Cataracts Procedures
Licensed ophthalmologists experienced in Cataract Surgery
A cataract is a progressive clouding of the lens that occurs naturally over time. Cataracts develop when the proteins that make up the lens begin to break down, leading to clouding of the lens material – like dark smudges on a camera’s lens.
The goal of cataract surgery is to remove the clouded lens and replace it with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). Prior to surgery, our Salt Lake City ophthalmologist obtains measurements of the eye to determine the power and type of IOL to place in the eye. The surgeon will also discuss the IOL options available to the patient which can further enhance one’s vision potential and reduce their dependence on glasses.
One of the safest Surgeries in the World
Whatever your vision needs, our experienced, caring cataract surgeons are ready to tend to your vision health. We promise to provide you with exceptional care as we work with you to maintain, protect, or enhance your vision.
CATARACT SURGERY WITH UNRIVALED PRECISION
Several steps of cataract surgery currently performed by hand can now be completed with the precision of a laser. Using the Catalys Precision Laser System®, you get unprecedented accuracy and customization in your procedure.
IS CATARACT SURGERY RIGHT FOR YOU?
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We get asked questions about numerous things regarding eye care services. We’ve compiled some of the most common questions to help you on your search for your eye care needs.
For further information on these or other topics, please see the patient education portal on the American Academy of Ophthalmology website at aao.org/eyesmart.
What Are Cataracts?
Cataracts are an inevitable part of your eyes aging. A cataract forms when proteins clump together on the lens of the eye. The lens is naturally clear and helps focus light in the retina.
If a cataract develops, the lens becomes cloudy. As a cataract ripens, it becomes harder and harder to see. This can take several years before the cataract requires removal.
Are Cataracts Treatable?
Although there is no cure for cataracts, they are treatable. While a cataract is still developing, a patient can wear glasses or contacts to see. If glasses or contacts no longer help, cataract surgery is the next step.
During cataract surgery at our Salt Lake City clinic, the natural lens of the eye gets removed. In its place an artificial lens, or IOL is inserted. This IOL takes on the role of what the lens was doing. With an IOL, patients who had a cataract can see again!
Do I Need Cataract Surgery?
The only way to know for sure if you need cataract surgery from our Salt Lake City clinic is to have regular appointments with your eye doctor.
Seeing your eye doctor will help them determine if your cataract needs to be removed. A cataract gets removed when it is significantly impairing your vision or ability to see.
If you do not get cataract surgery, your vision will continue to deteriorate. Untreated cataracts can eventually lead to blindness.
Do Cataracts Cause Vision Loss?
Yes, cataracts cause vision loss. This is only the case if your cataract has become fully developed. Cataracts can take several years to develop. Until they mature, vision loss may be minimal, or may not happen at all.
Am I Too Young For Cataracts?
Cataracts are usually age-related, but this is not always the case. Two non-age-related cataracts are cortical cataracts and posterior subcapsular cataracts. These cataracts can develop if you are diabetic or extremely nearsighted.
What Are The Risks Of Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery in Salt Lake City is a safe procedure, but like all surgeries, it does have its risks. Common risks of cataract surgery include infection, inflammation, bleeding, and glaucoma. These are rare! The best way to reduce your risks of these complications is taking time to recover.
After cataract surgery, your eyes will be more fragile than normal. The recovery process can take a few weeks, so it’s good to take it easy during this time. Make sure to keep the eye that had a cataract away from germs.
This includes getting your eyes wet in the shower, since water carries bacteria. By following your recovery instructions, it should be easy to avoid complications.
Will My Insurance Cover Cataract Surgery?
This question depends on the kind of Intraocular Lens (IOL) you opt to receive for the procedure. The only IOL that Medicare will usually accept is the standard monofocal IOL.
This is because the standard monofocal IOL is not considered a premium IOL. If you get this standard IOL, you will still need glasses or contacts to see after cataract surgery from our Salt Lake City clinic.
Other premium lenses let you see clearly without needing any enhancements. Since they are premium IOLs, they cost more and are not covered by insurance plans.
Can My Cataracts Come Back?
Cataract surgery is the only way that you can remove cataracts. After cataract surgery, you may wonder if you can get cataracts again. You cannot get cataracts again, because cataract surgery involves removing the natural lens.
When the natural lens is removed, it’s replaced with an IOL. The IOL then does the job that the natural lens once did. However, it is possible that the IOL can become cloudy after cataract surgery. If this happens, capsular opacification can occur. If this happens, you will notice blurry or hazy vision, along with sensitivity to glare and light.
A capsular opacification is easy to treat! Your doctor will create a small opening in the center of the IOL. This opening is then created using a laser. Once the opening gets created, light can enter the eye. Like our Salt Lake City cataract surgery and treatments, the procedure is quick and over in a few minutes!
Have more questions about cataracts or cataract surgery in Salt Lake City? Contact Olympus Eye to schedule your cataract screening today!