Standard cataract surgery can remove cataracts that contribute to clouding or impairment of your natural vision. When proteins found in the natural lens of your eye begin to cluster together, they can lead to the formation of a cataract. Cataracts are commonly caused by the natural aging process. If left untreated, cataracts can lead to blurry or yellowish vision, sensitivity to light, eye strain and other vision problems. Dr. Filer performs standard cataract surgery at his San Mateo practice to remove cataracts and replace them with clear lenses for restored vision.
Cataract removal is an extremely effective option to correct cataracts. Patients who also have astigmatism or are looking to completely eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses after undergoing treatment may be better candidates for laser cataract surgery. Dr. Filer specializes in both standard cataract surgery and laser cataract surgery using advanced technologies at his San Mateo practice.
While there are a number of different techniques to surgically remove cataracts, Dr. Filer specializes in a variety of different methods, including clear corneal cataract surgery. Since no sutures are used during the surgery, the visual recovery is much faster, and there is little chance of inducing astigmatism, a problem common to the older methods of cataract surgery. Standard cataract surgery is typically performed on one eye at a time to allow your eye to properly adjust to the new lens.
Cataract removal is performed as an outpatient procedure. After you receive medication to help you relax, the eye is numbed so that the procedure is essentially painless. During the surgery a tiny incision (2.75mm) is made into the clear cornea, and the cataract is removed with a specially designed ultrasonic probe. The "phaco" probe breaks the cataract into little fragments and vacuums the tiny fragments out of the eye at the same time. After the cataract is removed, an intraocular lens (IOL) or "implant" is placed in the same natural lens capsule that held the lens in place. Please contact our office for an appointment to have your cataract evaluated. Your vision shouldn't be compromised at any age.
Cataract surgery patients can typically return home the same day. You should have a friend or family member drive you to and from your cataract surgery. There is only minimal downtime, with most patients returning to work, driving and regular activities the day after surgery. Your vision should improve within the next few weeks as your eye continues to get used to the new lens.
To learn more about cataract removal and cataract surgery, contact our San Mateo office at 650.342.4595 or request an appointment today.