Cataract Overview

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A cataract is simply a part of the body’s normal aging process; the natural clear lens of the eye (located behind the colored iris) becomes cloudy as we age. Just as a camera uses a lens to focus objects on film, the eye also uses a lens to focus objects on the retina. A cloudy lens results in dull or hazy vision. As a cataract matures, reading and driving become more difficult. If left untreated, the cataract may result in total vision loss. Once a cataract has begun to form, glasses may improve vision for a while, but removing the cataract is the only way to eliminate the cloudy haze.

Cataract removal is one of the most advanced procedures performed in medicine today. At Southern Eye Center, we offer 1VISIT cataract removal. Our patients are able to come in for an evaluation, have special testing and their procedure performed all in the same visit – making your cataract procedure as convenient as possible. Our fellowship trained surgeons were among the first in the country to perform cataract removal using phacoemulsification, an ultrasonic technique that allows the surgeon to remove the cataract through a microscopic incision eliminating the need for stitches and patches so the eye can heal naturally. Patients are able to return to work and enjoy normal activities the day following cataract removal.

Once the cloudy lens is removed, a clear lens implant is inserted. A cataract never grows back once it is removed. Surrounding the lens of the eye is a thin sac that offers support for the lens. This sac is left in place to support the implant lens. Over time, the sac will begin to cloud – a Yag laser may be performed to create a clear opening in the sac allowing light to pass through restoring clear vision. The Yag laser requires no operating room and is performed in just a few minutes.

Our surgeons are the first in Mississippi and currently the only eye care practice to perform iCataract ™ – Blade free, laser assisted cataract removal. This technique is truly the most advanced cataract procedure available. It uses the Femtosecond laser to create the incisions for cataract removal as well as incisions needed to correct astigmatism. The iCataract™ procedure offers patients faster healing time and quicker visual recovery.