Cataract Surgery and Advanced Technology Lenses

How Do I Know If I Need Cataract Surgery?

Your eye’s lens bends light and shows you the vibrant world around you. Cataracts, however, can cloud the lens and make it harder to see, like a fogged window admits less light.

Cataracts may show no symptoms for many years, but you eventually notice:

• Blurry vision
• Colors seem faded or yellowed
• Light sensitivity
• Poor night vision
• Double vision in one or both eyes

If Dr. Shaikh diagnoses you with cataracts, she may recommend surgery to protect your quality of life. Cataracts won’t go away on their own and make it increasingly difficult to read or drive at night. Cataract surgery is the only method to correct this issue.

How Does Cataract Surgery Improve Vision With Advanced Technology Lenses?

Cataract surgery removes the blurry lens and puts an advanced technology lens in its place. Also known as intraocular lenses (IOLs), these are permanent replacements for clouded eye lenses. This artificial lens lets you see the world clearly and colorfully.

How Can Advanced Technology Lenses Improve Vision?

Dr. Shaikh fits you with the precise lens to meet your needs. Advanced technology lenses offer different focusing powers, including:

• Monofocal: Most individuals who choose monofocal lenses opt for perfect distance focus and use eyeglasses for close work.
• Multifocal: Another lens option is to have zones set at different powers to provide near focus or distance.
• Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF): An EDOF lens uses one corrective zone, which can “extend” to make your near or distant vision sharper.
• Accommodative: These lenses change shape to allow focusing at different distances.
• Toric: An uneven curve in the eye’s cornea causes a refractive error called an astigmatism, and toric IOLs correct the issue.

What Can I Expect During and After Cataract Surgery?

The surgery is generally an outpatient procedure and requires less than an hour. After numbing your eye and administering a sedative, if necessary, Dr. Shaikh removes the foggy lens and implants the clear advanced technology lens.

Arrange a ride home and get lots of rest. For a few days, you may experience:

• Discomfort
• Itchiness
• Double or blurred vision
• Bloodshot eyes
• A gritty sensation
• Watering

These symptoms usually subside within a few days, with full recovery in 4-6 weeks.

Clearer vision is possible. Schedule your cataract surgery evaluation at Fairfax Cataract and Retina by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.