Cataracts Archives | Specialty Eye Institute

When Should You Have Cataract Surgery? Signs, Symptoms & Causes

How Do You Know If You Need Cataract Surgery?

At the beginning of cataract formation, it may be easy to improve your vision through glasses, magnification, bifocals, visual aids, and appropriate lighting. When the cataract progresses to the point that it impairs vision and the way of life, it may be the right time to have cataract surgery.

Aging is considered the primary factor of poor vision, but getting cataract surgery is painless and simple enough to get your clear vision back. According to PBA, visiting a certified ophthalmologist to perform cataract surgery is an excellent way to get your vision back, and it is the most successful surgery performed in the US, with more than three million Americans undergoing the surgery every year.

What are Cataracts?

A cataract is identified with the clouding of the natural lens in an eye. People who are over 40 are the most affected by cataracts when it comes to vision impairment. In addition, cataracts are the world’s primary cause of blindness.

To understand the seriousness of the widespread effect of cataracts, Prevent Blindness America (PBA) stated that cataracts are more common in comparison to the combined cases of diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. Cataracts now affect approximately more than 22 million Americans over the age of 46, and PBA states that the figure will rise to 30 million by 2020.

What Are The Signs You Need Cataract Surgery?

Cataract symptoms often include blurry vision, similar to looking through cloudy glass. You may also become more sensitive to light. Driving at night may become a challenge because the headlights from oncoming cars may cause more glare than they used to. If you are struggling to see the contrast between different colors or the colors you observe appear less vibrant, this is a sign it's time to talk with a certified ophthalmologist about the advantages of having cataract surgery.

Tips & Insights: What Are The Signs of Macular Degeneration?

What Causes Cataracts?

The eye’s lens functions like the lens of a camera, it is used to focus light on the retina, and it adjusts the focus of the eye for you to see things clearly for both close or distant objects. The main components of the lens are protein and water.

The protein is organized in a way to keeps the lens clear for the light to easily pass through. Over time, the protein may build up and form a small cloudy part of the lens. The cloud may become larger over time forming a cataract, which will make it harder for you to see.

The reason why the lens changes as we age is unknown to us, but doctors have identified factors that cause a cataract; they include:

Diabetes
Hypertension
Obesity
UV radiation
Smoking
High Myopia
Previous inflammation or eye surgery
Hormone replacement therapy
Use of corticosteroid medications
Statin medicines
High intake of alcohol

One of the known theories about the formation of cataracts is the oxidative changes in the lens. Nutrition studies support this theory because vegetables and fruits that have antioxidants can help prevent the cause of distinct types of cataracts.

What Happens During Cataract Surgery?

When you talk with an ophthalmologist about having cataract surgery, you will become familiar with the process of removing the clouded lens in your eye with a clear intraocular lens (IOL). Intraocular lenses are plastic in nature.

Recent developments in IOLs allow patients to have lens options based on their lifestyle. There are 4 main types of IOLs:

Monofocal lens – These lenses can provide clear distance vision for patients without astigmatism.
Multifocal lens – These lenses can provide a range of vision from near to intermediate to distance.
Astigmatism Correcting (Toric) lens – correct higher levels of astigmatism and provide clear distance vision. You will still need glasses for near and intermediate vision.
Depth-of-focus lens – This lens provides a continuous range of vision at all distances to fit your active lifestyle.

Men should also be careful to know that some prostate drugs can cause IFIS (Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome) when cataract removal is being performed.

If there is a cataract in each of your eyes, typically cataract surgery is performed on your non-dominant eye first followed by your dominant eye 1-2 weeks later. The time between the two cataract surgeries is in case infection or complications occur.

To prevent yourself from having cataract surgery, use antioxidant vitamins like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin C, and also wear sunglasses to block UV rays when you are enjoying the sun. If you are struggling to read or drive at night, this is a sign of vision issues that need to be diagnosed by a certified ophthalmologist or optometrist. Our staff of ophthalmologists offers innovative eye care solutions such as LASIK eye surgery, blepharoplasty surgery, glaucoma treatments, corneal transplants, and keratoconus options. Give our team of ophthalmologists a call by phone at (877) 852-8463 to discuss eye care treatments.

Schedule your cataract screening today!

Schedule My Screening

Why You Should Get A Second Opinion Before Cataract Surgery

Are you thinking about getting a second opinion before cataract surgery? The best way to get optimal healthcare is by exploring your options. This is especially true when it comes to cataract surgery or any other kind of surgery for that matter.

