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A cataract is a cloudy area in the normally clear lens in the front of the eye. There is no pain associated with the condition but there are other symptoms, including:
- Blurred/hazy vision
- Spots in front of the eye(s)
- Sensitivity to glare
- A feeling of "film" over the eye(s)
- A temporary improvement in near vision
Risk factors for developing cataracts include being over 55 years old, eye injury or disease, a family history of cataracts, smoking or use of certain medications.
For people who are significantly affected by cataracts, lens replacement surgery may be recommended. During cataract replacement, the most common surgical procedure in the country, the lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one called an intraocular lens or IOL.
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Flexible IOLs have been used for years to help patients enjoy clear vision after cataract surgery. The advanced ReZOOM® lens improves upon ordinary IOLs by providing a full range of focusing distances. A feature called apodization also helps the eye distribute light evenly in different lighting conditions. Best of all, up to 80% of patients who use the ReZOOM® lens don't need glasses or contact lenses after surgery.
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Many people who are tired of wearing glasses or contact lenses seek the help of refractive surgeons. Refractive surgery improves vision by correcting refractive errors such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. A high percentage of patients enjoy 20/20 vision or better after their procedure.
Common refractive procedures include LASIK, PRK, LASEK, refractive lensectomy (clear lens replacement or CLR), INTACS, CK and AK.
LASIK stands for laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis. During the procedure, a thin flap is created on the cornea using a microkeratome or a femtosecond laser. This flap is then lifted, and an excimer laser reshapes corneal tissue to alter the way light enters the eye. The flap is then replaced. The entire procedure takes only 15-30 minutes per eye. Recovery time is also short, and improvement in vision can be seen within a day. Vision often continues to improve and stabilize for a few weeks.
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PRK or photorefractive keratectomy is one of the safest and most time-tested laser vision correction procedures available. Like LASIK, it reshapes the cornea to improve vision.
In PRK the surgeon uses an excimer laser to vaporize a small amount from the top of the cornea. LASIK, by contrast, cuts a deep flap in the cornea using a sharp microkeratome blade. This weakens the cornea, makes it difficult to replace the flap in precisely the right place, and can cause other complications including flap irregularity, epithelial ingrowth and corneal ectasia. PRK avoids these risks.
Studies have shown that 90-95% of patients with a correction of up to -6.00 diopters achieve vision of 20/40 after PRK, and up to 70% achieve 20/20. Patients needing less correction generally achieve better results. The risks of PRK include infection, haze, slow healing, scarring, over- or under-correction of the visual condition, and development of astigmatism.
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