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Cataract Surgery
Cataracts are a natural part of the aging process within the eye and can cause a variety of unwanted symptoms, including blurry vision and glare. At Eye Center of St. Augustine, our cataract surgeons are proud to offer vision-restoring cataract surgery with some of the most advanced surgical technology and lenses available.
How Can I Best Prepare for Cataract Surgery?
Your cataract surgeon will provide you with information on how to best prepare for cataract surgery. This may include visiting your pharmacy to pick up prescription eye drops you will need to use after the procedure.
You may also be asked to schedule a ride with a friend or family member to take you to and from the surgery center on the day of your procedure. In order to prepare for a smooth recovery, it may also be a good idea to plan some meals and light activities ahead of time.
What Happens During Cataract Surgery?
At The Eye Center of St. Augustine, our cataract surgeons use some of the most advanced cataract surgery technology available. Using some of the most up-to-date and advanced technology allows for the most successful cataract surgery results.
First, your eye doctor will place eye drops into your eyes to numb the surface. Next, they will make an incision in your cornea, the clear dome at the front of your eye, with a precise laser.
Through this tiny opening, your cataract surgeon will break up your natural lens where the cataract is and remove the tiny pieces from your eye using gentle suction. Once all of the pieces are removed, they will insert your new artificial IOL, or intraocular lens, into your eye and position it correctly.
Once the IOL is positioned, the surgery is complete. The tiny incision in your cornea will heal naturally during your recovery without the need for sutures in most cases.
At Eye Centers of St. Augustine, our cataract surgeons utilize the LenSx Femtosecond Laser system with the Optiwave Refractive Analysis, also known as ORA. Combining these two technologies enables your cataract surgeon to be able to remove your cataracts more precisely and anticipate the intraocular lens implant’s power more accurately.
The Eye Center of St. Augustine is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). As an accredited organization, Eye Center of St. Augustine has passed a series of nationally recognized standards for the provision of quality health care, as set by the AAAHC.
For these reasons, you can be sure you are in good hands at the Eye Center of St. Augustine.
Are You a Good Candidate for Cataract Surgery?
Take our cataract self-test to find out.
What is Recovery Like After Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure, meaning you will get to go home the same day. Your eye doctor will want to see you the day after the procedure, as well as periodically after that, to ensure your eyes are healing properly.
Although most people see improvement in their vision right away after cataract surgery, it may take a few days to weeks for your vision to reach its full potential. It is essential that you follow the list of instructions that your eye doctor will provide you.
You will want to rest for a few days after cataract surgery. It is vital that you do not perform any tasks like strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or swimming.
Your eye doctor may provide you with a plastic eye shield to wear on the first day after surgery and while you sleep. It is important to wear this shield as directed to avoid accidentally rubbing your eyes.
If your eye doctor has prescribed you eye drops to use after the procedure, it is essential that you use these consistently as directed. These eye drops will help your eyes heal and avoid any possible complications.
What Types of IOLs are Available at Eye Center of St. Augustine?
At the Eye Center of St. Augustine, our cataract surgeons offer a variety of lens options that can accomplish a variety of vision goals and align with each budget. There are two primary categories of IOLs: standard and premium.
A premium IOL is often more expensive but can provide greater independence from visual aids after cataract surgery. Standard IOLs are monofocal, meaning they will only be able to correct your vision at a single distance, whether far away, intermediate, or near.
Compare Premium and Standard IOL
Standard Monofocal IOLs
If you want to keep your cataract surgery as low-cost as possible and wearing glasses or contact lenses does not bother you, a standard monofocal IOL may be a good option for you. Although monofocal IOLs will only correct your vision at one distance, you can expect to experience a reduction in many cataract symptoms, such as glare.
Many people who choose a monofocal IOL decide to have their vision corrected at a distance. In this case, they will require glasses for certain activities like reading or working on the computer.
Astigmatism Correcting IOL
If you have a significant amount of astigmatism, your eye doctor may recommend a toric IOL. A toric IOL is a lens that is specifically designed to correct astigmatism.
If you have astigmatism, a toric IOL can allow you to experience more crisp and clear vision after cataract surgery. Your eye doctor will inform you if they believe you could benefit from this type of lens.
Multifocal IOL
Multifocal IOLs are premium lenses. Instead of correcting your vision at just one distance, a multifocal IOL can allow you to see clearly at multiple ranges of vision.
There are many different types of multifocal IOLs available. If you are interested in a multifocal IOL, your eye doctor at Eye Center St. Augustine will help you determine which is best for you.
Since the technology of a multifocal IOL allows you to experience clear vision at multiple ranges of vision, you will be much less dependent on visual aids such as glasses and contact lenses after cataract surgery.
Extended Depth of Focus IOL
An extended depth of focus IOL is another type of premium IOL. Similar to multifocal IOLs, an extended depth of focus IOL, also known as an EDOF lens, can also allow you to reduce your dependence on visual aids after the procedure.
An EDOF lens provides an elongated focal point, allowing you to experience a more continuous range of vision compared to multifocal IOLs. In addition to the excellent quality of vision, EDOF lenses also provide improved night vision and reduced visual disturbances such as glare and halos.
Is it time for you to experience the clear vision that cataract surgery can offer? Schedule an appointment at the Eye Center of St. Augustine in St. Augustine, FL, today!