Why Second Opinions Are Important for Cataract Surgery

Only consulting one eye doctor for eye care will limit your knowledge and impact your decision-making process. When it comes to a health condition like cataracts, you will need to get a second opinion before scheduling a cataract surgery to become familiar with the best treatment options.

But first, What is a Cataract?

A cataract is a type of eye condition that causes cloudiness within the lens of the eye. This cloudiness will interfere with a person's ability to see. A cataract can result in blurry vision, faded colors, halos, and in some cases, blindness. Cataracts can be the result of aging, blunt force trauma, radiation exposure, or genetic diseases. If you don't trust a diagnosis you received from your previous doctor, get a second opinion from a different eye doctor before you determine whether or not to get cataract surgery or treatment.

What is Cataract Surgery Like?

In laser cataract surgery, the natural lens is removed from the eye. An artificial implant is inserted in its place. Before the surgery takes place, the eye care specialist will measure the size and shape of your eye to find an appropriate artificial lens for you. You may be asked not to eat or drink anything 12 hours before the cataract surgery.

Most cataract surgeries take place in under one hour. You will be awake during the operation, but you won't feel pain. Your eyes will be under numbing medication. Side effects after cataract surgery are rare. However, you could experience eye infection, bleeding, retinal detachment, pressure, or fluid buildup.

You will be asked to apply eye drops in the days following the surgery; this medication will help your eyes heal.

Tips & Insights: What is LASIK Eye Surgery?

Why Is It Important to Get a Second Opinion Prior to Cataract Surgery?

Not everyone needs surgery to treat cataracts. Some people prefer to only wear prescription eyewear to deal with cataracts. Obtaining a second opinion will help you assess the medical condition and determine if you need cataract surgery. Getting a second opinion from another doctor will confirm whether surgery is truly needed, and keep your mind at ease with these important questions answered.

Is Your Eye Surgeon Qualified, Trained, and Certified?

For 40 years, we have been recognized as one of the industry’s innovators. Through our experience, commitment to technology, and role in researching new treatments and techniques we can provide patients with the best possible eye care, both today and in the future.

Does Your Doctor Use Certified Medical Facilities and Safe Equipment?

Doctors at Specialty Eye Institute use certified equipment when diagnosing and treating your vision problems. Our comprehensive eye exams are designed to detect these common eye issues and other diseases in their early stages. Our doctors also participate in leading clinical technologies.

Will Your Doctor Inform and Educate You On All Your Options?

The team at Specialty Eye Institute is committed to educating all of our patients before surgery on all available options for the desired results. We provide many educational opportunities with free patient seminars, and informative newsletters and our team of trained patient consultants and surgical counselors are available to answer any questions. Questions? Let's talk!

Tips & Insights: View Our Keratoconus Treatment Options

Would Others Recommend it?

Read the reviews when researching your options for eye care and bigger procedures, like cataract surgery. You can view these on Google My Business, Facebook, or sometimes their website.

Questions To Ask Your Eye Doctor

When you visit the doctors for their expert opinions, be sure to ask these questions to compare:

1. How serious is my eye condition?
2. What are the different treatment options?
3. What is the best treatment option for my particular case?
4. What are the risks that come with this treatment option?
5. What happens if I don't receive treatment?

Also, consider seeking a second opinion from a completely different institute. Different eye health clinics will have different approaches to eye care. When getting a second opinion, feel free to bring along any test results and information gathered from the first consultation. Be open about what the second consultation is about: getting another appraisal.

Have More Questions: Visit Our Cataracts FAQ Page

How to Choose Between Your Options

If the second doctor disagrees with the first about laser cataract surgery, then it's time to evaluate the pros and cons of each treatment option. A third opinion may be needed if you don't know what to do.

In the end, you should go with the treatment plan that offers the best potential outcome. Need a second opinion? Contact Specialty Eye Institute today! With over 40 years of top-notch eye care, we have 10 locations across Michigan and Ohio.

Tips & Insights: The Benefits of Receiving Retinal Detachment Surgery

What to Expect During Cataract Surgery Recovery

Millions of people undergo successful cataract surgery every year. It’s a safe, effective procedure that can drastically improve your vision, and the recovery process is generally fast and simple. There should be minimal discomfort or pain.

Most people can return to their normal activities within a few days. A little bit of prepping and a good few days of rest after your procedure will make recovery go as smoothly as possible.

Here’s what to expect after cataract surgery and how you can set yourself up for success during your recovery.

