Cataract Surgery:

When cataracts start to affect your vision and activities of daily living, they are removed with cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is a minimally invasive surgery and is one of the most common surgeries performed in the United States. During surgery, Dr. Szymarek will remove the cloudy lens (cataract) and replace it with an intraocular lens implant. This implant is very safe for the eye and will last for the rest of your life. The surgery can often be performed without the need for numbing injections or sutures. The surgery is performed at an outpatient surgery center allowing you to return home the same day. You will need to return to see your surgeon the day after surgery for a quick post-operative visit. You will need a driver the day of and the day after surgery. Your surgeon will recommend activity restrictions and eye drops for a few weeks after surgery. Your vision may be blurry the day after surgery and then heal over the next week or two. This is one of the reasons surgery is recommended only on one eye at a time.
The technology of cataract surgery and lens implantation has significantly advanced in recent decades allowing many options for patients. During cataract surgery, your cataract is removed and is replaced with an intraocular lens implant. It is possible to use specialty intraocular lenses to diminish your reliance on glasses after cataract surgery.

MONOFOCAL LENS

If you are happy wearing glasses and hope to continue to wear bifocals, the monofocal lens would be a good option for you. The goal for this lens is to clear your vision. You will still be reliant on glasses for the best focus for some or all activities after the surgery.

SPECIALTY LENSES

For those who aim to be less reliant on glasses after surgery, specialty lenses may be an option for you. Specialty lenses are used to try to place your glasses prescription into the intraocular lens that replaces your cataract after surgery. There are a vast array of specialty lenses, but they can be broken down into two main categories: Toric lenses and Extended Depth of Focus lenses.

TORIC LENS

Toric lenses are used for individuals who have astigmatism. Astigmatism is a condition where your eye is more football shaped than it is round. Glasses are required to correct astigmatism and give your best possible vision. Toric intraocular lenses will place some of your astigmatism correction in your lens implant so that you can have better focus without glasses.

EXTENDED DEPTH OF FOCUS LENSES

Extended depth of focus (EDOF) lenses are a new advanced technology that focuses your vision for both distance and near, minimizing your need for both distance and near glasses after cataract surgery. Not everyone is a candidate for these lenses, and they can carry a slightly increased risk of post-operative glare and halo. Dr. Szymarek will work with you to determine the best possible lens implant for you and your lifestyle needs.