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 A cataract is a loss of transparency, or clouding, of the normally clear lens
of the eye usually caused by the normal aging process. As one gets older, chemical
changes occur in the lens that makes it less transparent. The loss of transparency
may be so mild vision is hardly affected or so severe that no shapes or movements
are seen, only light and dark. When the lens gets cloudy enough to obstruct vision
to any significant degree, it is called a cataract. When a cataract occurs, glasses
or contact lenses cannot sharpen your vision. The only remedy is surgical removal
of the cataract.
While the physicians at the Montgomery Eye Center perform many different procedures
in our Surgical Center, cataract surgery is certainly our specialty. We have
performed more cataract procedures than anyone else in Collier County. We strive
to be on the leading edge of surgical technology. The procedure is performed
in our own custom designed eye surgery center under topical anesthesia, requiring
no needle, through an extremely small, self-sealing wound, which requires no
stitch.
An oscillating ultrasonic probe is used to break up and remove the cataract in a process called phacoemulsification. We then insert a foldable intraocular lens in the eye, An intraocular lens (IOL) is a tiny, lightweight, clear plastic lens. An IOL replaces the focusing power of the eye's natural lens which in most cases, gives the patient normal distance vision without glasses. After only a few hours the patient goes home without even a patch on the eye, allowing him or her to resume their normal lifestyle almost immediately.
Cataract surgery is a very successful operation. One and a half million people have this procedure every year and 95% have a successful result. In fact, our internal studies show that our success rate is even higher. As with any surgical procedure, complications can occur during or after surgery and some are severe enough to limit vision. But in most cases, vision, as well as quality of life, improves.
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