Cataract Surgery

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens. By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery. Over time, the cataract may grow larger and cloud more of the lens, worsening vision. In addition, cataracts can result from exposure to toxic substances, diseases such as diabetes, or arise after an eye injury. A cataract can develop in one or both eyes, but cannot spread to an unaffected eye.

There are several types of cataracts including:

• Secondary cataract – Typically developed after retinal surgery or as a result of another eye disease
• Traumatic cataract – Following an eye injury, a cataract can develop, sometimes even years later
• Congenital cataract – People are sometimes born with a cataract, but they are usually small and don’t affect vision or require surgery
• Radiation cataract – Sometimes after radiation, people can develop a cataract

The most common symptom of a cataract is cloudy or blurred vision. People also experience glare, poor night vision, double vision or frequent prescription changes in glasses or contact lenses.

Sometimes treatment can include simply adjusting glasses or adding anti-glare filters. Most likely, surgery will be recommended if the cataract is affecting your everyday life activities such as driving, reading or watching TV. Surgery is the most effective form of treatment to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial lens. Most patients can resume normal activity after a short recovery. Find out what to expect after cataract surgery!

We offer various no-stitch cataract surgery treatment options, including femtosecond laser surgery, OptiPlusTM, ORA-assisted implant lens determination, Toric Lens, and Multi-focal or PanOptix implant lenses. Speak to one of our ophthalmologist to learn about some of the cataract services offered by Scottsdale Eye Physicians & Surgeons.