What is a Cataract?
A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s naturally clear lens. When this clouding happens light rays cannot pass through and the vision is blurry.
What Causes a Cataract?
Cataracts can develop many ways. The most common reason cataracts are developed is from the normal process of aging. Although, you can develop a cataract from an eye injury, certain diseases, medication, or long term exposure to sunlight.
Intraocular Lens Implants
An intraocular lens (or IOL) is what replaces the natural lens clouded over by a cataract.
Insurance covers the standard monofocal lens for cataract surgery. The monofocal lens has a single focus point and does not reduce astigmatism. This means after surgery you may still need a prescription for glasses.
Lenses
Thanks to advances in technology multifocal and astigmatism reducing lenses are now available. These lenses greatly reduce patients’ dependency upon glasses. We have hundreds of happy patients who have made the decision to choose these lenses. A few of their personal testimonials are beneath “ABOUT US” on our Home Page. If you are a candidate for one of these lenses, Dr. Davidson will help you in determining which lens is best suited for your lifestyle and vision needs.
CareCredit financing is available for cataract surgery at The Center for Advanced Surgery Center. Please call our office to inquire about this service.
Dr. Davidson performs cataract surgery every Tuesday at The Center for Advanced Surgery, Banner Desert Surgery Center, and Arrowhead surgery center.
The Center for Advanced Surgery
3367 South Mercy Road Suite 101
Gilbert, Arizona, 85297
http://www.thecenterforadvancedsurgery.com
Banner Desert Surgery Center
THE SURGERY CENTER IS LOCATED IN THE 1500 BUILDING- NOT THE HOSPITAL.
1500 S Dobson Rd Suite #101
Mesa, Arizona 85202
Arrowhead Surgery Center
1500 W. Ray Rd
Chandler, Arizona 85224
Visit their website at:
http://arrowheadsurgerycenter.com
What to Expect From Cataract Surgery
Before Surgery
After a thorough examination, the doctor will determine if the cataract is developed enough for surgery.
There will be a Pre-Op appointment where it will be determined which implant will be used for the surgery.
A technician will go over the surgical procedure, the limitations after surgery, as well as the risks involved with surgery. A physical will be preformed by the doctor.
Day of Surgery
There is NO food 8 hours prior to surgery, if there are any medications that need to be taken you may do so with a tiny sip of water.
The surgery is performed at an outpatient surgery center.
When you arrive you will be given eye drops and an IV will be started. You may be given a sedative to help you relax once you are in the OR. A local anesthetic will numb your eye. You will be awake for surgery, but you won’t be able to see while the surgery is taking place. You may be able to see some light and movement.
A small incision is made in the eye and the cataract is then broken apart and removed.
The intraocular lens implant that was chosen at the pre-op appointment prior to surgery is then implanted in the eye to replace the natural lens.
When the surgery is completed a patch is placed over the eye.
After Surgery
You will be seen by the doctor the next day for your post-op appointment. New drop instructions will be given at this time.
Click here to read Frequently Asked Questions
Cataract Educational Material
For more information on cataract surgery visit one of the links below.
http://www.eyesurgeryeducation.org/Cataract_Treatment.html
http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/diseases/cataract-surgery.cfm