Introduction
Modern Cataract Surgery
What is a Cataract?
Side Effects
Why Does a Cataract Develop?
The Surgery Center
Symptoms of a Cataract
FAQs
Prior to Surgery
Historical Perspective
Introduction
Today, cataracts are still the leading
cause of preventable blindness in the United States, because once
the cataract is mature a person can be considered legally blind.
In fact, over a million people have cataract surgery each year in
the U.S.
Today,
cataract surgery performed by an experienced surgeon is a relatively
easy and painless procedure that offers most people immediate
results.
What
is a Cataract?
As the lens of the eye ages it hardens,
becomes cloudy and impairs vision. The word "cataract" also means "waterfall" signifying
that when the lens becomes cloudy it’s like looking through
a waterfall. Everyone at some point in their lives will develop
cataracts, however not everyone will need or want them removed.
Since cataracts usually develop slowly, and in one eye faster than the other, vision is not completely impaired. For people who need to see fine detail for their work or hobbies, even a small cataract can be an impairment. Usually people in professions such as drafting, engineering, photography, and sewing need to see fine detail and have good color and contrast.
A cataract should be removed when it interferes with normal daily activities, presents a physical danger, or prevents appropriate medical care.
Why
Does a Cataract Develop?
Most people develop cataracts as a normal
part of the aging process at about 50-60 years of age, and about
75% of people over age 70 have a significant cataract. Other factors
that can also contribute to either the early onset of cataract
or the rapid growth of them are:
Symptoms
of a Cataract
People with cataracts often experience the following symptoms:
Prior
to Surgery
Once Dr. Waters and a patient have decided to proceed with cataract surgery
a series of special tests will be required.
Based on these tests Dr. Waters performs calculations to determine what power of intraocular lens (IOL) to use and how to treat any astigmatism. The main goal of cataract surgery is to bring back the clarity of vision, and the secondary goal is to improve distance vision whenever possible.
Modern
Cataract Surgery
Dr. Waters’ cataract surgery involves the following advanced techniques:
Side
Effects
As with any surgery there are risks, however modern cataract surgery improves
vision at least 95% of the time. Some normal side effects immediately following
surgery include glare, light sensitivity, scratchiness, achiness, tearing,
and blurring. In a small percentage of patients the capsule that holds the
IOL becomes cloudy or opacified and vision becomes blurred. The opacified capsule
is easily cleared up with a laser treatment.
The
Surgery Center
The Care You Want... The Attention you Deserve.
It Began With a Dream
The Surgery Center was the vision of John A. Waters, MD. He helped assemble a group of local surgeons and in 1998 saw his dream for this facility realized.
The Surgery Center is Genesee County’s first free-standing multi-specialty outpatient surgical facility. It is home to more than 50 surgeons in the following specialties: general surgery, ear/nose/throat, gynecology, ophthalmology, oral surgery, orthopedics, reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, podiatry and urology.
All it takes is one visit to The Surgery Center to understand why patients and physicians prefer this type of facility. Convenience, quality, personal attention, and lower costs are just some of the advantages of The Surgery Center.
Family Rooms for Viewing Surgery
The Surgery Center was uniquely constructed with patients and their families in mind. In order to build the patient-physician relationship. The Surgery Center is equipped with "family rooms" where families wait while their loved one is in surgery.
In these private rooms families may have the option to observe the actual surgery as it takes place, view a similar pre-taped procedure or simply relax. When Dr. Waters performs cataract surgery, families can clearly see the eye and the procedure. Family rooms are unique to this outpatient setting, as never before have families been allowed such access and involvement in patient care.
Comfort, Efficiency and Caring
Because The Surgery Center does not allow cases that require an extended or over-night stay, the patient stay is never longer than 3-4 hours total. For cataract patients, the stay is rarely more than two hours as compared to an all-day event in a hospital. The nursing staff has gone to great lengths to make sure patients are comfortable and families are kept informed. Families stay with patients during pre-op and post-op, so they are a part of the care process.
Superior Quality
Patients are assured of receiving the finest surgical care available because of the intensive staff training and stringent physician credentialing process. The Surgery Center has exceeded federal, state, and professional regulations, making it among the most highly certified providers of outpatient surgical care. In addition, The Surgery Center doesn’t have the high overhead costs that hospitals have, so it can focus on providing state of the art technology and equipment for its surgeons.
Historical Perspective of Ambulatory Surgery Centers
The popularity of ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) was evident in the 1980s with over 900 new centers opening in the U.S. during that time. Today, there are over 2,700 surgery centers in the U.S. with nearly six million surgeries performed in these centers annually. (According to the Federated Ambulatory Surgery Association – FASA).
