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
I had an amazing experience with Longwood Eye and LASIK in West Springfield. It was my first time getting LASIK and I was very nervous but did a lot of research about the procedure and the West Springfield office. Everyone was so kind and helpful throughout the multiple office visits and put me at ease for the day of the surgery. I highly recommend Longwood and LASIK in West Springfield. They will take really good care of you here.June 04, 2024
From the staff at the front desk to the consult with Dr. Maher, 5 star treatment. Thank you Longwood Eye and LasikJune 03, 2024
If you are on the fence on whether to get LASIK or not - I had my surgery on 10/22/2020 and the only regret I have was not doing the surgery sooner! The professionalism from the staff at the reception to the doctors is is second to none. They walk you thru the process and make you feel comfortable and secure. Will you be anxious and hesitant? Of course, but let them guide you thru the process you will not regret it!!! 4 hours after the procedure (I took a nap) - and I could see perfectly!!! You will not regret it!June 03, 2024
I had a wonderful experience at Longwood Eye and LASIK in West Springfield. I was very nearsighted and had my vision corrected with ASA (also called PRK, a laser-refractive surgery like LASIK). All of the staff were helpful, kind, and responsive, and scheduling was easy, from the free consultation through the surgery itself. My pre-operative measurements were done by Dr. Walkowiak. He was very informative and answered all of my questions thoroughly, not to mention getting my prescription spot-on for the surgery. Dr. Warren was the surgeon who performed the procedure. Talking to him before the surgery gave me confidence that I was in good hands, as he had a professional and calming demeanor that put my mind at ease, and he explained the process very clearly. The surgery went smoothly, and now my vision is excellent, with no discomfort or side effects. I highly recommend Longwood Eye and LASIK, Dr. Walkowiak, and Dr. Warren to anyone considering laser-refractive surgery to correct their eyesight!June 02, 2024
I had a wonderful experience at Longwood Eye and LASIK in West Springfield. I was very nearsighted and had my vision corrected with ASA (also called PRK, a laser-refractive surgery like LASIK). All of the staff were helpful, kind, and responsive, and scheduling was easy, from the free consultation through the surgery itself. My pre-operative measurements were done by Dr. Walkowiak. He was very informative and answered all of my questions thoroughly, not to mention getting my prescription spot-on for the surgery. Dr. Warren was the surgeon who performed the procedure. Talking to him before the surgery gave me confidence that I was in good hands, as he had a professional and calming demeanor that put my mind at ease, and he explained the process very clearly. The surgery went smoothly, and now my vision is excellent, with no discomfort or side effects. I highly recommend Longwood Eye and LASIK, Dr. Walkowiak, and Dr. Warren to anyone considering laser-refractive surgery to correct their eyesight!June 02, 2024
I had LASIK performed in January at the West Springfield site by Dr. Warren. All of the staff were very kind and knowledgeable. They answered all of my questions regarding the procedure and allayed any nerves. I would highly recommend this office/group for your LASIK procedure and general eye care appointments.June 01, 2024
Got my LASIK procedure done here and I couldn't be happier with the results. During the surgery, I experienced no pain at all! Post-op, I barely had any discomfort and healed nicely. The doctors allowed for the whole process to go by quick and smooth and they explained everything very thoroughly. They were also very organized and timely. Barely any wait time at all for any of my appointments. I would say that if you are feeling hesitant about getting LASIK like I was, you should just go for it and be sure to get the procedure done with Longwood Eye & LASIK! Highly recommend!May 31, 2024
Here I am one week post LASIK eye surgery and still in awe of the whole process. Every night I still feel like I need to remove my contacts because I can't remember ever being able to lay in my bed and watch TV or look around the room without them (or my glasses). I had my one week checkup today and seeing better than 20/20...Unbelievable! The LASIK eye center is the best of the best. The facility is beautiful and the doctors and staff are fantastic. I am so incredibly grateful and happy that I chose to have LASIK and chose the LASIK eye center to do it. If you're considering it...DO IT!!! It is worth every penny.May 30, 2024
Last Thursday on 11/12 I had my LASIK surgery! I’ve been wearing glasses since I was 7 years old. I dabbled with contacts but because of my severe astigmatism they were never comfortable and were always short lasting. I’ve always wanted LASIK surgery but was to nervous to even make the consult appointment. I have pretty severe anxiety issues. Well, I finally called and made my consult appointment! From the minute I walked through the doors of the West Springfield LASIK center I felt welcomed and comfortable. The girls at the front desk were all cheerful and helpful! The day of my scheduled surgery (which was less than a week after my consult!) I was beyond nervous! The coordinator gave me something to settle my nerves and as always was the sweetest, most patient person!! (Shout out to him, sorry I’m bad with names!) next came my surgery. Dr. Warren lived up to his great reputation and was thorough and gentle. He talked me through the short surgery and continuously asked if I was still doing ok. As for the actual surgery, I’m sure many are reading this in hopes of getting insight. I did the same thing before making my jump. The surgery was short and painless. There is one portion that has some pressure. But no pain at all! Do NOT listen to horror stories you may read somewhere on the internet! Go to see Dr. Warren. If you are anything like me and have anxiety and are a perfectionist. Stop your research here! This is your place! Dr. Warren and his team is your LASIK team! If curious about post-op: the worst of it is the dry eye (artificial tears are your best friend! Get the big box!!) a bit of crusty eye lashes from all of the drops you use for the first week. Warm wash cloth twice a day helps a ton! The next day when I say in the chair for my post-op follow up I was told I had 20/20 in both eyes!!! I literally broke down crying! I knew I was seeing well, but I was not expecting this so soon! The day I was told I have 20/20 will be a day I remember for the rest of my life! In conclusion, don’t wait. Book your consult! It was worth every penny! I only wish I did it sooner! THANK YOU Dr. Warren and the whole team at West Springfield LASIK center! I will forever be grateful for my new vision!May 29, 2024
Great staff and excellent service! I love this place I went for LASIK and my vision has never been better!May 28, 2024
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