that allow it to move with the eye’s muscles and accommodate seamlessly, thereby reducing a patient’s dependency on glasses. The Crystalens is implanted using the same, nearly risk-free cataract surgery techniques as with other IOLs.
Astigmatic Lens – Toric IOLs
Toric IOLs are specially designed to correct astigmatism.
Before Toric IOLs, people with astigmatism would need to undergo corneal refractive surgery after their lenses were implanted, or would remain dependent on glasses or contact lenses. The advanced Toric IOLs correct the imbalance caused by an irregular corneal shape in patients with astigmatism. There are several different types of FDA approved Toric IOLs, including AcrySof® Toric Lenses, which can correct up to 3 diopters of astigmatism.
Toric IOLs are considered safe for most patients with astigmatism. Talk to your doctor to learn more about these lenses and find out if you can enjoy the benefits of Toric IOLs.
