When the lens (located behind the pupil) becomes cloudy or opaque, it is called a Cataract. Cataracts can cause blurry vision, glare (such as from car headlights), double or distorted vision, faded colors, and trouble with depth perception (such as judging the distance to a curb while driving).
Generally occurring in people over the age of 60, cataracts are usually caused by aging. Other causes include certain medications, systemic diseases, injuries, and diabetes. Changing the prescription of eye glasses may be necessary and helpful as cataract progress. At some point, changing the glasses will be of no benefit and, if a certain level of vision has been reached, cataract surgery becomes an option available to you.
Although many people believe lasers are used to remove a cataract, this is not true. Lasers are never used to remove a cataract. Modern cataract surgery today is performed using a process called Phacoemulsification. During this process, an ultrasound is used to break the cloudy lens in to many small pieces. These pieces of lens particles are then removed by vacuum through the initial incision. The cloudy lens is then replaced with a clear man-made lens thus restoring vision to the eye. Modern technique requires no stitches to seal the wound.
Surgery is performed on an out-patient basis at Baylor Surgicare, near Baylor Medical Center of Garland. During the healing process you will be instructed to use various eye drops. Once healed, you will be given a fine tuned glasses prescription to provide you with the best vision possible.
Cataract Surgery is the only way to remove a cataract from the eye. All our physicians use the no stitch cataract surgery method. The surgery is performed in an outpatient surgery center using a special microscope and instruments. The doctor makes a small incision without stitches. There is no hospital stay and patients may resume their normal activities almost immediately.