Cataracts are the most common cause of reversible blindness in the world today.

In the U.S. last year alone, well over one million cataract surgeries were performed. Even though cataract surgery is one of the most routine surgical procedures, there are many false assumptions concerning cataracts and their treatment.

A cataract is a cloudy lens in the eye.

The eye has a lens, like a camera. This lens is located in the eye, behind the iris (the colored part of the eye). As many people age, the lens which was once clear begins to turn cloudy. When cloudiness begins the lens is called a cataractous lens.

When a cataract becomes severe, the only treatment to restore vision is surgery.

In the early stages, blurred vision caused by cataracts may sometimes be treated by glasses. However, when the cataract becomes severe, only surgery can restore vision. Cataracts do not have to reach a certain "stage" before they are removed. The decision to operate is usually made when the vision loss prevents the patient from functioning satisfactorily.

The surgical treatment of cataracts involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear plastic implant or artificial lens.

Virtually all cataract surgeries are now accompanied by placement of a lens implant.

A cataract cannot be removed by a laser.

The most frequently performed surgical procedure for cataract removal today is the small incision or phaco emulsification procedure. This procedure is commonly called the "single stitch" or "no stitch" procedure. Although lasers are used to treat many diseases of the eye, they cannot yet be used to remove cataracts. A laser may be used to treat a cloudy membrane which can form behind the implant after surgery.

Cataract surgery is highly successful and due to technical evolution of the procedure in the last 10-15 years, it is now done on an outpatient basis. If you have been diagnosed as having cataracts, or believe you may, consult your eye doctor regarding surgical options.

Kentucky Eye Care provides a unique technological innovation called the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL that can provide you with quality vision throughout the entire visual spectrum – near through distance – with increased independence from reading glasses or bifocals! Click here to visit the AcrySof® ReSTOR® website.

View a demonstration of this procedure.

The Following Doctors Perform Cataract Surgery:

If your questions regarding cataracts and cataract surgery were not answered here, feel free to email eyedocs@kentuckyeyecare.com for more information.

Please keep in mind that we cannot offer medical opinion regarding your condition without performing an examination. Please call our office for an appointment.

Kentucky Eye Care, P.S.C.

Eye Physicians & Surgeons
Springs Medical Center
6400 Dutchmans Parkway, Suite 125
Louisville, KY 40205

eyedocs@kentuckyeyecare.com

Phone: (502) 896-8700 or Toll Free: (800) 896-8656
Fax: (502) 896-0813