Cataracts
Restoring Your Vision and Quality of Life
Advanced Cataract Surgery for Clearer Vision
Cataracts are a widespread condition that affects the majority of individuals over the age of 65. This occurs when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy and discolored, leading to blurred or hazy vision. If untreated, cataracts can progressively worsen and may eventually cause blindness.
Cataract surgery involves replacing the clouded natural lens with a clear artificial lens. As one of the most frequently performed medical procedures, cataract surgery has benefited greatly from technological advancements, making it safer and more effective than ever.
At Ascend Vision Partners, we offer state-of-the-art cataract surgery to Patients throughout the Southeast. Our services include laser-assisted procedures and advanced replacement lenses designed to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia.
Cataracts can significantly impact your daily life—if you’re in the Southeast, our expert team is here to help you restore your vision.
Cataract Video Guide
Explore Cataract Treatment, Surgery Options & Advanced IOL Solutions
Cataract Surgery
The Lifestyle Vision™ Custom Laser Cataract Surgery program at Ascend Vision Partners is designed to provide patients with a thorough understanding of their options for laser cataract surgery.
Our ophthalmologists and staff work closely with each patient to identify the ideal intraocular lens (IOL), considering factors such as lifestyle, overall eye health, and specific vision needs.
An IOL is a clear artificial lens that replaces the clouded lens during cataract surgery. Recent changes to Medicare policies allow surgeons to offer all patients advanced options like laser-assisted cataract surgery and multifocal lenses. These premium options, which require an out-of-pocket expense, offer enhanced vision correction and personalized solutions.
Cataract surgery remains one of the most commonly performed Medicare-approved procedures in the United States, providing patients with safe and reliable results.
How is Cataract Surgery Performed?
Cataract surgery is typically carried out using a minimally invasive "micro" incision. During the procedure, a technique called phacoemulsification is used. This involves the insertion of an ultrasonic probe that emits sound waves to break apart the clouded natural lens. For patients opting for laser-assisted surgery, a specialized femtosecond laser is utilized to soften the lens, making its removal more efficient. Afterward, the clouded lens is carefully extracted, and a new intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted. The incision, often self-sealing without stitches, is then closed, and the recovery process begins.
Recovery generally includes temporarily adjusting your activities for a few days and using prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and promote healing.
What Is a Cataract?
A cataract occurs when the eye’s normally clear lens becomes cloudy and yellowed. In severe cases, it can feel like trying to see through a piece of yellowed wax paper.
Fortunately, cataracts can be removed through surgery, allowing for restored and improved vision.
What Is a False Cataract?
- It is not a film covering the eye.
- It is not the result of excessive eye use.
- It is not cancer.
- It does not spread between eyes.
- It does not cause permanent blindness.
What Are the Symptoms of Cataracts?
- Colors may appear faded or take on a yellowish tint.
- Night vision can become significantly impaired.
- Vision may blur without pain.
- Sensitivity to light or glare may increase.
- Eyeglass prescriptions may need frequent updates.
- Double vision can occur in one eye.
- Brighter lighting may be required for reading or close-up tasks.
The most common cause of cataracts is simply aging. However, other factors, such as certain systemic conditions and hereditary influences, can also contribute. The degree and location of cloudiness within the lens can vary. If the cloudiness is not in the central part of the lens, you might not even notice the presence of a cataract.
Currently, no medications, supplements, exercises, or optical treatments have been proven to prevent or cure cataracts. However, protecting your eyes from excessive sunlight may help delay their development or progression. Wearing sunglasses that block ultraviolet (UV) rays or eyeglasses with a clear, anti-UV coating can provide effective protection.
Does Cataract Surgery Restore Perfect Vision?
Cataract surgery is highly effective in improving vision and is among the most commonly performed surgeries in the United States, with over 3 million procedures conducted annually. Approximately 9 out of 10 patients experience significantly improved vision following the surgery.
During the procedure, your surgeon replaces the eye's cloudy natural lens with a clear artificial lens, known as an intraocular lens (IOL). This replacement lens restores vision, and advanced premium IOLs can even provide better vision than before the cataract developed.
Innovations in laser technology have further refined cataract surgery. Lasers can assist in the removal of the clouded lens and make precise incisions for the placement of the new IOL. Additionally, lasers can be used to optimize the IOL's performance, such as by creating arcuate incisions in the cornea to correct astigmatism.