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Cataract Surgery

A cataract occurs when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy. The lens is located inside the eye just behind the pupil. Therefore, a cataract is not a film that grows over the surface of the eye as many mistakenly believe.

The gradual clouding of the lens is natural result of aging and most people past the age of 65 have the beginning of cataracts. If a cataract progresses, it can cause vision loss ranging from mild to severe. In younger people cataracts can result from an injury, certain medications, or illnesses such as diabetes. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light may also play a role in the formation of cataracts. Studies have also shown that people who smoke cigarettes have a higher risk of developing cataracts. The following changes is vision may occur as a cataract developes.

 

• Blurred or hazy vision
  

• Night vision difficlty
  

• Poor vision in bright light due to glare
  

• Seeing halos around lights
  

• Yellow tinged vision or loss of virancy of colors
  

• Vague double vision or ghost images

Cataract surgery is indicated when visual impairment affects your ability to read, drive a car, or participate in other activities. There are no known medicines, vitamins or diets that will correct cataracts. The natural lens of the eye (which has become cloudy) is removed and replaced with a lens implant during the surgery, which to many represents a modern day miracle.

Patient satisfaction after cataract surgery tends to be very high. Preexisting nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism can also be eliminated or significantly decreased at the same time the the cataract is removed. This is accomplished by carefully selecting a lens implant with the proper power. Older patients who have been very dependent on glasses for many decades often see very good without glasses after cataract surgery!

Dr. Jones performs most of his cataract surgery at Rocky Mountain Surgery Center in Pocatello. This facility is specially designed for convenient and comfortable outpatient surgery and offers the latest modern day technology.

Working under a microscope, Dr. Jones performs cataract surgery through a tiny self-sealing incision through which the cataract is removed and a foldable intraocular lens is implanted. Patients are awake during the entire procedure and can resume nearly all of their normal activities the day after the surgery.