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| Acrysof Natural Implant |
A cataract is the clouding of the lens of the eye. Normally, light passes
through the clear lens and is focused onto the retina. However, as a result
of the aging process, the lens becomes cloudy. This cloudiness causes vision
to become blurry and can make reading or distance vision difficult.
No-stitch small incision cataract surgery is a technique used to restore
clear vision. The cloudy lens is removed using ultrasound technology
(phacoemulsification) and a plastic lens (IOL) implant is injected through
the small incison. No-stitch small incision phaco surgery is performed
on an outpatient basis. Dr. Konowal’s patients return home a few
hours after the procedure. After surgery most patients are less dependent
on glasses for normal daily activities, though most still require glasses
for near work.
Dr. Konowal uses the Alcon Acrysoft Natural lens implant. This lens
replaces the cataract and allows you to see more clearly again. Additionally,
it protects the macula from ultraviolet and blue light damage and helps
reduce glare after cataract surgery.
Cataract Surgery FAQ’s
 What causes a cataract?
 Cataracts are usually part of our normal aging. The average age for
cataract surgery is 75 years old. Cataracts can be caused by eye injury,
smoking, overexposure to sunlight or by use of steroids. Diabetics tend
to develop cataracts sooner. A cataract can develop in one eye or both
eyes.
When should a cataract be removed?
Cataract surgery should be performed when vision is interfering
with activities of daily living. The inability to see road signs
clearly, read a book or recognize faces are a few reasons for surgery.
Is cataract surgery effective?
Cataract removal is one of the most common procedures performed
in the USA, and is one of the safest and most effective types of
surgery. In fact, Dr. Konowal’s patients resume normal activity,
including driving a car the next day.
How long does cataract
surgery take?
Dr. Konowal can perform cataract surgery in less than 15 minutes.
No needles or injections are given around the eye and there are no
stitches to remove. Patients go home with no patching of their operated
eye.
What type of anesthesia is used?
Dr. Konowal orders a light sedative called “twilight sedation.” The
Anesthesiologist will be in the operating room with Dr. Konowal to
monitor you during the procedure. This sedation leaves your body very
quickly, and many patients feel like going out for breakfast afterwards.
How much does cataract
surgery cost?
Since cataract surgery is medically necessary, it is
covered by your medical insurance. Dr. Konowal accepts assignment from
Medicare
and most insurance companies. If you have Medicare and a supplement,
you will most likely have no out of pocket expense for this procedure.
What can I do to protect
my vision?
Wearing polarized sunglasses, may help slow progression
of cataracts. Smoking has been show to cause yellowing of the lens.
Studies show
nutrition is beneficial in preventing all disease.
Multifocal IOL's
If you are diagnosed with cataracts and are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms, you may be a candidate for a multifocal lens: - Difficulty reading
- Difficulty seeing close objects
- Difficulty seeing to drive, especially at night
- Changing glass prescriptions with no obvious improvement in vision
- Needing bifocals
ReSTOR
A new artificial lens (intraocular lens), the ReSTOR lens received FDA
approval in March of 2005 for the correction of near, intermediate and
distance vision. Clinical studies showed that 80% of the patients who
received the Acrysof ReStor lens did not use glasses for any acitivity
after cataract surgery. 99% achieved distance visual acuity of 20/40
or better, with 88% seeing 20/25 or better. Regarding near vision, those
who had the implantation in both eyes achieved 20/25 vision. This means
that they could read stock quotes printed in the newspaper. And 85% achieved
20/25 vision at intermediate distance (adequate for computer work).
The ReSTOR lens provides different ranges of vision based on a lens
configuration that enables a specific distribution of light in response
to the size of the pupil. Most current intraocular lenses used for cataract
surgery are able to restore vision only in limited distance ranges, which
means patients often must use eyeglasses or other corrective lenses following
surgery.
REZOOM™
The ReZoom™ Multifocal lens is a clear, foldable implant made of a high refractive index acrylic material. After the natural lens is removed, the ReZoom™ Multifocal lens replaces it. Multifocal means that the lens has multiple focal points so you can see well at a variety of distances. It allows most people to see well at a distance, mid-distance and near. The ReZoom™ lens has uniquely proportioned visual zones that provide it with its major advantage. Each Rezoom ™ Multifocal lens is divided into five different zones with each zone designed for different light and focal distances. Unlike other earlier multifocal lens designs, the Rezoom™ lens has proportioned the size of its zones to provide for good vision in a range of light conditions. For instance, some zones have been designed to offer greater low light/distance vision for night driving. Studies show that 92% of all people receiving the lens technology never or occasionally need to wear glasses after the procedure. For most people there is a period of several weeks when the brain learns to use the new visual system. Some people report halos or glare around lights, which diminishes over time. For some, it becomes less troublesome but never completely goes away. Most people report that the ability to see near and far outweighs any visual side-effects associated with the lens. Learn more.
ACRYSOF® TORIC IMPLANT
The Acrysof® Toric lens is a foldable, single-piece lens that is designed to reduce or eliminate corneal astigmatism and significantly improve uncorrected distance vision. Corneal astigmatism is a common irregularity where the surface of the cornea has an uneven curvature. This causes distorted vision because light rays are not focused at one spot to provide clear vision. A person who has both a cataract and corneal astigmatism will not regain high-quality distance vision after surgery to remove the cataract unless the astigmatism is also corrected. The Acrysof ® Toric lens is injected through a microincision and positioned to correct for the curvature of the cornea, similar to gas permeable or toric contact lenses. The unique design of the Acrysof® Toric makes it possible to significantly improve distance vision and may reduce the need for corrective lenses.
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