Our eyes are always changing. Even if you’ve had perfect vision your entire life, as you grow older you become more susceptible to getting cataracts. In fact, 70% of people over age 75 have age-related cataracts.
This vision condition is caused by the build-up of natural proteins on the eye’s lens. Think of this build-up like dirt smears on the windshield of your car: as the cataracts grow in size and opacity, it becomes harder to see out. Since your eyes do not have natural “wipers,” the only way to eliminate the cloudy haze is by having the lens removed and replaced with a new Intraocular Lens (IOL). This is cataract surgery.
Cataract Surgery for Visual Freedom
The good news is that cataract surgery can liberate you from the restrictions that you face in your life. Cataract surgery is only necessary when your declining vision has started to impede how you function on a daily basis. Cataracts form gradually, eventually causing symptoms like:
- Cloudy, blurry, foggy or filmy vision
- Sudden nearsightedness
- Changes in how you see color (especially yellow)
- Difficulty with night driving due to glare
- Sensitivity to sunlight
- Double vision
Cataract Surgery Options
At Westlake Eye Specialists, our team is a true leader in cataract surgery techniques. In addition to offering traditional and innovative surgical methods that require the smallest incisions possible, we also offer laser cataract surgery using the LenSx® laser. In fact, we have been using this technology for 5 years and perform more laser surgeries than most practices in the country. Dr. Zarmeena Vendal often recommends this computer-controlled technique because she can provide a more customized procedure. Other benefits include:
- Real-time, 3D visualization during the procedure
- Correction of astigmatism with extremely precise laser incisions
- Less energy is required to remove the cloudy lens
- Protection of the lens capsule during surgery
- Consistent lens implant placement
- Efficient and safe procedure for mature or difficult cataracts
ORA Technology
Westlake Eye Specialists is one of only a few practices in south Texas that uses Optiwave Refractive Analysis (ORA) technology to make cataract surgery more precise. Dr. Vendal uses this technology during cataract surgery to take real-time measurements of your eye after she has removed the cloudy lens. This allows her to make minor adjustments to the replacement lens, if necessary, to accommodate for any changes in your refractive error. This is just one more customization aspect that provides better vision outcomes and may reduce the need for any follow-up surgeries.
Replacement Lens Options
After the cloudy lens has been removed, a superior, clear lens is inserted. Again, Dr. Vendal is always looking for new ways to help improve her patients’ vision. In addition to offering traditional monofocal IOLs that provide clear vision for a fixed distance only, she also offers Premium Lens IOLs to help increase the range of clear vision and possibly reduce dependence on glasses or contacts after cataract surgery.
- Multifocal IOLs: have one lens power in the center and a different lens power in the border of the lens so clear vision at all distances can be achieved. These lenses can correct the cataract as well as nearsightedness, farsightedness and presbyopia (the need for reading glasses).
- AcrySof IQ ReSTOR® Active Focus lens: we are one of few practices in our community with tremendous experience implanting this lens.
- Accommodating IOLs: create accommodation similar to your eye’s natural lens, allowing you to enjoy a full range of vision for most activities.
- Crystalens®: this lens is modeled after the human eye and uses the eye’s muscles to dynamically focus on objects.
- Toric IOLs: provide correction of astigmatism, allowing you to see clearly to drive and perform other similar tasks. Patients may still need glasses to see up-close since these lenses do not correct presbyopia.
- AcrySof ReSTOR® Toric lens: we were the first practice in the country to implant this lens.
Being diagnosed with cataracts does not mean you have to live a life with inferior vision. The team at Westlake Eye Specialists is here to help you determine when surgery is necessary, what method of surgery is right for your eyes and what replacement IOL will best meet your vision goals and lifestyle after surgery. Contact us today at (512) 472-4011 or https://www.westlakeeyes.com/contact-us/ to schedule a Cataract Evaluation so we can monitor your vision and make recommendations for improvement. You deserve visual freedom!
.png)
