Eye Services & Surgeries

Cataract & Lens Replacement

Discover cloudless vision again

Formation of a cataract is a normal aging process of the lens inside the eye. The lens is the part of the eye that helps focus light rays on the retina (the back layer of the eye). Early in life, the lens is transparent and lets the light pass through; with time the lens becomes cloudy and then is called a cataract. Learn more about cataract causes and symptoms.

For early-stage cataracts, changing your glasses prescription may help improve your vision. Unfortunately there are no medications or eye-drops that will help. When cataracts are interfering with normal activities of daily living, surgery and lens replacement should be considered.

HOW ARE CATARACTS TREATED?

Florida Eye Associates’ surgeons usually remove cataracts under local anesthesia in our ambulatory surgery center. The surgeon makes a tiny incision and the clouded lens is removed through “phacoemulsification,” a process that uses ultrasound power to liquefy the lens so it can be withdrawn. A clear lens implant is then placed in the sac that used to hold the cataract.

Click on the image to learn about cataract procedures.

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What are the different types of lenses for cataract surgery?

The best choice for an intraocular lens depends on factors including lifestyle and specific visual needs. “Premium” intraocular lenses have advanced features beyond those found in basic single vision IOLs. Replacement lens options include:

Monofocal lenses are designed to provide the best possible vision at one distance. Most people who choose monofocals have their IOLs set for distance vision and use reading glasses for near-vision tasks.
Multifocal IOLs have multiple corrective zones built into the lens (much like bifocal or trifocal eyeglasses). This allows you to see both near and far objects. In addition, some multifocals may also correct intermediate vision.
Extended depth-of-focus (EDOF) IOLs have only one corrective zone, but this zone is stretched to allow distance and intermediate vision.
Accommodative lenses can also correct vision at all distances, but the lens uses the natural movements of your eye’s muscles to change focus.
Toric lenses have extra built-in correction for astigmatism.