Cataract Surgery – Cataract Surgeons in New Jersey
Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in the United States. However, new technology and rapid advances in cataract surgery provide our surgeons in New Jersey with the means to eliminate cataracts, restore clear vision, and prevent the loss of your eyesight. State-of-the-art procedures such as Topical No-Stitch surgery are revolutionizing the way cataracts are treated, and intraocular lenses such as ReZoom™ and Crystalens® are powerful new tools in combating cataracts and presbyopia.
- Introduction to Cataracts
- How Cataracts Affect Vision
- Risk Factors
- Cataract Symptoms
- Topical No-Stitch Clear Cornea Cataract Surgery
- Multifocal Intraocular Lenses
- Other Eye Treatments
Introduction to Cataracts
Cataracts are so common with patients over the age of 65 that they are considered part of the natural aging process. The term cataract refers to a discoloration or clouding of the clear lens of the eye or the membrane surrounding it. Light is prevented from entering the eye as it should, which reduces vision. Cataract surgery at our New Jersey facility is available for patients affected by this very serious condition.
How Cataracts Affect Vision
The lens of the eye is a clear structure behind the iris that is similar to the lens of a camera, focusing light rays on to the retina the way a camera lens focuses an image on film. Cataracts can affect vision by causing clumps of protein to cloud the lens and keep the necessary amount of light from reaching the retina. This can lead to dull or blurry vision, and gradually becomes worse as the cataract grows. Another way cataracts can affect vision is by causing the clear lens to slowly alter in color, adding a brownish tint to the vision. This tinting may not cause any immediate problems with vision, but increased tinting over time may make it difficult to read and perform other activities, as well as causing the inability to identify purple and blue shades.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of cataracts is not yet understood. However, there are several risk factors that have been linked to the development of cataracts, including:
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun
- Steroid use
Cataract Symptoms
Most people with cataracts experience tell-tale signs that they may have the condition. Some indications of cataracts are:
- Foggy, hazy, or out-of-focus vision
- Spotty or cloudy vision
- A halo effect around lights
- Colors that appear faded
Cataract symptoms can be distracting, and they can be dangerous, particularly when an affected person is driving. These symptoms are generally positive indications of cataracts; however a complete eye examination is necessary to make sure. Contact our cataract surgeons in New Jersey to schedule an appointment so that you can learn if cataracts are the cause of the vision problems you've been experiencing.
Topical No-Stitch Clear Cornea Cataract Surgery
Currently, there is no proven medical treatment to reduce the development or progression of cataracts. Surgical removal and replacement of the eye's clouded natural lens is the only way to fix the problem. For the cataract surgeons at our New Jersey practice, the preferred method of cataract surgery is the Topical No-Stitch Clear Cornea procedure. This revolutionary form of cataract removal involves no needle, no stitches, and no eye patch after surgery.
The Procedure
Prior to performing the Topical No-Stitch Clear Cornea procedure, one of our eye care physicians numbs the eye with eye-drops. No injection is necessary. Our physician then makes the incision in a way that causes it to seal itself, rendering stitches unnecessary.
With this procedure, vision is typically restored much sooner than with other types of cataract surgery. Plus, no eye patch is required, and there are few post-recovery restrictions on daily activities after surgery.
Please contact Jersey Shore Eye Associates to find out if you are a candidate for the procedure.
Multifocal Intraocular Lenses
Multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) technology offers cataract and presbyopia patients the chance to be treated with lens implants that allow them to see multiple ranges of distance without the need for eyeglasses and other forms of corrective eyewear. Learn more about the use of multifocal IOL vision correction following cataract surgery.
Other Eye Treatments
The cataract surgeons at our New Jersey practice are highly trained and experienced in the treatment of a variety of eye diseases and conditions, including diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. Jersey Shore Eye Associates also offers a comprehensive optical shop with traditional corrective eyewear options and contact lenses.
Contact Our Cataract Surgeons
Cataracts and presbyopia are two of the most common, and successfully treated, vision problems. Our cataract surgeons and vision surgery professionals in New Jersey are ready to help you with state-of-the-art cataract treatment. Contact Jersey Shore Eye Associates today to schedule an appointment.