Cataract Surgery
A cataract is a clouding of the eye's naturally clear lens. The lens focuses light rays on the retina – the layer of light-sensing cells lining the back of the eye – to produce a sharp image of what we see. When the lens becomes cloudy, light rays cannot pass through it easily, and vision is blurred.
Dr. Muller utilizes phacoemulsification when performing cataract surgery. It involves only a micro incision on the surface of the eye and the use of ultrasound energy to break up the cloudy lens, which can then be removed. An artificial replacement lens is inserted through the same incision. In most cases only an eye drop is needed to numb the eye for the procedure, therefore patients do not need to wear an eye patch. Since the incision is very small, no stitches are needed and the wound will heal on its own.
If you notice the following symptoms, Dr. Muller will evaluate you to see if cataracts are affecting your vision:
Blurred vision
Increased glare
Halos around street lights
Difficulty reading fine print
There are many intraocular lens implant options available for cataract surgery. Dr. Muller will help you to decide if you would most benefit from a standard intraocular lens implants with aspheric optics, or if you have astigmatism if a toric intraocular lens implant would be a better solution. There are also some newer technology options to consider such as extended depth of field lens implants or multifocal intraocular lens implants. These lenses are designed to decrease relying on glasses or contact lenses, but there are some considerations as some patients still may need glasses for the best vision and there is a risk of glare and haloes following this surgery. In addition there is the option of monovision – a compromise that utilizes one eye for distance vision and one eye for near vision. Glasses or contact lenses can be used after cataract surgery so the eyes can work together as well. Not everyone tolerates this option, and Dr Muller can help to discuss what might be right for you.