Understanding cataract surgery

Video depicts basic cataract surgery

Cataract surgery entails removing the cloudy crystalline lens positioned inside the eye, just behind the pupil of the iris. It is not a film on the front of the eye. Following the removal, a clear synthetic lens called an intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted. Without an IOL, the patient would need thick glasses to achieve proper vision.

Cataract surgery planning begins during an office consultation with your Ophthalmologist.

Step 1: Biometry

The process of planning cataract surgery begins in the office, where accurate measurements of the eyes, called biometry, are taken. During a biometry exam, specialized instruments are used to take various measurements of the eye, including the length of the eye, the curvature of the cornea, and the depth of the anterior chamber, among others. This data is then used to calculate the power of the lens that will be implanted in the eye.

This information is crucial when counseling patients on what surgical technologies and implant technologies might best suit their needs. For instance, if biometry reveals corneal astigmatism, which causes the cornea to have a football shape, the patient may opt to have the astigmatism treated concurrently with the cataract. These measurements also help manage expectation as issues, like irregular astigmatism, can be detected during Biometry.

  • Biometry can also reveal eyes that are not good candidates for certain types of implants. For example, if a patient has a pupil that is not well centered to the visual axis, a multifocal implant may not work properly. Another example is irregular astigmatism, which is a form of astigmatism that cannot be treated with lasers or toric implants. It is important to identify these issues during the preoperative evaluation to ensure that the patient is a good candidate for the chosen implant and to manage expectations appropriately.

Achieving better results with Advanced Biometry

“In my practice, I have implemented a more advanced form of biometry called ORA*. This allows for real-time eye measurements during surgery that can lead to better results”

- Aaron Mack MD

* Optiwave Refractive Analysis is a sophisticated measuring device that allows repeated measurements of the eye during surgery. The result is more accurate surgery and sharper vision.

  • CONVENIENCE

    Cataract surgery is done on an outpatient basis and recovery is rapid. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and medication is used to control anxiety during the procedure.

  • SAFETY

    Cataract surgery has a very high success rate with most patients enjoying a significant improvement in quality of vision afterwards.

  • CHOICE

    Cataract surgery has advanced significantly over recent years offering patients more options to improve their vision.