Cataract Awareness Month is almost over and as the FIRST center in the entire US to perform laser cataract surgery, we believe WE should share some great insight on cataracts!
We find that we get a lot of questions from our patients about cataracts, what cataracts are, and their treatment options. The great news is that Cataract surgery has entered a NEW generation leaving many patients with the best vision they have ever had.
There are countless numbers of intraocular lenses that can be used to help patients see far, near and intermediate after surgery, without the need for glasses.
What is a cataract?
First of all, let’s debunk the myth that cataracts are only what you get when you are “old.” A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. Even though MOST cataracts develop slowly over the course of years, sometimes, babies are born with them, and cataracts can happen at any age.
Do YOU have a cataract?
The main symptom of a cataract is blurry vision. When you have a cataract, it can be described as looking through a fogged-up or frosted window.
How do you fix a cataract?
When a cataract interferes with a patient’s usual activities, the cloudy lens can be replaced with a clear, artificial lens which we call an intraocular lens (IOL). This procedure to replace the lens is generally a safe, outpatient procedure.
Tell me more…
This safe, outpatient procedure has recently been augmented with a femtosecond laser that assists in many of the steps that are part of the usual cataract procedure which has been around for decades. Dr. Slade at our office was the first in the US to perform this a few years ago, and now, this is a fairly standard, laser procedure that many other surgeons have adopted in the US and abroad for cataract surgery.
How do I know if I have a cataract for sure?
Call us. We can help evaluate you to determine whether you have a cataract and whether or not it is ready for surgery with Dr. Slade or Dr. Walton. We can also determine what lens would be best for your vision goals. For example, do you like to read at night? Do you play golf? All of these things matter when picking a lens and you should also make note that these things matter when picking a surgeon. Don’t trust your eye sight to just anyone. We shouldn’t have to say this, but vision is extremely valuable. Trust an expert. If you live in Houston or anywhere nearby, why wouldn’t you trust your vision to the office who has the longest experience with femtosecond laser cataract surgery?
Our office can be reached at 713-626-5544!
