Quick Vision Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is the most common eye surgery performed in the United States. At Inland Eye Clinic we offer the most advanced techniques for removing cataracts. A cataract occurs when the natural lens inside the eye turns cloudy. This usually occurs as part of the aging process, but sometimes a cataract can develop in younger individuals as well. The opacity caused by the cataract scatters the light entering the eye that would normally come to focus on the retina to provide a clear image. Cataracts can also cause glare, halos, "filmy" vision, blurring, and alter color perception.

Modern cataract surgery involves removing the cataract through a very small opening (4 mm or less), and replacing the cloudy lens with a clear plastic implant. The lens implants are made of acrylic, silicone, or other types of inert plastic that remain indefinitely in the eye. Furthermore, our doctors use microsurgical techniques that usually eliminate the need for any shots or stitches. This means that vision recovery is much quicker, and you can go back to your normal activities the next day.



A proper evaluation for cataracts begins with a complete eye examination. If you are having progressive difficulty with your vision, and are concerned about cataracts, it is important to rule out any other underlying eye disorders. If you are diagnosed with cataracts, your doctor will discuss with you the options that are available. Early cataracts are generally followed with regular clinic visits until they are causing vision problems. Once a decision for cataract surgery has been made, measurements are carefully made to choose the proper lens implant. In addition to providing clear vision, the new implant often will reduce the patient's dependence on glasses.

Cataract surgeries are usually performed at our AAAHC accredited Inland Surgery Center (link). The experienced staff takes care of making you comfortable while making the preparations for surgery. Topical anesthetic (drops) are applied along with drops to dilate the eyes. The actual surgical procedure is relatively short (10-20 minutes). First, the area around the eye is carefully cleaned and a sterile drape is applied. The surgeon uses fine instruments and a specialized ultrasound probe to reduce the cataract to microscopic particles (phacoemulsification) which are then irrigated out of the eye. Lasers are not currently approved by the FDA for cataract surgery. Lasers are routinely used in a variety of other eye surgeries, but their effectiveness for cataract removal has not been established. Phacoemulsification is the most advanced technique available to ophthalmic surgeons. The lens implant is then carefully folded and placed in the eye. The lens is positioned in the same anatomic location from which the natural lens was removed. The eye is then given medicated drops to initiate the healing process.

After surgery the patient may go home the same day, and resume normal activities the following day. Antibiotic and steroid drops are used for a few weeks after the surgery to encourage the healing process. If necessary, new glasses are prescribed 1-3 weeks after surgery. If a patient has cataracts in both eyes, the second eye can be done approximately two weeks after the first eye. With this advanced, minimally invasive procedure, visual problems from cataracts can be effectively eliminated.