Advancements in Cataract Surgery
- Posted on: Jan 31 2015
Cataracts are a normal part of aging. Research has yet to prove exactly what causes cataracts, although genetics and lifestyle choices like smoking may be related. Cataracts cause progressive vision loss, and are painless. A cataract is a cloudy film that forms in the clear lens, which allows light to pass through the eye. When light passes through the lens, this is how you see. When cataracts have progressed to an unreasonable proportion and have severely impacted your vision, choosing to undergo cataract surgery can remove the clouded lens from your eye, and replace it with a new one that can significantly improve your vision.
Cataract Surgery: A Brief History
- Intraocular (IOL) lenses were first developed in the mid-1960s
- IOLs were FDA-approved in 1981
- Original IOLs were “fixed focus,” meaning the recipient could only see close up, or far away
- Prior to IOLs cataract surgery removed the cloudy lens, replacing it with nothing
- Eyes cannot see without the lens, therefore patients had to wear extremely thick eyeglasses in order to see
Cataract Surgery in 2015
- Due to technological advances, cataract surgery now involves multifocal lenses
- Multifocal lenses allow patients to see near and far, often without the need for eyeglasses
- New lenses available are Crystalens®, ReZoom®, ReSTOR® and Tecnis®
- Not all lenses are suitable for every patient
- A board certified ophthalmologist will work with the patient to determine which lens will provide the best results
- Multifocal lenses are made of silicone and acrylic
- Some of the new lenses can filter out blue light (harmful UV-rays from the sun)
- After surgery, vision will improve within a few days
- Results are often successful
Are Cataracts Clouding Your Vision? Contact Dr. Giyaur.
For more information about cataract surgery, contact ophthalmologist Dr. Julia Giyaur in Brooklyn and Rego Park. Our offices can be reached at 718.676.6464. We look forward to helping you see clearly.
Posted in: Brooklyn Cataracts
