About Cataracts
A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens of the eye. This clouding distorts the way light enters the eye and ultimately disturbs the clarity of vision. People who have cataracts will first usually complain of needing more light to read and about glare from both artificial and natural lights, especially in dimly lit situations. The complaints progress to describing things as hazy or smoky looking or like looking through a waterfall.
There are different types of cataracts, the most common type being age-related. Age-related cataracts is the result of hardenig of the natural lens inside the eye. Other types are often geneic or a result of a previous injury or inflammation. Almost all types can be treated with surgery to remove the cataract and replace it with a lens implant.
Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery at Center for Sight is performed at an outpatient surgery center in Carmel, IN. After dilating the patient’s operative eye, the
patient is taken to the operating suite where light IV sedation is started. The eye is numbed with drops so there is no pain during the procedure, which takes about 10 minutes.
During the procedure, Dr. Behforouz will make a small incision in order to insert an instrument that will break up and remove the cataract. Once the cataract is removed, the chosen intraocular lens is implanted and positioned precisely. The incision is so small, no stitches or patches are required. Following, the patient is assisted to the post-operative area where care instructions are given.
We will see the patient the next day, one week following and one month following. During these examinations, your doctor will check for adequate healing and track vision improvements. Eye drops will be required following cataract surgery for three weeks to prevent infection and promote healing by reducing inflammation. If any glasses are needed, an exam will occur approximately one month post-operatively. Since cataract surgery is performed one eye at a time, if the other eye is also ready for cataract surgery, that typically occurs two to three weeks after the first cataract surgery.
Generally, patients are then seen six months after cataract surgery. Following, we recommend yearly examinations.
Why choose Center for Sight for cataract surgery?
We believe in treating each patient who needs any type of vision correction with a personalized approach and tailoring a customized treatment plan. While the actual cataract may be similar to others, no two patients are exactly alike in their needs, lifestyles, desires and expectations.
About Your Cataract Evaluation
We work hard to evaluate the severity of the cataract and more importantly, its direct effect on the patient’s vision and quality of life. This is all part of the examination and discussion with Dr. Behforouz of the potential benefits of cataract surgery. Once the patient and Dr. Behforouz have decided to proceed with surgical removal of the cataract, the discussion turns to optical outcomes after the surgery. During this evaluation, the patient’s desired vision will be discussed. Some people prefer having better near vision, some prefer precise distance vision and others would like as much independence from glasses as possible. All of these are options for cataract patients at Center for Sight. The advantages and disadvantages of each option are discussed during the evaluation with Dr. Behforouz and your cataract patient counselor.
Visual Options with Cataract Surgery
Many patients are excited to learn that they can reduce, or even eliminate the need for glasses and contacts, allowing them to enjoy life to its fullest. At Center for Sight we are proud to offer a variety of options to provide our patients with a choice that best fits their lifestyle and visual desires. In fact, Dr. Behforouz is one of a few cataract surgeons in Indianapolis who have extensive experience using all of these lenses. It is this experience that allows him to match the patient’s needs, desires and expectations with the best lens implant design and surgical plan. Sometimes, after cataract surgery, there is a need for further correction with a Carmel, IN LASK procedure. This is often the case if there is residual refractive error after the initial cataract surgery. Fortunately, Dr. Behforouz is one of the most experienced LASIK surgeon in Carmel. It is important to remember that premium lens implants are designed to reduce the need for glasses, but may not be able to fully eliminate the need to see clearly at all distances and situations.
Learn more about our custom cataract options.
The next step is to schedule your cataract exam. Call us at 317-334-4424.