Cataract Surgery

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Cataract Surgery

The only permanent correction for cataracts is to undergo cataract surgery. Cataract surgery has progressed to a point where it is one of the safest of all medical procedures. It involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear lens. Dr. Khatib uses the most advanced state-of-the-art microsurgical techniques using a sophisticated ultrasonic device (phacoemulsification) to remove the lens and replace it with the intraocular lens implant (IOL). The implant is held in place by the outer capsule that surrounds your original lens. The IOL implant helps your eye focus properly after surgery. The procedure is virtually painless and comfortable for the patient. Modern cataract surgery only takes a few minutes to perform. Your vision usually returns to the way it was before cataracts by the next day.

Prior to your procedure, we will help you decide which IOL will work best for you. In years past, there was little choice as to what IOL to use in cataract surgery. Older IOL models are referred to as “monofocal IOLs” and focus vision at a single distance; if a patient chooses a monofocal IOL to correct for far distance vision, reading glasses are required after surgery to focus up close. Recent technological advances have resulted in “Premium IOLs” that have advantages over monofocal IOLs. Premium IOLs include multifocal and accommodating IOLs, which help focus vision for both far distance and up close, resulting in less dependence on glasses after cataract surgery. Toric IOLs help correct astigmatism, again resulting in less dependence on glasses after cataract surgery. During your eye exam, Dr. Khatib can let you know if you are a candidate for one of these exciting Premium IOLs.

Intraocular Lens

Removing the cataract is only the first step in recovering good vision. Since the cataractous lens has now been removed, we must provide an additional lens in order to help the eye focus light clearly. Following cataract surgery, there are three methods by which clear vision can be restored.

Intraocular Lens Implant (IOL) : Our preferred way to restore vision for nearly all of our patients after cataract removal is to insert an intraocular lens implant into the eye at the time of surgery. This clear implant is placed in the eye behind the iris and pupil in the same position as the natural lens, and it stays in the eye permanently.

Lens Replacement Procedure

Step 1 - The first step is to make a small hole in the front of the capsule that holds the natural lens or cataract.
Step 2 - The next step is to insert the small ultrasonic probe into the eye. The probe breaks up the lens into tiny pieces and removes them.
Step 3 - A permanent, artificial lens is then folded and inserted into the eye.
step 4 - The new lens then unfolds and is positioned permanently into place.