How The Eye Works

Just like a camera, the eye has a lens in the front. This is located just behind the pupil. The lens takes the light or image rays and focuses them onto the back surface, the retina. Just like the film in a camera, the retina registers the focused image.

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What are Cataracts?

A cataract is a change in the natural lens protein, which renders it brownish and cloudy, like a frosted window. Light can no longer be focused sharply, but instead is diffused in various directions giving a blurry image. Glare symptoms, light sensitivity, difficulty distinguishing similar colors are all common when you have a cataract.

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When Should I have Cataract Surgery?

Since cataracts don’t often affect the health of the eye, cataract surgery is generally considered to be an elective procedure. Previously, when higher risks were associated with older surgical techniques, surgery was often postponed until cataracts were “ripe” or severe. With state-of-the-art surgical technique such as that performed by Dr. McCarty, cataract surgery is appropriate when changes in vision become noticeable. Difficulties with routine activity such as reading or driving, specially at night, or trouble enjoying hobbies such as golf, tennis, cards, sewing are all indications for modern cataract surgery.

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How is My Cataract Removed?

• Eyedrop Anesthesia. Cataract surgery begins with numbing of the eye. State-of-the-art technique now allows the use of topical eyedrop anesthesia to make the eye comfortable for the procedure.
• No-Stitch Incision. Dr. McCarty makes a tiny, precise incision using a diamond instrument. The small size and inconspicuous placement of the incision allows the incision to self-seal without the use of sutures. This maximizes safety and minimizes healing time.
• Phacoemulsification of the Cataractous Lens. Dr. McCarty removes the lens by dissolving it and washing it out of the eye with a special ultrasonic device about the size of the tip of a pen.
• Foldable Implant Lens. A crystal-clear replacement lens, rolled up inside an insertion tube, is slid into the eye where it unfolds and sits in the same location as the natural lens. The new implant lens is specially chosen for each individual eye to allow optimal focus for clear vision.

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What Should I Expect After My Procedure?

No bandage is needed, the eye can be used right away. Medicated eye drops are used after the surgery. Although each patient is different, the vast majority of Dr. McCarty’s patients have vision clear enough to drive just one day after surgery.

If you are experiencing symptoms of cataracts, contact our office today. We can restore your vision and help you see the world through new eyes!

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Cataracts are an extremely common source of vision problems, most often associated with the natural aging of the eye. It’s been said that if we all live long enough, we’d all have cataracts! In fact, studies show that more than ½ of Americans will develop a cataract at some point in their lives.

Cataracts can occur at any age. Younger patients can develop cataracts associated with medications, smoking, trauma, or conditions such as diabetes. Developmental cataracts, present at birth, can require surgery right away, or may progress with age, requiring later surgery.

If you are experiencing symptoms of cataracts, contact our office today. We can restore your vision and help you see the world through new eyes!