
What Is a Cataract?
The term cataracts refers to the eye’s natural lens. Clear at birth, the lens becomes cloudy over time, causing vision problems and can eventually cause blindness if left untreated. Cataracts are completely normal and typically develop sometime in our 50s or 60s. Surgery is the only treatment for a cataract. You should consider surgery when cataracts cause enough loss of vision to interfere with your daily activities.
Can Cataracts Be Prevented?
Most cataracts occur with age. However, a good, balanced diet, protection from the sun, and restraint from smoking can delay the development of cataracts.
What Are My Treatment Options?
Cataract Surgery (Removal)
Cataract surgery is a routine, virtually painless outpatient procedure that replaces your clouded lens with a clear intraocular lens implant. Cataract removal is performed through a procedure called phacoemulsification. In this procedure, high-energy ultrasound waves are used to gently remove your cataract. In most cases, we use only eye drop anesthesia, allowing our patients the fastest possible recovery. Once the cataract is removed, a permanent, artificial lens is inserted. It is not uncommon for our patients to have the benefit of dramatically improved vision within a few hours of their procedure.
Clear Lens Exchange
For those with presbyopia that are not yet candidates for cataract removal, your surgeon may offer an elective procedure known as clear lens exchange. This procedure uses the same successful techniques as modern cataract surgery by replacing your natural lens with an intraocular lens (IOL) designed to reduce or eliminate your need for readers, bifocals or even trifocals.
Results After Cataract Treatment
I’ve been in business and observed interactions between customers and employees my whole life. I cannot say enough about how impressed and pleased I was with my entire experience with Longwood Eye & LASIK Center. From the first phone call to set up the appointment, to the time Dr. Warren spent with me before and after my surgery, and all of my pre and post-operative appointments, it was a truly a pleasant experience!
Three of my friends had similar cataract procedures, and prior to my conversation with them, I had no idea that this type of procedure was available. It is totally remarkable how I feel and how my vision has improved without the use of contact lenses. Simply put, my results are outstanding and I have never experienced this level of professionalism and care, and I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Warren and his team at Longwood Eye & LASIK Center.
-Michael M – Cataract Surgery with John Warren, MD
Which Lens Is Best for Me?
Distance Correcting Monofocal IOLs
Traditionally, the lens implant used for cataract surgery is a monofocal IOL. In most cases, the monofocal lens provides good distance vision for driving, walking, and some everyday activities. However, most people receiving monofocal lenses still require reading glasses or bifocals to have a full range of vision.
- Traditional
- Advanced
Astigmatism Correcting IOLs
Approximately 20% of cataract surgery patients have a significant degree of astigmatism. Astigmatism creates distortion in vision and is not corrected by traditional cataract or lens replacement surgery. The unique design of the Toric IOL makes it possible to provide quality distance vision and reduce or eliminate astigmatism at the same time.
- Clareon TORIC
- Tecnis TORIC
- enVista TORIC
Enhanced vision option
This option combines the optics of advanced wavefront-designed monofocal IOL with modern surgical planning and techniques to provide a higher quality and overall enhanced vision with a monofocal designed IOL. These techniques will also further reduce or eliminate your need for distance glasses including low levels of pre-existing astigmatism. In a clinical study, these more advanced optics provided improved visibility, better contrast sensitivity, and reduced glare.
Vision correction decisions are among the most important you will ever make. There are many intraocular lens (IOL) options available, including traditional monofocal, advanced monofocal, toric and multifocal, IOLs. Your doctor will discuss all the options available and recommend the IOL that is best for you.
Presbyopic Correcting IOLs
Previous lens replacement technologies provided only one improved focal point, distance, leaving people dependent on readers or bifocals after cataract surgery. Furthermore, in the past, those who were not yet cataract surgery candidates had no good alternatives to readers, bifocals, or trifocals. Recent advances in lens technology now make it possible to improve vision at all ranges, near through distance, with increased freedom from glasses or contact lenses. Our doctors are proud to offer the most advanced multifocal IOLs to give our patients the best possible vision.
- Tecnis Synergy Multifocal
- Clareon PanOptix Multifocal
What Are the Risks Associated with Lens Replacement Surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved. These may include infection, retinal detachment, an increase in eye pressure, reactions to medications, and vision changes. Our doctors will discuss all risks and benefits with you before your surgery.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Common side effects include redness, scratchiness, and light sensitivity. You may also experience glare, halos around lights, and blurred vision. These side effects may make it more difficult to see while driving at night or working in low light for a period of time, however they generally resolve over time.
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
Cataract surgery is generally a simple, outpatient procedure requiring only a few hours of your time. Patients should plan on being at the surgery center for about 2-3 hours.
Where Will My Surgery Be Performed?
Your lens replacement procedure will be performed by one of our surgeons in an outpatient surgery center or hospital facility.
What Can I Expect After My Surgery?
After a short stay in the outpatient recovery area, you will be ready to go home. Plan to have someone drive you home. Everyone heals differently, but most patients can return to their normal activities the very next day. You will return to our office for a postoperative visit the next day. You will notice an improvement in your vision at that time which will continue to sharpen over the next 30 days. Eye drops will be prescribed to prevent infection and help your eye to heal.
How Will I See After Cataract Surgery?
Once the cloudy lens is removed, you will see a dramatic improvement in the clarity of your vision. Colors will be brighter, more vivid. And advanced lens implants, such as Tecnis, ReSTOR, and Crystalens, can deliver vision that is uniquely suited to your lifestyle. Dr. Warren and Dr. Fay will talk with you to understand your vision needs and can recommend a lens implant that gives you a fuller range of vision, allowing you to spend most of your day without glasses.
