Refractive Cataract Surgery
Cataracts are the leading cause of low vision among all Americans, responsible for about 50 percent of all cases. If cataracts are interfering with your lifestyle, it may be time for cataract surgery.
Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective surgeries performed in the United States; it is one of the most commonly performed elective surgeries. Cataract surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, often without stitches or patches. Refractive cataract surgery attempts to restore clouded vision and strives to eliminate your dependence on glasses as well. New technologies such as Crystalens and the Acrysof ReSTROR lens restore clear vision at all distances, from near to far and everything in between.
To ensure you're a good candidate for cataract surgery, you'll need a comprehensive eye exam by Dr. Cutarelli or a referring doctor. Your doctor will measure your eye to determine the proper power of the new lens that will be placed in your eye. Be sure to ask if you should continue taking your usual medications before surgery.
During your cataract surgery procedure
You may be asked to skip breakfast on the day of surgery, depending on the time.
Drops will be put into your eye to dilate the pupil. The area around your eye will be washed and cleansed, and a speculum will be placed on your eye to keep you from blinking.
A small incision will be made on the side of your cornea, the clear surface that covers the front of the eye. Dr. Cutarelli will then insert a tiny probe into the eye. This device emits ultrasound waves that soften and break up the lens so that it can be removed by suction.
After the natural lens has been removed, it will be replaced by an artificial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL). An IOL is a clear, plastic lens that requires no care and becomes a permanent part of your eye. Light is focused clearly by the IOL onto the retina, improving your vision. You will not feel or see the new lens.
Cataract surgery usually lasts less than an hour and is almost painless.
After your procedure
After surgery is completed, Dr. Cutarelli may place a shield over your eye. After a short stay in the outpatient recovery area, you'll be ready to go home. Itching and mild discomfort are normal for a few days following cataract surgery. Some fluid discharge is also common. Your eye may be sensitive to light and touch.
Dr. Cutarelli may ask you to use eyedrops to help healing and decrease the risk of infection. You can return quickly to many everyday activities, but your vision may be blurry for a few weeks.
You may notice that colors seem bright. The IOL is clear, unlike your natural lens that may have had a yellowish/brownish tint. Within a few months after receiving an IOL, you will become used to improved color vision!
Risks and possible complications:
As with any surgery, cataract surgery poses risks, such as infection and bleeding. After surgery, you must keep your eye clean, wash your hands before touching your eye, and use the prescribed medications to help minimize the risk of infection. Serious infection can result in loss of vision.
Cataract surgery slightly increases your risk of retinal detachment. Other eye disorders, such as high myopia (nearsightedness), can further increase your risk of retinal detachment after cataract surgery.
Denver LASIK Surgeon Paul E. Cutarelli, M.D. has improved the vision of more than 50,000 patients in the Denver and Colorado Springs areas.
Call 303-2020 PLUS to schedule an appointment at our Denver or Colorado Springs office.Some photos on this site are courtesy of National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
| Procedures |
| LASIK, LASEK, EpiLASIK |
| Refractive Cataract Surgery |
| Pterygium Surgery |
| Intraocular Lens Implants |
| NearVision CK |
| Intacs Prescription Inserts |
| Corneal Transplant |
| DSEK |
