an eyeball showing What is a cataract?

What is a Cataract and How is it Treated?

Cataracts are a very common eye condition in which protein builds up on the lens of the eye, clouding the lens and making it hard to see clearly. Over 24.4 million Americans age 40 and older have cataracts, and, by age 75, approximately half of all Americans have a cataract. Age is the number one risk factor for developing cataracts, although there are other contributing factors such as diabetes, obesity, smoking, high blood pressure and more. 

What are the Symptoms of Cataracts? 

A cataract develops slowly over time, so you may not experience symptoms right away. As the cataract covers more of your lens, you may notice:

  • Cloudy, blurry, or dim vision
  • Trouble seeing at night
  • Sensitivity to light/glare
  • Difficulty reading
  • Seeing “halos” around lights
  • Fading of colors
  • Double vision in a single eye

If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with one of our experienced eye doctors/surgeons at Tyson Eye. We’ll perform a comprehensive eye exam, dilate your pupils, and closely examine the lens as well as other parts of your eye to make a diagnosis. If you do have cataracts, you can trust us to provide world-class treatment.

Laser Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed medical procedure in the U.S. According to the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, three million Americans undergo cataract surgery each year, with an overall success rate of 98% or higher. 

During traditional cataract surgery, cataract surgeons use a small blade to enter the front of the eye and another instrument to make a circular incision on the lens capsule to reach the cataract. Ultrasound waves break the cataract into tiny pieces, which are then removed. Then, a new, clear artificial lens is inserted to replace the cloudy natural lens.

In laser cataract surgery, a laser is used to make the incision and fragment the cataract.

At Tyson Eye, we’re proud to use the innovative LENSAR Laser System, a bladeless system that uses a unique imaging process that provides your surgeon with a reconstructed 3-D model of your eye for precise laser pulse placement and surgical incisions.

The imaging system maps your eye’s surface and sends that information to a computer which tells the laser the exact location, size and depth for incisions. This allows for more accurate, customized surgery than manual techniques can’t provide.

Safe and effective, the LENSAR Laser System uses the same proven laser technology that’s been used in the popular LASIK procedure for over a decade. In the hands of one of our highly skilled surgeons, the LENSAR Laser System allows for more precise surgery and more reliable outcomes.

Come See Us! 

If you’re concerned you may have cataracts or are interested in learning more about laser cataract surgery, schedule an appointment with our expert eye doctors today.

Tyson Eye is regarded as one of the premier eye care centers in Southwest Florida. Our surgeons and doctors have helped thousands of people enjoy better vision and have consistently introduced break-through technology, such as our bladeless laser cataract surgery, to the area. We are committed to excellence by delivering modern technology with old fashioned concern.

We’re here to help you see better! Call us at 239-542-2020 today or request an appointment.

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