Cataracts

What is a cataract?
A cataract is in most cases a natural part of aging. A cataract is neither a growth or a film over the eye. When a cataract develops, the natural lens changes and becomes cloudy. This causes blurred or hazy vision to occur.

Some cataracts can be caused by injury to the eye and others may be the result of certain diseases such as diabetes. If the cloudiness is located near the center of the eye’s lens, changes in vision will be noticed. This vision change may also include such symptoms as sensitivity to light and glare, less vivid perception of colors and frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions.

How is a cataract diagnosed?
Fortunately a cataract can usually be easily diagnosed and surgically removed. The ophthalmologist examines the eye and determines the type, size and precise location of the cataract. The surgical procedure to remove the cataract is performed as “ Out Patient surgery”.

How is a cataract removed?
Dr. Nethery performs no needle, no stitch, no patch cataract surgery. The oly anesthesia needed is the same eye drops used in the office during routine examination. A small incision of approximately 3 millimeters ( less than 1/8 of an inch) is made in the clear part of the eye known as the cornea. (See figure one.) The cataract is dissolved with gentle high-frequency ultra sound and removed. A clear lens implant, also known as an IOL (intraocular lens) is injected into position.

In most cases, with this new surgical procedure, the patient no longer needs glasses or contact lenses for distance vision.

What is involved in recovery?
The true marvel of this new surgical procedure is the rapid recovery time. The patient no longer needs patching, no stitches need to be removed and vision restoration occurs within hours. With a few precautions the patient can resume normal daily activities.