Tips for Your Best Cataract Surgery Recovery

1. Stay hydrated before and after the procedure: Water is very important for your body when it’s healing, and you should make sure to stay hydrated before and after any surgical procedure. Additionally, after cataract surgery, your eyes may feel drier than normal, and drinking water can help keep your eyes moist.
2. Prepare meals before surgery: Preparing meals ahead of time is a great way to make sure you can rest properly after surgery. Since you should be avoiding strenuous activity and protecting your eyes, cooking right after cataract surgery is not ideal.
3. Take a few days off of work: Most people can return to work a few days after surgery, but it’s best to give yourself at least a few days to focus on your recovery. At the very least, don’t plan to return to work the same day as your procedure. Your eyes will be sensitive and may feel irritated or uncomfortable. You won’t be able to drive right away, so make sure you have someone available to drive you home after the procedure.
4. Take eye drops as prescribed: Taking eye drops as directed is essential to your recovery after cataract surgery. Your surgeon will prescribe two types of eye drops: antibiotic eye drops to help prevent any infections, and anti-inflammatory eye drops to help reduce inflammation after your procedure.
5. Avoid strenuous activities: Don’t exercise or do any strenuous activities for a few weeks after your procedure. Avoid bending over right after surgery. Strenuous activity, like heavy lifting, can raise your intraocular pressure (IOP) or eye pressure. This can lead to complications like retinal detachment, dislocation of the new lens that was implanted, corneal swelling, and fluid buildup in the eye. Ask your surgeon for a specific timeline on when you can return to your normal activities, including intense exercise.
6. Avoid swimming: Don’t swim in pools, oceans, lakes, hot tubs, or any other body of water for at least a month after your surgery. Your eyes will be more vulnerable to infections after your procedure, and all bodies of water are filled with various types of bacteria.
7. Don’t rub your eyes: You should never rub your eyes because your hands can introduce bacteria to your eyes and lead to infection. Chronic eye rubbing can also lead to corneal issues. It’s even more important to avoid rubbing your eyes after cataract surgery because doing so could damage the fragile flap that is created during the procedure. Damaging this flap can lead to complications. If your eyes feel irritated after your procedure, using artificial tears can help.
8. Wear a protective eye shield: After surgery, your surgeon will place a protective shield over your eye. Ask them when you are able to remove this shield. You should still wear it at night while sleeping or during naps for several days after your procedure.

When to Contact Your Doctor

Problems after cataract surgery are rare, but as with any surgery, there can be complications.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should contact your surgeon right away:

Severe or worsening eye pain, redness, or swelling
Crusting or mucous discharge around your eye
Worsening vision or vision loss
Flashes or a sudden increase in floaters
Sudden increased light sensitivity

How Long Is the Recovery for Cataract Surgery?

In most cases, full recovery from cataract surgery takes four weeks. However, most people notice improvement in their vision within a few days. Remember that everyone is different, and don’t worry if you don’t notice drastic improvements right away.

Different factors can influence your healing process, including:

Age
Overall health
The severity of the cataract
Pre-existing conditions
The type of cataract surgery performed

There should be little to no pain or discomfort during your recovery. Make sure to attend all follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your progress and check that your eyes are healing properly.

Cataract Surgery Options

During cataract surgery, also called intraocular lens implant surgery, your surgeon removes the diseased, cloudy lens and replaces it with an artificial, intraocular lens (IOL) to improve your vision.

Leading-edge laser cataract surgery options allow you to choose a customized IOL to address astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness.

Traditional cataract surgery uses monofocal lenses, which provide clear distance vision.

Laser Cataract Surgery

During laser cataract surgery procedures, surgeons use FDA-approved custom lasers to create precise incisions instead of creating them by hand.

Bladeless Laser Refractive Cataract Surgery

Bladeless laser cataract surgery is performed using a LenSx® femtosecond laser, which significantly improves the precision of the procedure and allows your surgeon to customize it to your vision needs.

The femtosecond laser performs many of the steps that surgeons traditionally performed by hand. This translates to better lens positioning, less trauma to the eye, and better, more personalized results.

ORA Cataract Surgery

ORA cataract surgery is another precise, customizable option that is especially useful for patients who have difficult lens calculations, such as patients who had LASIK and now require cataract surgery.

The procedure uses an intraoperative wavefront technology that allows your surgeon to take nearly 40 measurements in seconds. These measurements are used to customize the lens power and can provide better outcomes for many patients.

Traditional Cataract Surgery

Traditional cataract surgery uses a no-stitch incision. This procedure cannot be customized in the same way as laser cataract surgery options, but it is a safe and effective procedure.

Get a Cataract Surgery Consultation at Specialty Eye Institute

If you’re dealing with vision challenges because of cataracts, cataract surgery might be right for you. In addition to clearing your vision, custom cataract surgery can reduce your reliance on glasses and contacts by addressing astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness.

