Cataract Eye Surgery on the Central Coast
Cataracts are one of the most common causes of vision deterioration and are often viewed as a natural part of the aging process. The gradual thickening of the eye's natural lens causes cloudiness and poor vision, typically in older individuals. Fortunately, cataracts are highly treatable, and our experienced ophthalmic surgeons at Pacific Eye specialize in cataract laser eye surgery in the San Luis Obispo area. At our 8 offices throughout San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties, we use leading edge technology to help you see better and get more out of life.
If you would like to discuss your options for cataract treatment in the San Luis Obispo area, request an appointment online, or call (805) 545-8100. Pacific Eye has 8 offices in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties to meet your complete eye care needs.
Choosing an Intraocular Lens
Recent advances in cataract surgery mean you now have several options for cataract treatment. In any case, the cloudy lens must be replaced by a synthetic one. We will work with you to select the most appropriate type of intraocular lens (IOL) for your vision and lifestyle needs. Your options include:
- Monofocal Lenses correct vision only at one portion of your visual range (typically distance).
- Multifocal Lenses such as AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR®, ReZoom® or Tecnis® IOLs are designed to correct a full range of vision, including near, far, and in between, for a return to your natural, youthful vision after cataracts.
- Accommodating Lenses such as the Crystalens® can "flex" or "accommodate," using the eye's natural muscles to focus on subjects at various distances, delivering a continuous range of vision. They can even correct age-related presbyopia, helping patients see at a close range.
- Toric Lenses (acrysofiqtoric.com) designed for people with astigmatism.
Cataract Surgery Options
Once you and your ophthalmologist have selected an intraocular lens, the lens will be placed using one of the following approaches:
- Standard Cataract Surgery replaces your cloudy lens with a monofocal IOL to restore basic focus to your eye, but you will typically rely on glasses for reading and close-up work.
- Advanced IOL Custom Cataract Surgery not only replaces your cloudy lens and restores good vision, but also corrects any significant refractive error (nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism), reducing or eliminating your dependence on corrective lenses. The latest generation of advanced multifocal or accommodating IOLs enables you to focus at more than one distance.
- Toric IOL Custom Cataract Surgery is especially effective for patients with astigmatism. This type of surgery replaces the cloudy natural lens with advanced toric IOLs to dramatically reduce the eyeglass prescription after surgery, enabling many patients to see well without correction for distance. A patient with astigmatism also has the option of eliminating glasses for all distances by undergoing custom cataract surgery followed by Intralase™ LASIK laser eye surgery.
The Procedure
Your quick (approximately 30 minutes), outpatient surgery will be performed at one of our private, well maintained, state-of-the-art surgery centers. You'll first receive medicated eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation and to ensure comfort during the surgery. You may also receive a mild sedative to make sure you remain relaxed during the procedure.
One tiny incision is used both for the removal of the old lens and the placement of the new one. Because the incision is so small, stitches are not typically required to close it, and your eye will heal on its own.
Recovery
After surgery, you will receive detailed instructions on how to care for your eyes as they heal. You will be instructed to wear a shield and patch on your eye. Your doctor will prescribe medicated eye drops to use for the next few weeks. After your follow-up appointment is scheduled, a friend or loved one can drive you home.
If you're ready to find out more, request an appointment online, or call (805) 545-8100.