With the advent of quicker, safer, less invasive methods of surgery, approximately 70% of all surgery performed today is done on an outpatient basis. This percentage will only increase as technology improves. It’s all about doing the right procedure in the right facility. Hospitals are the base of critical cases; it’s what they are set up to do best. For outpatient procedures, patient satisfaction, convenient scheduling and cost savings are all reasons why ambulatory surgery centers are preferred for outpatient procedures.
Why ASCs Are a Good Choice
Does
a cataract cause pain?
No, a cataract causes no pain or discomfort.
How can
I tell if I have a cataract?
Some cataracts are mild and cause no symptoms, but most eventually cause a
fogging or blurring of vision. Only your eye doctor can tell if you have a
cataract.
Will
I be put to sleep for the surgery?
Patients receive anesthesia drops to numb the eye and another medication to
make them comfortable during surgery, however they do remain awake during surgery.
Is there
any pain during or after cataract surgery?
There is no pain during surgery, only the feeling of pressure and some discomfort.
After surgery most patients don’t experience any pain, however mild pain
can occur the day after surgery and can be controlled with Tylenol.
Does
cataract surgery always restore normal vision?
The goal of cataract surgery is to bring back the clarity of vision, and the
secondary goal is to improve distance vision whenever possible. Most people
experience improved vision but still need a pair of glasses for reading.
When
can I drive after surgery?
On average patients can resume normal activities, including driving, the day
after surgery. It is important to remember that each person heals differently,
and some people may take longer before they feel comfortable driving.
Will
I have to wear a patch after surgery?
There is no patch to wear with Dr. Waters cataract surgery.
Can my
body reject the lens implant?
No, the body will not reject the implant. Occasionally an implant may have
to be adjusted or replaced if the power is not as expected.
Will
the lens implant ever have to be removed, replaced or cleaned?
The lens implant is a permanent implant and is designed to last your entire
life. Only in rare cases does the implant need to be removed or adjusted.
Cataract Surgery’s Amazing Evolution
B.C.
- 1750:
In ancient India and Egypt the "couching" technique was practiced. The doctor
inserted a needle into the side of the eye and displaced the cataract by pushing
it to the back of the eye. This procedure cleared the haze and made colors
brighter but left vision blurred. The doctor suffered a severe penalty if the
patient lost sight in the eye after surgery -- his hand was cut off!
1750s
- 1982:
Intracapsular cataract extraction first began in Germany and France. The eye
was first numbed. (Actually, cocaine was used prior to the anesthesia of today).
Then a 180 degree incision was made in the limbus (where the colored and white
parts of the eye meet) and the cornea folded back. The lens and capsule were
then taken out together, and the incision was sutured. The patient wore an
eye patch and was put on bed rest in the hospital for 2 weeks with the head
sandbagged to prevent any movement. After surgery thick glasses were needed
to see. As a result of the extensive suturing, the cornea was reshaped causing
astigmatism. This procedure was painful because of the anesthesia injection
and the sutures.
1880s-
Present:
Extracapsular Cataract Extraction: This procedure was most popular between
1983-1993 but is still used by some physicians today. It became popular as
a result of the intraocular lens (IOL). The patient received the same anesthesia
injection and a 6-10mm incision was made in the limbus. Only the lens was removed
and the capsule left intact. An IOL was placed in the capsule and the incision
sutured. The post-operative stay was originally 3 days in the hospital with
no movement. Today this is an outpatient procedure.
1967
- present:
Phacoemulsification: This revolutionary procedure invented by Charles D. Kelman,
M.D., uses an ultrasound to break up the cataract and remove it.
1995:
During this year foldable IOLs allowed surgeons to make sutureless 3mm corneal
incisions. This meant that instead of entering the eye in the limbus, the
incision is made at the edge of the cornea. The incision, only 3mm, self-seals
without the use of sutures and allows for an immediate recovery. This procedure
is safer for the patient, quicker, and achieves a better result. Dr. Waters,
who first did this procedure in 1991, is among the 12% of surgeons in the
U.S. to use the corneal incision today.
1996:
Topical anesthesia drops replaced the injection. Patients now enjoy immediate
visual recovery and no pain. Dr. Waters actually began using topical anesthesia
in 1994 and today is one of the only surgeons in the area to use topical
instead of the injection.
TODAY:
Dr. Waters has done thousands of no-stitch cataract surgeries using phacoemulsification
with topical anesthesia. Patients benefit from an immediate recovery with
no pain and no patch.
If you are think you are experiencing cateracts, click here to fill out our quick email form or call our office at 810-732-2272, so we can be of service.
