CATARACT and SURGICAL OPTIONS
The human eye is like a camera having an external lens called the cornea and an internal lens simply called the crystalline lens. With Intra-LASIK the cornea is reshaped by a laser while with cataract surgery the crystalline lens is replaced with an artificial one. There are various types of artificial lens implants including Restor®, ReZoom™, and Crystalens®. The crystalline lens is usually clear at birth allowing light to pass through it for sharp vision. With age the lens loses its transparency, becoming cloudy and interfering with various aspects of vision. At this stage it is considered a cataract.
 |
 |
Cataracts cause a progressive, painless reduction of vision quality. The lens clouds naturally as we age, so at some point every person will see a gradual reduction of vision. That is only if you are lucky enough to live long enough! There is no exact single cause of cataracts. Many factors contribute to the age at which an individual will need surgery for this. In younger people they can result from an injury, certain medications, or illnesses such as diabetes. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light may also play a role in the formation of cataracts. Studies have also shown that people who smoke cigarettes have a higher risk of developing cataracts than non-smokers.
Some indications that a cataract may be forming are:
- Blurred or hazy vision that cannot be corrected with glasses or contacts.
- Double vision.
- Poor vision in bright light.
- Halo or glare around lights usually in dim light.
- Reduction in the brightness of colors.
- Night vision difficulty.
Cataract surgery entails removing the lens through a small incision. An ultrasound vacuum probe is used to break up the cataract into small pieces which are then removed with suction. An artificial lens is inserted to take its place. Read below for more information on the various lens implant options.
Restor®, ReZoom™, and Crystalens®
These are the trade or brand names of lens implants used during cataract surgery. If you are considering or have been recommended one of these options, you will be undergoing traditional cataract surgery with the exception that these implants are considered multi-focal. With traditional implants the implant is single-vision meaning they can be used either for distance or near in each eye. Multi-focal means that the implant is designed to provide both distance and near vision.
These multi-focal lenses have been FDA approved for several years and are considered an excellent option for many people with cataracts. At Providence Eye & Laser Specialists we only recommend them if you have significant cataracts or are in imminent need of cataract surgery. We do not believe they should be recommended otherwise, especially if a safer less invasive procedure such as Intra-LASIK will produce excellent results.
As an alternative to these implants a person may choose monovision (one eye for near and one for distance) as they undergo cataract surgery. If cataracts are not present or in the far future, then the same result can usually be achieved with Intra-LASIK using the available technology at Providence Eye & Laser Specialists.
Corneal Care and Expertise
Dr. Mozayeni is a fellowship trained cornea specialist and the most experienced one providing Intra-LASIK in the Charlotte metro region. Because laser vision correction is a procedure on the cornea, Dr. Mozayeni’s training sets him apart from most other doctors and enables him to provide a level of expertise unavailable elsewhere.
The cornea is a clear layer of tissue that covers the eye like a window. One of the functions of the cornea is to focus light rays. In order to function properly and provide the best vision the cornea must remain healthy and clear. It is composed of the same tissue that hair and nails are made of except that it is considered live tissue.
When the cornea is damaged either by injury, disease, or hereditary conditions, it may become swollen or scarred. These scars may cause the cornea to scatter or distort light resulting in reduced vision. Many of these conditions can be treated with medication and/or surgery.
One of the most common reasons for an unhealthy cornea is the overuse of contact lenses. We often see patients with contact lens related corneal problems and can typically treat them with expert care in preparation for Intra-LASIK. Detecting subtle corneal problems and ensuring your eyes are in optimal condition before Intra-LASIK is critical to a safe and successful procedure.
