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 A cataract is a cloudy area in the normally clear lens in the front of the eye. Cataracts are caused by a chemical change of unknown origin in the eye, and cause blurred or distorted vision. They cannot be prevented from forming, but early detection through regular eye exams can help maintain the clearest vision possible.
People at risk for developing cataracts are over 55 years old, have had eye injuries or disease, have a family history of cataracts, smoke cigarettes or use certain medications. There is no pain associated with the condition, but there are several symptoms that indicate failing vision due to cataracts. These include:
- Blurred/ hazy vision
- Spots in front of the eye(s)
- Sensitivity to glare
- A feeling of "film" over the eye(s)
- A temporary improvement in near vision
Vision loss from cataracts can often be temporally corrected with prescription glasses and contact lenses. For people who are significantly affected by cataracts, replacement surgery may be the preferred method of treatment. During cataract replacement, the most common surgical procedure in the country, the lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one called an intraocular lens or IOL.
Click here to view an animation on Cataracts.
During cataract surgery, a small ultrasonic probe is inserted into the eye which breaks up, or emulsifies, the cloudy lens into tiny pieces and gently sucks, or aspirates, those pieces out of the eye. Phaco surgery requires a small incision of only 2.8 mm or less. To make your procedure as painless as possible, anesthesia is a combination of local and/or topical along with IV sedation.
With the recent advance of foldable IOLs, artificial lenses can be implanted through the same small incision that is created in the phaco procedure. These IOLs are made of a flexible material, allowing them to be folded for implantation. Once inside the eye, the lens unfolds and returns to its original shape.
For more information on Alcon Acrysof® IOLs, click here.
Click here to view an animation on Advanced Cataract Surgery.
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Because every person's eyes are unique, like fingerprints, it can be difficult to determine the appropriate specifications of the IOL to be implanted during cataract surgery. The Zeiss IOL Master® now provides Dr. Foreman with information on key ocular measurements such as axial length, corneal curvature and anterior chamber depth, making it possible to choose the right IOL for each patient. Approved by the FDA in 2000, the non-contact IOL Master is the only product in the world that makes these "optical biometry" examinations possible and has proven to be five times more accurate than traditional technologies such as ultrasound.
For more information on the Zeiss IOL Master®, click here and visit the Optical Biometry section.
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Astigmatism Correction
 Limbal relaxing incisions are a type of surgery used in treating astigmatism at the time of cataract surgery. Limbal relaxing incisions are a form of astigmatic keratotomy (AK). The incisions in LRIs are made on the peripheral parts of the cornea (limbus). LRIs are made in order to create a more rounded distortion free cornea. These types of incisions are created to improve vision without glasses. Dr. Foreman uses Corneal Topography to determine the exact axis and degree of astigmatism to treat.
Limbal relaxing incisions help with astigmatism and also have been shown to have fewer side effects, such as glare or discomfort, than other incisive astigmatic surgeries. The wounds from limbal relaxing incisions also tend to heal faster than other surgeries.
For more information on Corneal Topography, click here.
What is Astigmatism?
Toric IOLs are specially designed for patients with astigmatism. Traditionally, surgical correction of astigmatism required making a series of small incisions (called LRIs) around the cornea to make it more spherical instead of football-shaped. Implanting toric IOLs often improves vision due to astigmatism without the need for these extra incisions, and also allows patients to enjoy a faster, more comfortable recovery.
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