The expert eye surgeons at Specialty Eye Institute can examine your eyes and recommend the best procedure for your needs. We also treat glaucoma and other eye conditions using the latest technology, including laser surgery.

Schedule your appointment today.

Why Should You Consider Traveling for Cataract Surgery

Reasons To Travel For Cataract Surgery

An estimated 60 percent of Americans will eventually develop cataracts.

Once a cataract has progressed to advanced stages, surgery will be needed to ease the symptoms and restore visual acuity. The cost of cataract surgery will be an important factor in deciding where and when to have the procedure done, among other factors.

In searching for the best facility for your eye surgery, it might be wise to look beyond your hometown and consider traveling to get a better experience with your corrective surgery.

Research & Technology

At Specialty Eye Institute, you can feel confident about the quality of eye care you will receive because our doctors are committed to research and clinical studies using the most advanced equipment available to allow for early detection of eye conditions.

By diagnosing eye conditions early, the doctors have the best chance of giving each patient a successful outcome in treatment.

Tips & Insights: What to Expect After LASIK Eye Surgery

Traditional surgery to treat cataracts has been proven to be among the safest and most successful procedures in modern medicine. The popularity of laser cataract surgery has increased the degree of precision involved in performing certain critical steps of the procedure.

Types of Surgery & Lenses

Do you prefer a specific type of cataract surgery?

With the cutting-edge equipment and superior technology available at Specialty Eye Institute, our doctors will customize your surgery to give you the best possible results.

Traditional cataract surgery uses a no-stitch incision and is very safe and efficient and now with laser cataract surgery, Specialty Eye Institute can create incisions and potentially reduce astigmatism up to 10 times more precise than manual techniques for some portions of the cataract surgical procedure.

During cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens will be removed and an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) will be inserted in its place. With the new, crystal clear lens, light rays will be able to penetrate to the retina and allow visual images to be sent to the brain.

A variety of lenses are available to choose from, and the type of lens used will affect the price and outcome of your surgery. And, certain lens options aren’t right for everyone so your doctor will help guide you to find the best option that fits your individual needs.

Different Lens Options:

Depth-of-Focus Lens
Toric Lens
Multifocal Lens
Monofocal Lens

Tips & Insights: What Are the Risk Factors For Glaucoma?

Cost, Insurance & Payment Plans

Most private insurance carriers and Medicare cover the costs of basic surgery for cataracts. There will be some out-of-pocket expenses, such as co-pays and deductibles. Costs will also vary depending on the type of lenses chosen for your surgery.

Specialty Eye Institute’s staff will work with you every step to give you the best possible care at the most affordable price.

Financing is also available to expedite your needed surgery. We offer the Alphaeon credit card to spread out your payments over time, with low monthly payments that fit your budget. Alphaeon offers you financing plans that might not be available with your current credit card companies.

Specialty Eye offers competitive pricing to help in your search for affordable eye surgery. We are committed to helping you preserve your eye health and can assist with arranging for discounts on hotel rooms to accommodate you during your surgical experience.

Combined with the technological advantages, cutting-edge equipment and some of the best doctors and medical staff to be found, traveling to Michigan for your cataract treatment could be one of the best decisions you have ever made!

Why Specialty Eye Institute?

The highly qualified doctors at Specialty Eye Institute offer state-of-the-art technology and Board Certified Eye Surgeons to give you the optimal experience in traditional or laser cataract surgery.

Dr. Paul H. Ernest founded Specialty Eye Institute in Jackson, Michigan in 1978. The Institute currently has 10 locations in Michigan and Ohio, with more than 20 physicians on staff.

Additional Resources:

Important Information About Your Cataract Evaluation

Thank you for choosing Specialty Eye Institute for your cataract evaluation.

About Your Cataract Evaluation Appointment:

During this appointment you will undergo several pre-surgical measurements and tests to determine your eye health. In order to obtain the most accurate readings please use preservative free artificial tears 2-3 days prior to your appointment. We recommend using 1 drop in both eyes 4-6 times per day. A well lubricated eye is beneficial for the necessary testing.

You can find artificial tears at any local pharmacy. Some of the brands available at the local pharmacy include: Preservative Free Systane, Blink Tears, Refresh, Soothe, and TheraTears.

What to Expect at Your Appointment:

Your eyes will be dilated at your appointment, please bring sunglasses
It is recommended you bring a friend or family member due to dilation and surgical details discussed during your visit
You can expect to be at our office for up to 3 hours
If you wear contacts, you MUST discontinue wearing them 15 days prior to your appointment (please contact us to reschedule if they have not been removed timely)

If you have any questions, please contact us at (877) 852-8463.