Surgery Center

No-Stitch Cataract Surgery

No-stitch cataract surgery at Andersen Eye Associates is performed on an outpatient basis. Most patients return home only a few hours after the procedure, with little or no need for pain medication and the expectation of a rapid return to good vision.

What is a cataract?

A cataract is the clouding of the eye's lens. The cloudy lens blocks the passage of light through the eye. As a result, the image that reaches the retina, which is sent to the brain, is cloudy and vision is poor.  The only way to restore clear vision is to surgically remove the hard and cloudy lens; a replacement lens must then be used to see clearly. The most effective replacement lens used today is the intraocular lens implant. It gives the patient a permanent focusing device for the eye, which requires no care after surgical healing is complete. Read more information on the Premium Intra-Ocular Lens.

What causes cataracts?

A cataract is caused by a change in the chemical composition of the lens. The most common cause for this change is the natural aging process. As we mature, the normally flexible, clear material of the lens becomes hard and cloudy. Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent the development of cataracts. Everyone who lives long enough will eventually develop the problem.

Although most commonly seen in adults after the age of 40, cataracts can occur at any age. The condition may be present at birth or caused by injury to the eye. Infections and other eye diseases, such as glaucoma and eye tumors, may cause the development of a cataract. Vision loss is usually gradual as a cataract develops.

What are the symptoms of cataracts?

• Dimming or blurring of vision
• Halos or glare around lights
• Double vision
• Colors appear less brilliant
• Feeling of "film" over the eyes
• Frequent changing or cleaning of glasses
• Difficultly driving or reading

How are cataracts diagnosed?

Since a cataract is the clouding of the lens inside the eye, it is not readily visible and must be diagnosed during an eye examination. A variety of instruments, including an opthalmoscope and a slit lamp, are used to determine the type, size and location of the cataract. These instruments illuminate and magnify the structures of the eye. If a cataract is diagnosed, several other tests - including contrast sensitivity, A-scans, potential acuity measurement and endothelial cell count - are performed.

How are cataracts treated?

Unfortunately, a cataract cannot be cleared by medication, eye drops or change in diet. The only way to restore clear vision is to have the cloudy cataract lens surgically removed. After the cloudy lens is surgically removed, a replacement lens must be used to see clearly. This artificial lens can be in the form of cataract glasses, contact lenses, or an intraocular lens implant (IOL). At Andersen Eye, we offer the AcrySof ReSTOR lens, a breakthrough lens for cataract surgery that lets patients see from near to far, usually without glasses.

When should cataract surgery be performed?

Development of the cataract itself is not an indication that immediate surgery is required. A cataract can be removed when loss of vision begins to interfere with daily activities.

With modern surgical techniques and advanced technology, cataract surgery is one of the most successful surgical procedures performed today. The Board Certified surgeons at Anderson Eye Associates specialize in outpatient cataract surgery. Contact us today to schedule an eye examination.

Please email us at cataracts@anderseneye.com for more information.