What Are Cataracts?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens, which affects vision. The lens is
located behind the colored iris and helps to focus light onto the retina to allow you to see clearly.
As you age, the proteins that make up the lens begin to break down and clump together, causing the lens to become cloudy. This prevents light from easily passing through the lens to reach the retina, causing blurred, hazy vision.
Although aging is the most common cause, cataracts can develop earlier in life due to an injury, certain medications, medical conditions like diabetes, and other factors. The only way to treat cataracts and restore vision is through cataract surgery.
Cataracts tend to develop slowly over many years. As cataracts progress, they can eventually lead to significant vision loss if left untreated.
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How Do You Know If You Have Cataracts?
In the beginning stages of cataracts, symptoms can be subtle. Since cataracts typically develop gradually, you may not even notice changes to your vision at first. However, as your cataracts worsen, you will begin to notice many changes in the clarity and sharpness of your vision. For example, you may experience:
Although these are some of the most common symptoms, not everyone with cataracts will experience all of these vision changes. If you've noticed changes in your vision, it's important to make an appointment with your eye doctor at Georgia Eye Physicians & Surgeons to determine if you have cataracts.
What to Expect
Traditional vs. Laser Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is a safe and effective procedure where a cataract surgeon removes the cloudy natural lens inside the eye and replaces it with a clear artificial lens, known as an intraocular lens or IOL. This helps to restore sharp vision and improve your cataract symptoms.
At Georgia Eye Physicians & Surgeons, we are proud to offer laser cataract surgery with state-of-the-art laser technology called the LenSx by Alcon. This technology helps to ensure you have the best vision outcome after the procedure.
During traditional cataract surgery, the cataract surgeon makes a tiny incision using a blade to reach the natural lens behind the iris. With the LenSx laser, this incision and cataract surgery as a whole is much more precise and customized.
During cataract surgery with the LenSx laser, the advanced imaging system maps the unique anatomy of your eye, allowing your cataract surgeon to develop a customized treatment plan tailored specifically for you. First, the laser scans your eye in 3D, mapping all the unique details. This lets your cataract surgeon know exactly where to make the tiny incision to access the cloudy lens. The laser then makes this opening with incredible precision, which is typically far more accurate than traditional cataract surgery.
We also utilize ORA technology and the Verion Image Guided System to further enhance the precision and accuracy of the procedure. The ORA technology provides real-time measurements of your eye during the procedure, enabling your cataract surgeon to make any necessary adjustments to achieve the best possible outcome.
Additionally, the Verion Image Guided System creates a detailed map of your eye before surgery, which is then used to guide the laser and ensure optimal placement of the artificial lens.
The Benefits of
Laser Cataract Surgery
Laser cataract surgery offers many potential benefits, including:
Because lasers bring unprecedented accuracy and personalization, you can experience better results and a safer procedure with laser cataract surgery.
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What is an IOL?
An IOL is an artificial intraocular lens that replaces your natural cataract-affected lens inside your eye during cataract treatment. Since your eyes rely on the lens to focus light that enters the eye, a replacement lens is needed so you can see clearly.
IOLs restore clear vision and can even reduce your dependence on visual aids after the procedure. There are different types of IOLs to match your vision goals, lifestyle, and budget.
Premium IOL can allow you to see clearly up close, mid-level, and far, giving you greater visual freedom. Your Georgia Eye Physicians & Surgeons cataract surgeon will guide you in selecting the right IOL.
They will explain each option so you understand what's best for your lifestyle and vision needs after cataract treatment.
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It's Time for Cataract Surgery?
Determining when to have cataract surgery is a decision made between you and your eye doctor. Typically, your eye doctor will recommend cataract surgery when your cataract symptoms start to limit your normal activities and affect your quality of life.
Most people do not need cataract removal surgery right away. However, if you notice increased difficulty with reading, driving at night, computer work, or other tasks requiring clear vision, it may be time for cataract surgery. If you are experiencing one or more of these vision changes, schedule an exam with your Georgia Eye Physicians & Surgeons cataract surgeon. They will thoroughly evaluate your eyes to check for cataracts and determine if it may be time for cataract surgery.
When you and your cataract specialist decide it is time to proceed with cataract surgery, the team at Georgia Eye Physicians & Surgeons will guide you through the process.
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