Loss of vision due to cataracts can be a terrifying thing to experience. We rely on our sense of sight for so many things, and when that sense is threatened, it can be overwhelming. Fortunately, we specialize in improving the vision of those suffering from cataracts.
Cataract Surgery is performed at the Cataract and Laser Center.
Cataract & Laser Center
333 Elm St #105, Dedham, MA 02026
(781) 326-3800
For Cataract Related Questions
Eye Care and Laser Surgery / Premier Vision Consultants
Phone (339) 222-3545 Fax (781) 207-2585
What Are Cataracts?
The natural lens of the eye is meant to be completely transparent, allowing for light to pass through unobstructed. A cataract is the clouding of this lens due to the breakdown of proteins. This leads to vision issues and even blindness.
What Causes Cataracts?
The primary cause of cataracts is aging. As part of the aging process, proteins in the eye’s lens break down and clump together, leading to cloudy vision. Excessive sun exposure, certain medications, and certain diseases can also contribute to cataract formation.
What Are the Symptoms of Cataracts?
Cataract symptoms usually present as issues with your vision. This can include:
- Blurred or cloudy vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Seeing halos around lights
- Colors appearing faded
- Double Vision
- Frequent changes in glasses prescription
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should undergo a comprehensive eye exam with one of our physicians as soon as possible. They will be able to reliably diagnose you with cataracts and suggest a treatment plan.
What Is Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is a straightforward, outpatient procedure. The surgery begins with numbing the affected eye with a topical anesthetic. A small incision is then made and the naturally clouded lens is removed from the eye. An intraocular lens implant is inserted into the eye to replace the natural lens. This will result in the patient once again having clear vision. Dr. Villazon and Dr. Candal perform cataract surgery at the Cataract and Laser Center located in Dedham, MA.
LenSx FLACS: Femto-laser assisted cataract surgery
During cataract surgery, extraction of the cloudy lens involves breaking it into tiny fragments, and then removing the pieces. Traditionally, a surgeon would use knives and blades in order to manually make the incisions needed for this process. Dr. Villazon and Dr. Candal can now perform “bladeless” cataract surgery, which is assisted by laser technology.
Laser-assisted cataract surgery offers customization to each patient with predictable and enhanced precision. The traditional “manual” portion of the procedure is now performed by a laser. The technology behind the laser captures high-resolution images of your eye, giving precise measurements and data that assist Dr. Candal and Dr. Villazon in planning and performing a procedure to exact specifications.
Intraocular Lens (IOL) options
Many factors come into play when deciding which intraocular lens is right for each patient. Factors we take into consideration include the general health of your eye, the kind of eyeglass prescription, as well as lifestyle considerations. Unfortunately, there is currently no perfect intraocular lens, and all lens options have pros and cons.
Intraocular lens options include:
- Standard Monofocal Lens Implant
A standard monofocal IOL allows sharply focused vision at one distance. Usually, if patients choose to see long distance, they will immediately need computer and reading glasses. Furthermore, depending on their eyeglass prescription and other factors, they could still require glasses for distance. If however, the monofocal IOL is set for near vision, then distance and computer glasses would still be required.
Some patients occasionally choose monovision. This is when the dominant eye intraocular lens is set for distance vision and the non-dominant eye intraocular lens is set for near vision. Since some patients are not comfortable with this option, a contact lens trial is usually performed before surgery to confirm that the patient would enjoy this option.
- Toric Monofocal: Treats Astigmatism
Astigmatism is when the normally round cornea is more oval shaped (like a football). A premium Toric Monofocal Lens implant offers sharply focused vision at one distance and reduces your astigmatism. This allows for less dependence on glasses after surgery for that one distance.
- Multifocal Intraocular lens
A premium multifocal lens implant can provide improved vision at near, intermediate, and distance with less dependence on glasses. It should be noted that because of the design of this intraocular lens, a relatively small percentage of patients that choose this option can develop halos, or circles, around oncoming headlights (or other lit artifacts around the home). The great majority of patients that develop these halos generally adapt to these conditions over time and can still function most of the day without glasses.
We utilize the Alcon Panoptix Pro Multifocal IOL.
- Extended Depth of Focus (Vivity) Intraocular lens
An extended depth of focus IOL stretches and shifts the rays of light so they land on the retina. With this lens, patients can usually see distance and computer vision quite well. Reading glasses are usually still required. Additionally, night time driving may be better than with a multifocal intraocular lens.
We utilize the Alcon Vivity Extended Depth of Focus IOL.
Dr. Villazon or Dr. Candal will discuss your specific vision needs with you and help you decide which of these lens options is best for you.
How Long Is Recovery for Cataract Surgery?
Typically, you will be able to go home the same day as the surgery. After 1-2 days of rest, you will be able to resume regular activities. However, strenuous activities should be avoided for the first 2 weeks after surgery.
FOR CATARACT RELATED QUESTIONS
Eye Care and Laser Surgery / Premier Vision Consultants
Phone 339-222-3545 Fax 781-207-2585
If you would like to be checked for cataracts or would like a consultation regarding surgery, contact us today.