Cataract Surgery in Palm Beach, FL
What are Cataracts?
Cataracts are the result of normal aging of the lens in the eye which is located behind the pupil and colored iris. They occur slowly and usually become visually disabling requiring removal by the patient’s mid 70s.
Cataract Treatment Options
Cataract surgery is usually performed in a surgery center or hospital out-patient center. It is performed either using a femtosecond laser or phaco-emulsifier using ultrasound energy. The surgery usually takes under 15 minutes and patients can expect visual improvement within 12-24 hours.
Advances in Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is the most successfully performed surgery in the USA with over 4 million cases per year. Cataracts develop in everyone due to aging of the lens of the eye. It causes the clean lens to become cloudy interfering with the function of the eye. Symptoms of cataracts including glare from oncoming lights, hazy vision and the inability of reading fine print. The decision to remove a cataract should be made between the patient and physician in all cases where the benefits of removal outweigh the risks.
In the past, ophthalmologist removed the cloudy lens and replaced it with a monofocal implant (IOL) and the patient was given a prescription for new bifocals. Today, eye surgeons have better technology implants that correct pre-existing astigmatism and can correct presbyopia (the inability to read without glasses).
Expanded range of vision implants, such as the Crystalens IOL and the TECNIS® multifocal IOL have been shown to improve the range of vision after cataract surgery minimizing the need for corrective glasses and some no longer wear glasses at all.
What to Expect
After testing, you can discuss with an eye specialist what type of lens you would like as your replacement. You can choose just a clear lens, or there are options to help you see better in your near vision so you don’t necessarily need to wear reading glasses. In addition, there are several options available for better distance vision.
Although Medicare covers your surgery, certain types of lenses may be out of pocket.
You are awake but feel nothing due to the numbing drops. You can also be given medication to relax if requested. You are able to go home shortly after the procedure, but you need a driver.
Typically, surgery will be performed on one eye at a time several weeks apart to allow for healing.
Immediately afterward, you may have trouble with bright lights or the sun, so wear wrap around sunglasses even indoors at first.
Other recommendations after cataract surgery include the following:
- Use the eyedrops as prescribed to prevent infection and for any pain.
- You will be restricted from driving for a few days.
- You should not do anything that might put pressure on your eyes like lifting heavy objects or bending down.
- Wear the eye shields at night to protect your eyes from any inadvertent damage and to prevent you from touching or scratching your eyes while asleep.
- Sleep on your back or on the opposite side of your new lens for a week or so.
- You can return to work in a few days.
- No strenuous activity or exercise for one week.
Your eye specialist will provide a written list of do’s and don’ts after cataract surgery.
Schedule a Cataract Surgery Consultation
Palm Beach Eye Specialists specializes in performing advanced cataract surgery including astigmatism correcting implants and presbyopia correcting implants. Our patients are amazed by the improvement in their vision compared to their vision prior to cataract surgery. Our doctors have been practicing in the Delray Beach/ Jupiter area since 1989. Palm Beach Eye Specialists has performed thousands of surgeries and has been implanting these high technology implants for over 10 years.
Call our office today to schedule an appointment for an evaluation of your cataracts and see if you would be a good candidate for these advanced technology lens implants and enjoy vision like you always wanted. Give our Delray office a call at 561-495-8558, or call our Jupiter office at 561-444-0094 today to get started.