Cataract surgery is the most successful treatment for an opaque lens, and laser-assisted cataract surgery is the latest and most advanced method. Many eye doctors prefer this pre-treatment to “soften the cataracts”. The type of intraocular lens (IOL) you choose will depend on your condition and preferences. Monofocal lenses are suitable if you are comfortable wearing eyeglasses after surgery, while toric lenses are ideal if you have astigmatism and want to avoid distance glasses.
A corrective lens for presbyopia may be the best option if you want to avoid wearing both distance and reading glasses. The surgery is done through a small opening in the front of the eye. The surgeon gently breaks and aspirates the lens of the opaque cataract with a high-frequency ultrasound, then replaces it with an artificial lens. If you have significant astigmatism, your surgeon can correct it with a toric intraocular lens or other procedure, such as LASIK or a relaxing limbal incision (LRI) to reshape the cornea.
Bascom Palmer doctors were involved in the development of the femtosecond cataract laser, which can be used just before surgery to soften the cataract and reduce astigmatism. ORA (Optiwave Refractive Analysis) is another technology that surgeons can use to take refractive measurements in the operating room, with the aim of providing optimal power and location of the lens. Cataract surgery is generally performed as an outpatient procedure with local anesthesia (an anesthetic gel is placed in the eye) and light intravenous sedation. It's important to discuss available surgical technologies and IOLs with your eye doctor before deciding to have cataract surgery.
Once you have made your decision, your doctor will guide you in choosing the right intraocular lens for you.
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