Cataract surgery has come a long way

Cataracts are the most common cause of vision loss among people age 40 and older. According to Ephram Atwal, M.D., who specializes in laser-assisted small incision cataract surgery with premium multi-focal intraocular lenses, cataracts are the principal cause of blindness in the world.

What are cataracts? A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. The lens is the clear part of the eye that helps focus light — and images — on the retina and must be clear to receive a sharp image. If the lens is cloudy, vision will be blurred. Cataracts form slowly, initially affecting a small part of the lens; however, over time, cataracts can grow and impair vision. Seeing “halos” around lights, fading of colors, sensitivity to light, glare, and the need for brighter light for reading and handling tasks are common symptoms.

What causes cataracts? Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss among adults age 55 and older. With aging, the lenses in the eyes become less flexible, less transparent and thicker. Tissues within the lens can break down and clump together, clouding small areas within the lens of the eye, thereby forming a cataract. In addition to aging, injury to the eye tissue, prior eye surgery, diabetes, long-term use of steroid medications, inherited genetic disorders, smoking and alcohol use, as well as consistent exposure to UV sunlight can contribute to the cataract formation.

Treating cataracts. Cataracts should be treated if they affect vision severely or prevent examination and treatment of other eye problems. About 90 percent of people who have undergone cataract surgery have better vision afterward. During surgery, the clouded lens is removed and replaced with a clear, artificial one. Years ago, cataract surgery required a hospital stay, long healing time and restrictions on activities. With today’s “no-stitch” cataract surgery, patients can resume their usual lifestyle and normal activities soon after completion of the procedure. The incision is so small and precise it actually seals itself without stitches.

Patients can also opt for intraocular lenses (IOLs), which are artificial lens implants that replace the eye’s natural crystalline lens that has become clouded by cataracts. Various IOL options provide varying levels of vision after cataract surgery using a laser system called CATALYS which reduces or eliminates the need for glasses. CATALYS combines a femtosecond laser, 3D imaging, sophisticated software and other innovative features that make the cataract procedure highly customized and more precise. After the lens material is removed, a pre-determined customized IOL is inserted into the eye, where it remains permanently, allowing light to clearly focus on the retina for clear vision.

“Routine eye examinations are a key part of an overall health plan and can shed light on the formation of cataracts and help people develop effective treatment plans,” says Dr. Atwal.

Dr. Atwal is Director of Atwal Laser Vision Correction and Aesthetic facility at 3095 Harlem Road in Cheektowaga, specializing in laser-assisted small incision cataract surgery, laser vision correction, glaucoma treatment and surgery, corneal transplants, medical retina, and other laser procedures. To make an appointment, visit https://atwaleye.com/cataracts/laser-cataract-surgeryor call 896-8831.