With cataracts affecting more than 20 million people in America, cataract surgery is among the most delivered procedures at Atlantis Eyecare Newport Beach. Some experience cataracts earlier than others, but statistically, most individuals will develop cataracts, sometimes beginning as early as age 40.
A cataract is simply a clouding in the ocular lens, which obstructs light from entering the eyes. This occludes vision, causing it to become blurred. Over time, this condition typically worsens. If left untreated, it may lead to blindness.
Cataract Treatment Options
During early stage cataracts, vision obstructions may be so minor that treatment is not required. If this is the case, one should attend regular eye exams so that a qualified Orange County eye doctor may keep tabs on the progression of the condition.
Once vision loss does become at all noticeable, cataract surgery in Newport Beach is the only corrective procedure. Due to developments in the field of eye care, ophthalmologists are able to fully correct most cataract cases. Further, cataract surgery is swift and painless, causing the patient to experience little or no downtime.
A recent development in cataract surgery is a procedure known as refractive lens exchange. With this procedure, cataracts are removed and vision is concurrently improved. The cataract-affected natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens. Many different lenses are available, some of which can actually correct the vision of the patient. At Atlantis Eyecare Newport Beach, we specialize in refractive lens exchange and offer a wide array of lenses to choose from.
Top Cataract Surgeons
When it comes to cataract surgery, it’s important to receive it from someone who has performed it many times before to a good result, assuring your well being. The cataract surgeons at Atlantis Eyecare in Newport Beach are among the best in the nation, each being highly trained and board certified in their field. Armed with the latest technological advancements in cataract removal and intraocular lens implantation, our cataract surgery techniques serve to painlessly remove cataracts while concurrently improving patient vision. At Atlantis Eyecare Newport Beach, we provide some of the best cataract surgery Newport Beach has available.
The Cataract Removal Procedure
Being one of the most demanded eye care procedures, there are more than three million cataract surgeries performed each year in the United States. It is considered among the safest and most effective of any medical procedure.
The procedure itself is delivered with microsurgery using a single, miniscule incision of about 3 millimeters in length. The lens capsule is opened, and the lens is removed with the most minimally invasive method possible, using an ultrasonic probe to remove the natural lens. It effectively pulverizes the cataract and removes it through the incision.
Once the cataract is removed, the artificial intraocular lens may now be implanted. Prior to the procedure, the patient and doctor will decide which lens will be most beneficial. A monofocal lens may be used to correct vision for one distance, or a premium lens implant can be used to reduce or even eliminate the need for eyeglasses. While Medicare covers a monofocal lens, a premium lens will incur an additional fee.
The intraocular lens itself is foldable, inserted into the eye through a tube at which point it unfolds into the capsular bag. It may be necessary for the surgeon to center the new lens. The centered, artificial lens marks the end of the surgery. Most of the time, stitches are unnecessary due to the tiny size of the incision.
Cataract surgery is painless and swift, taking only 10-25 minutes. Downtime is minimal, with patients able to return to daily activities the following day. To learn if cataract surgery is right for you, please contact Atlantis Eyecare in Newport Beach.