CATARACT SURGERY
WHAT ARE CATARACTS?
The natural lens of the eye sits behind the iris and focuses light onto the retina to create images. When the tissues in the lens begin to thicken or break down, this can cloud the lens. This is known as a cataract. Cataracts affect how light is received by the retina, making your vision blurry or dulling colors, among other symptoms.
During cataract surgery, the clouded or thickened portion of the lens is removed. It is then replaced with an artificial lens, also known as an intraocular lens (IOL), to restore your vision.
Dr. Robert Wooldridge can provide pre- and post-operative care and screen for the condition and Dr. Bradley Anderson performs the surgery at our eye care office in Salt Lake City, UT. During a short outpatient procedure, we can help to restore your clear vision.
WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF CATARACTS?
Decreased Night Vision
Halos or Glares
Failed Vision Test
Trouble Seeing & Driving
CATARACTS
THE BENEFITS OF CATARACT SURGERY
IMMEDIATE IMPROVEMENT OF VISION
Though complete healing can take up to three months, patients can experience a significant improvement in their vision within a few days of surgery.
RESUCE NEED FOR GLASSES OR CONTACTS
Depending on your degree of vision loss and the IOL used during your surgery, cataract surgery may eliminate your need for glasses or contacts.
IMPROVED QUALITY OF LIFE
By improving your vision, cataract surgery can also improve your quality of life as you can enjoy everyday activities with clearer vision.
CATARACT SURGERY TIMELINE
1. NUMBING EYE DROPS
Dr. Anderson will begin the procedure by numbing the eyes with eye drops. This will ensure you are comfortable throughout the surgery.
2. INCISION AND LENS REMOVAL
Dr. Anderson will begin your surgery by making a small incision in the cornea. Using an ultrasound tool, your surgeon will then break up the cataract. This process is known as phacoemulsification. The pieces are then gently suctioned out.
3. IOL PLACEMENT
Dr. Anderson will then place an intraocular lens where the clouded lens once was. No sutures are needed to close the corneal incision as it will close on its own within 24 hours.
4. HEALING
Once your surgery is complete, you will have a shield placed over your eye to protect it. You will be monitored for a short period before a friend or family member can take you home.
WHAT ABOUT LASIK?
LASIK surgery and cataract surgery both improve patients' vision. However, they target different issues. LASIK is not recommended for patients with cataracts as it does not remove the clouded lens, meaning any vision improvement from LASIK could be short-lived as the cataract progresses.
*Disclaimer: results are not guaranteed, may not be permanent, and can vary per individual. Some images are of models, not actual patients.