Advances in Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery has evolved rapidly over the last two decades. The technological advancements as well as the skill of the surgeons has lead to better visual results and fewer complications. Lansing Ophthalmology even offers a new lens, called ReSTOR, that can eliminate the need for glasses of any kind!

To find out more about the ReSTOR lens, click here.

Details about Cataracts and Cataract Surgery
A technique know as phacoemulsification is used most commonly to remove a cataract. This involves the use of an instrument that applies high energy sound waves to fragment the cataract into small pieces so that it can be removed through a small incision. This is often confused with a laser, which cannot be used to remove cataracts.

The incision size in cataract surgery continues to shrink. Cataracts can be removed now through 2.5 to 3.0 mm incisions. This small incision size allows the surgeon to have better control of the surgery. It also allows for more rapid removal of the cataract. It allows one to create a self sealing incision that does not require sutures. This "no stitch" incision heals rapidly and allows quick return of vision.

The advent of soft foldable lens implants allows the incision to remain small. Previously, the cataract could be removed through a small incision, but the incision had to be enlarged to place a lens implant within the eye. Prior to lens implants, thick "Coke bottle" glasses or contact lenses were required to restore this focusing power to the eye.

Changes in anesthetic technique have also allowed patients to return to normal activities more quickly. General anesthesia or gas anesthetic is rarely used now. Local anesthetic using either sedatives, topical anesthetic or injections around the eye are often used. With these techniques, most people are able to resume normal activities within 24 hours.

The final component to a successful surgery is a thorough discussion with your surgeon. It is important to understand the benefits and develop realistic expectations as well as to understand alternative treatments and possible complications

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