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 annual exam with Dr. Warren was great as always. I had a problem at another time that required immediate attention. No problem. I was seen by another doctor who diagnosed a scratch on my eye. Problem solved quickly and efficiently. Thank you Longwood EyeDecember 04, 2023
I am very pleased with my visit to Eye & Lasik Center of West Springfield. The staff greeted me with a smile as soon as I walked in and took care of me when I had to make future appointments. Bao Kim was the technician who I saw first for my scheduled appointment. He was exceptional in his professionalism and knowledge and has a very kind and a warm nature. I then saw Paul Benoit, OD who I always look forward to seeing him. He is always professional, kind and does a thorough examination. I highly recommend Longwood Eye & LASIK of West Springfield, MAOctober 19, 2023
They are always trying to run on time and are very friendly. I have had many appts the past two years because they caught that my eye was bleeding and had a torn retina. I am very thankful for the team they have. Dr. Ying and Dr. Fay basically saved my sight.September 22, 2023
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 recommended anyone who is looking into Lasik eye surgery or other needs to check out Longwood Eye.September 11, 2023
My experience at Longwood Eye care has been nothing short of stellar! I am seeing Dr. Howard Ying for macular degeneration and receiving injections in my eyes monthly. Everyone has been kind and compassionate, informative and helpful at every visit. I am so grateful to have found this office and I look forward to continuing my treatment here.July 18, 2023
I have known Dr. Fay for almost 27 years. Only recently did I have both eyes operated on and now have near perfect vision. The amazing part is I have spent the past 20 years legally blind in my right eye due to numerous issues. Now 25/20 vision in that eye and 20/20 in the left eye. The whole team comes with the highest of recommendations.May 16, 2023
All of the care given to my Aunt for her 2 cataract surgeries & followup has been exemplary! Dr. Warren, Dr. Patel, Dr. Spatcher & Dr. Benoit & all of the Care Team staff including office staff, we thank you for treating your patients with dignity & respect. God bless. We highly recommend!!January 28, 2023
Very good experience. All of the assistants who work there were very helpful and nice (especially Kathy)! Dr. Ying was my surgeon, he diagnosed my problem and performed a vitrectomy which was done at the Greenfield hospital/ Franklin Medical Ctr. The staff was wonderful, and Dr. Ying performed an excellent surgical technique to alleviate my eye floater problem. No pain! I would highly recommend DR Ying...he is very calm and patient, and not only listens extremely well, but explains himself well also.December 22, 2022
I went there super stressed ,because of a eye issue .. the staff was amazing .. everyone is so so nice .. the doctor was the smartest. She explained what was happening and what to do , gave me the right medicine (drops) and made a follow up for the following week . They really care about their patients. I would go back instantly . Best eye place around . Super greatful !!!!!!!!!! What a great staff 💯💯💯💯December 20, 2022
I experienced cataract removal and lens replacement. The entire procedure was coordinated and executed with professional precision. The pre and post exams ensured all had gone well and further lent a good comfort to the whole experience. Personnel care and interact with patients as though they were friends or family. Highly recommend this organization for anyone contemplating any procedure dealing with your sight and well-being.December 19, 2022
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