Take the Cataract Self-Test to find out!
A cataract develops when the clear lens of your eye gradually becomes cloudy, which can make your vision blurry and produce an increase in glare. As the eye ages, the area of the crystalline lens develops cloudy protein deposits that interfere with sight in varying degrees. Cataracts usually progress slowly, and vision loss gradually increases with time if left untreated.
Symptoms vary from person to person. However, some of the symptoms that are common with cataracts are:
Once a cataract starts altering your vision enough to affect everyday activities, it is probably time to treat it since it will only get worse. Currently, the only medical treatment for cataracts is to have them surgically removed.
Surgically removing a cataract is done on an outpatient basis and involves making an incision into the capsule of the cataractous lens to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a new lens. A topical or local anesthetic will be applied. The doctor will remove the cloudy lens by breaking it up using ultrasonic energy and then extracting the lens particles using a vacuum-like instrument. In either case, the lens is replaced with a flexible plastic lens that will remain permanently.
These replacement lenses can be adjusted to correct other previous vision deficiencies as well. Cataract surgery incisions are usually self-sealing and do not require sutures.
Atlantic Eye Institute is now offering the revolutionary Light Adjustable Lens, the first and only IOL that allows patients to customize their vision after cataract surgery. Made of a unique photosensitive material, the lens can be fine-tuned by your cataract surgeon using a Light Delivery Device, tailoring it to your specific visual needs and preferences. This innovative technology locks the lens into place, providing crisp, sharp, and vibrant vision while reducing the need for visual aids.
When you have cataracts, you’ll have your natural lens removed and replaced with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens or IOL. IOLs help ensure you can see clearly after cataract surgery and many can help reduce your dependence on visual aids like glasses or contacts. Atlantic Eye Institute offer the following IOLs:
Monofocal IOLs
Monofocal IOLs are traditional single-focus lenses designed to provide either distance or near vision.
Multifocal IOLs
Multifocal IOLs are multiple-focus lenses providing near, intermediate and distance vision.
Toric IOLs
Toric IOLs are similar to monofocal IOLs but they can also treat astigmatism and other refractive errors during cataract surgery.
