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
It’s been almost 2 months since I had LASIK done. Prior to this procedure I have been wearing contact lenses for over 10 years. I’m finally free of the hassle of putting them in every morning and taking them out at night. The staff here and the surgeon were awesome. I am very happy with the outcome and would recommend this place to anyone that is thinking about LASIK.June 11, 2024
10/10. The team at Eye and LASIK West Springfield are super professional and make the whole experience of getting LASIK (or PRK) so simple and relaxing. They make sure to guide you through everything that is or will be done to you with their procedures and they are very patient with you. They will answer all your concerns and make sure to reassure you that you are in great hands. The facility and equipment they use is top tier, the energy inside the building is so calm. You naturally will feel safe and it will play a great part when you get your procedure done. The prices are very affordable compared to other companies and they do accept a credit based payment plan which is super convenient if you are not trying to cough up all the money at once. My decision to go with them has changed my life and I hope one day you will be able to say and feel the same way. Thank you, Eye and LASIK West Springfield!June 10, 2024
I just had LASIK eye surgery here and I cannot say enough about how great my experience was. My sister came here over 10 years ago for her own LASIK and had a great experience, so I knew that I wanted to also come here. They were extremely transparent and kind throughout the whole process. Even during the surgery Dr. Warren explained every single thing that was going on. Dr Walkowiak is one of the kindest and funniest people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting, he explained everything throughly and simplified the entire process. I would definitely do it all over again! This procedure definitely changed my life.June 09, 2024
I have been wearing glasses since 3rd grade and contacts since 7th grade. I just turned 40 in Sept 2020 and decided it was time to ditch the endless cost and work of keeping up with contacts so I took the leap to do something for myself and get Laser Eye Surgery. I was a candidate for the ASA procedure and they were wonderful. So clean, patient, thorough.... during my consultation the doctor sat with me for 45 minutes while I asked all of my nervous questions. The idea of choosing to shoot a laser into your eye was a little frightening. The recovery was exactly as described - they prescribed all of the drops needed to ensure a healthy safe and speedy recovery. While I’m so impressed and pleased with my results, I’d have to say I am equally as pleased with the care and attention of the staff. If this is something you are ever considering doing - I urge you to get the Cadillac of eye surgery centers and go with Longwood Eye & LASIK. I personally went to the West Springfield, MA location but I’m sure the other locations are equally as wonderful. Thank you for giving me the gift of vision! It’s a whole new life for me!June 08, 2024
I wasn't sure if I was a candidate for eye surgery, but I called and made a consultation appt to be sure. Turns out I was a candidate and the process from there was very smooth and laid out. The procedure itself was so easy and painless and the recovery was pretty quick. I had mild discomfort for the first two days and within a week my vision was 20/20. I would recommend them to anyone thinking of getting LASIK.June 07, 2024
Very happy with my LASIK experience. The team is very supportive, and I felt very comfortable going into the procedure. No issues or pain post procedure.June 06, 2024
I have had a great experience here with LASIK surgery and follow up appointments. When I walked in for the surgery, I was terrified, and Amber Rose at the front desk saw how scared I was and said kind and comforting things about how safe and good the practice is, she made me feel much more relaxed. Thank you! Dr. Walkowiak has been very professional and informative, taking time at every visit to explain all the tests and options. Dr. Warren did the surgery in about 3 minutes per eye.June 05, 2024
Longwood Eye and LASIK of West Springfield did my ASA procedure. This was the best decision I ever made. They walked me through every step and I was very very sensitive to someone touching or coming near my eyes and I have extremely bad anxiety and handled the procedure great! The entire team was thorough, informative, kind and do-diligent. We decided to do ASA instead of the LASIK procedure due to my sensitivity. The procedure itself was so quick that my fiancé didn’t even have time to go grab a coffee. Recovery was just as expected to what the doctors had told me and it’s now been 3 full months since my procedure and my vision is better then I ever imagined it could be without glasses. Right eye is 20/15 and my left eye is 20/20. When I first came in, I had horrible astigmatism and couldn’t read anything without glasses and everything was very blurry. Driving at night was almost impossible even with glasses and now I see so clear and sharp at night without any glare. If you’re thinking of doing LASIK or ASA I 10000% recommended it and I especially recommend Longwood Eye and LASIK of West Springfield! The price is great compared to others and the service and result are outstanding!June 05, 2024
Visited regularly over the past few years to monitor my deteriorating vision. I've always been pleased with how competent, courteous and helpful the entire staff are. Recently I had cataract surgery (plus a stent to prevent glaucoma) and was astonished at the results. Even in the hectic pace of the surgical center, everyone was pleasant and clearly explained the procedure in detail. I couldn't be more delighted, and I'm looking forward to the same procedure on my other eye. Yes, there's some waiting involved (bring a book or use the wifi), but that's because lots of people recognize the quality of the work done here.June 05, 2024
I just got LASIK yesterday. I was so nervous but the two doctors there were so patient, explained everything to a T. I have never been to such a wonderful site. I highly recommend LASIK surgery to anyone who finds wearing glasses an annoyance, Or someone who just doesn’t like the look of glasses. It was painless which was so surprising. I am 100% so happy I did this. Thank you, Longwood Eye and LASIK!June 04, 2024
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