Cataract Surgery Co-Management
Cataracts is a disease of the eye that results in the clouding of the lens of the eyeball. Cataracts prevent clear images from appearing on the eye’s retina; causing mild, moderate, even severe blurred vision. Typically an eye disorder associated with aging, cataracts generally occur later in life as the lens structure within the human eye changes and gets older.
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During the evaluation of your eye health we will carefully examine your lens for signs of cataract formation. If a cataract is noticed and the clouding is causing visual disruption, the optometrist will refer you to a trusted and respected surgeon for surgery, which is the only known cure for cataracts. Our Eye Care Practice will be there for you providing pre and post cataract surgery care.
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Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is the removal of the natural lens of the eye (also called "crystalline lens") that has developed an opacification, which is referred to as a cataract. Metabolic changes of the crystalline lens fibers over the time lead to the development of the cataract and loss of transparency, causing impairment or loss of vision. During cataract surgery, a patient's cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a synthetic lens to restore the lens's transparency.
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Following surgical removal of the natural lens, an artificial intraocular lens implant is inserted (eye surgeons say that the lens is "implanted"). Cataract surgery is generally performed by an ophthalmologist (eye surgeon) in an ambulatory (rather than inpatient) setting, in a surgical center or hospital, using local anesthesia (either topical, peribulbar, or retrobulbar), usually causing little or no discomfort to the patient. Well over 90% of operations are successful in restoring useful vision, with a low complication rate. Day care, high volume, minimally invasive, small incision phacoemulsification with quick post-op recovery has become the standard of care in cataract surgery all over the world.
Why Prep your Eyes for Cataract and Laser Surgeries?
A healthy eye is extremely important when it comes to a successful cataract or laser surgery outcome. If the surface of the eye is not in optimal condition, it can affect the measurements your optometrist will take to determine the correct power for the new lens. Severe cases of ocular surface disease could raise chances of intraocular infection after surgery.
We recommend treating all ocular surface issues prior to surgery. Your optometrist may prescribe medications –eye drops or ointments – to control inflammation and fight infection. You may be prescribed artificial tears to help improve the ocular surface.
Dry eye is a common eye condition that occurs when your eyes do not produce enough quality tears and don’t provide adequate lubrication. While the name implies dryness, not all patients with clinically significant dry eyes feel a particular discomfort. Some experience watering, excessive blinking, squinting, itching, and eye strain.
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids. It usually occurs when tiny oil glands near the base of the eyelid become clogged, but it can also be caused by allergies and other conditions. It can cause red, watery eyes, a gritty burning sensation in the eye, swollen or itchy eyelids, and crusty eyelashes. It is important to treat blepharitis prior to cataract or laser surgery to prevent serious infection.
At eye. Optometry we offer a package of treatments to help fully prepare your eyes for surgery, you can package together a deep cleansing and dry eyes treatment.
Zest - This treatment will fully clean and gently exfoliate the eyelids and eye area, removing debris from the eye area will help to promote healthy functioning meibomian glands it is an effective treatment for Blepharitis. This is an all natural Okra based product that causes no stinging, burning or discomfort. You can return to regular activities following the treatment.
TempSure - This radio frequency dry eye treatment will not only help with the fine lines and wrinkles around your eyes but it provides a warm meibomian gland extraction. Helping to fully extract the meibomian glands and ensuring they produce a nice healthy tear film before surgery. You may experience slight redness following treatment that will reduce over a few hours. You can return to regular activities following the treatment.
IRPL - dry eye treatment using regulated, polychromatic pulsed light (applied on the lower lid just above the cheeks) to stimulate the parasympathetic nerve connected to the meibomian glands, and as a result, signals it to regenerate, stimulate oil secretion, and stabilize the tear film. You can return to regular activities following the treatment.