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Cataracts
What is a Cataract?
Cataracts are a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye and are a common cause of decreased vision. It can be compared to a window that is frosted or yellowed. A thorough examination by one of our physicians can detect the presence of a cataract. If cataracts are present, surgery may be recommended.
Aging and other factors commonly contribute to the formation of cataracts. Once cataracts are present, the only way to achieve clear vision again is through surgery. During the procedure, Dr. Scott Petermann or Dr. Wes Ross remove the natural lens and replace it with a lens implant that is designed to provide you with clearer vision.
Symptoms
- Cloudy of blurry vision
- Bright colors become dull
- Glare from headlights, lamps or sunlight
- Halos may develop around lights as well
- Poor night vision
- Frequent prescription changes in your glasses
- Difficulty reading in low light
Cataract Symptom Checker
LenSx® Laser Cataract Surgery
LenSx® Laser Cataract Surgery is an advanced alternative to traditional cataract surgery that is blade-free and laser-assisted. LenSx® Cataract Surgery performs the same overall task as traditional cataract surgery – removing the old lens and replacing it with a new, clear lens. The difference between traditional surgery and LenSx® is that LenSx® provides the surgeon with micron-level precision, accuracy and predictability using a laser instead of surgical blades.
The procedure is tailored to the surgeon’s specifications and delivers a remarkable degree of accuracy. By creating the incisions and fragmenting the clouded lens with LenSx®, the surgeon creates a precise opening for the new lens to be optimally positioned.
Our ophthalmologists can use special lenses such as the ReSTOR® and Toric to help with distance, near and intermediate vision. They can also use techniques and lenses to eliminate astigmatism and help patients achieve greater spectacle independence. Eye Partners’ ophthalmologists, Dr. Petermann and Dr. Ross perform cataract surgery with LenSx® as an outpatient procedure at Eye Partners’ Surgery Center in Valdosta. Post-op visits for our patients can be scheduled in Valdosta, Tifton, Douglas and in Madison, FL.
ORA with VerifEYE Technology
Our ORA System with VerifEye+ Technology, is an advanced technology addition that assists physicians during cataract surgery by allowing them to obtain real-time, precise measurements of the eye during the actual procedure. While measurements have always been, and still are, taken before cataract surgery, the exactness and verification this tool delivers in the surgery suite, immediately prior to the procedure, gives valuable data to the surgeon.
Traditional Cataract Surgery
During traditional cataract surgery, the physician uses surgical blades to manually remove the clouded lens and replace it with a new lens for clearer vision. In conjunction with traditional surgery, just like with LenSx®, Eye Partners ophthalmologists can use special lenses such as the Multi-focal or Toric to help with distance, near and intermediate vision. They can also use techniques and lenses to eliminate astigmatism and help patients achieve greater spectacle independence.
Cataract Lens Options
With the Basic Package, a manual incision is made to remove the natural lens that is then replaced with a monofocal IOL (intraocular lens) implant. A patient can expect to be dependent on glasses for most or all of their near & intermediate vision activities. Distance vision glasses may also be needed. The cost of this package may be covered in part by Medicare and private insurances.
With the Monofocal Femto Package, an incision is made with our LensX laser providing a more precise circular incision around the cataract. The laser allows our surgeons to minimize the use of ultrasound energy to remove the cataract lens. Decreased usage of ultrasound energy reduces the chances of thermal injury to tissues of the eye, which lessons recovery time. Our ophthalmologist will then remove the natural lens which will be replaced with a monofocal IOL. Patients also receive the benefit of ORA with this surgery option. ORA Technology provides precise measurements of the eye during cataract surgery and allows our doctors to measure the eye and refine visual outcomes during the procedure. These measurements are used to assist the procedure and help to ensure the best possible outcomes. This is a premium option and includes services not covered by insurance..
The OptimEYES Lens Package is a comprehensive set of services and procedures not covered by insurance used before and during cataract surgery. This option is ideal for patients who have corneal astigmatism, and would like freedom from glasses. We use advanced technology to capture a topography (map of the cornea) and pachymetry (corneal thickness) measurement which provides the most detailed information about your cornea’s shape. A computer then builds a color map of your cornea from the data. Your doctor will refer to this map when customizing your plan for surgery and will use an astigmatism correcting IOL. This package also includes the LensX laser and ORA.
Multifocal IOLs are premium cataract implants that are designed to allow better near and intermediate vision in the post cataract patient. These lenses are able to simultaneously focus light from both far away and near objects. This allows people to not only greatly reduce their dependence on glasses for far away vision but also for reading. These lenses are the best solutions for simultaneous correction of distance and near vision without glasses for most people available at this time. This package also includes the LensX laser and ORA. This is a premium option and includes services not covered by insurance.