Will I Need to Wear Glasses After My Cataract Surgery?
During traditional cataract surgery, a single focus lens is implanted. Often times this gives patients good distance vision but still requires them to wear reading glasses for near vision. However, we offer our patients the option for a multifocal or accommodating lens implant that may allow them good vision at any distance, near through far.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are interested in learning more about cataract surgery and would like to see if you are a good candidate, please call 1-855-286-2020 or request a consultation online.
Testimonials
My experience at Longwood has been fantastic! My vision is BETTER than 20/20 after the LASIK procedure! The doctors and staff were professional yet friendly!! 10 of 10, I would recommend! PreciousAugust 08, 2024
I had a wonderful experience with my Lasik procedure there and I have to say that both Dr. John F. Warren and Dr. Andrew Walkowiak are truly THE BEST. When I decided to do Lasik, I did some research on a few different places in the area and Longwood Eye and Lasik came up first and got the best reviews!! I contacted them and scheduled a free consultation app. I’m so glad that I was a candidate for lasik and did the procedure with them. It is a really life changing. The procedure went really smooth and it was faster than I expected. I did not feel any pain during and after AT ALL. Both doctors made me feel calm and confident and explained everything to me. The whole team were very kind and professional as well. Now I can see even better than what I did with my glasses and lenses before. If you’re looking to do Lasik, this is the place to go to. I HIGHLY recommend them.August 06, 2024
I should have had LASIK years ago. I am overly impressed with the professionalism of the practice. The team has a strong commitment to quality and safety. I felt as though I was a strong part of the decision making process. From the initial consult to the last post-procedural appointment- I was never rushed. My questions were answered thoroughly and at a level at which I could understand what was being communicated. The team took their time with my assessments and made sure I had a thorough understanding of the pre and post procedural instructions. The team was fantastic. I would highly recommend Longwood Eye and LASIK to anyone seeking a professional and safe LASIK experience.July 04, 2024
Best decision I ever made was to have ASA eye surgery here (LASIK) and best money spent in my life. Dr Warren performed the procedure and everything went well. Can't thank him enough! It is truly a blessing to be able to see 20/20 currently and can almost see 20/10. This was 2 and half years ago when done. Staff are nice, building is clean etc. If you are thinking of getting LASIK done don't over think it just do it if you qualify!July 03, 2024
Everyone was so nice and thoroughly explained the procedure and all possible risks associated. During my LASIK procedure they explained everything that were doing step by step so I wasn’t surprised. My vision is now 20/15! Absolutely the best decision ever. I highly recommend!July 02, 2024
Had LASIK done here a week ago, so it’s an early review of course. But I can say the staff at Longwood are all fantastic - Dr Walkowiak did all my pre and post op care, and Dr Warren performed the procedure. Both have been wonderful to work with, and I couldn’t be more happy with my results so far. The procedure was painless and extremely quick - I think I was in the room for less than 10 minutes. My eyes were a little uncomfortable afterwards but took a nap (which accidentally ended up being a 4 hour nap). When I woke up, I felt totally fine, and I could see clearly, even through the plastic eye covers. One week down the line and my vision is better than 20/20, with the expectation that it’ll only continue to improve over the next month or so. — Quick update about a year post-op, couldn’t be happier with how it turned out! Didn’t have any complications and my vision has stayed great - huge thanks to Dr Walkowiak and Dr Warren!June 30, 2024
Dr. Warren and Dr. Walkowiak were both outstanding doctors and I am so grateful to have booked my LASIK through Longwood Eye. All other staff at Longwood Eye were great as well. Dr. Walkowiak was very kind, approachable, knowledgeable, and helped to answer any questions I had and make me comfortable during the entire pre op process. Dr. Warren performed my surgery and it couldn’t have gone better in my opinion! He also was very kind and knowledgeable and broke things down step by step so I knew what to expect the entire time (love no surprises!). Thank you both for a wonderful experience and I recommend anyone who is looking into LASIK eye surgery or other needs to check out Longwood Eye.June 27, 2024
I recently had LASIK done in February 2022, but I wanted to wait until today’s last scheduled follow-up to post a review! My vision is 20/10 now which I was not expecting at all! Before, I could barely see a few feet in front of me without glasses/ contacts. I had the most wonderful experience from the very first consultation. On the day of the appointment, all the providers made sure I was comfortable and laughing throughout the procedure, even going as far as to giving me a stress ball (which I didn’t even know I would need, but I definitely was glad to have it). Overall, very impressed with the office flow, from check in, to seeing the provider, and even to discussing finances/ appointments. I’m planning on staying at this practice for my annual checkups in the future!June 21, 2024
Above and beyond. I just had my LASIK operation in West Springfield yesterday and I couldn’t be happier with the results. The staff is extremely professional. The operation was quick with minimal discomfort (nothing more than the feeling of pressing on your eyeball). And I can see without glasses! I say above and beyond because the staff helped me buy lunch and even drove me to the nearby hotel where I was staying after the operation! The scheduling and evaluation staff in Gardner was also great and very accommodating. Thank you all so much!!!June 20, 2024
I could not think of any aspect of my experience with Longwood Eye and LASIK Center from my initial eye exam to my post op visit after my second cataract removal surgery that was not five star. The positive, supportive, highly professional, knowledgeable, and extremely skilled care that I received from Dr Warren, Dr Patel, and all other Longwood Eye And LASIK staff was impressive, a very positive experience. My vision is greatly improved and I thank all of you very much!!June 18, 2024
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