What is a Cataract?
Your eye lenses are made up of proteins and fluids that allow light to pass through the lens and focus on the retina. Over time, the proteins can start to clump together and diminish your vision. This is a natural process that occurs slowly over time. In fact, many people will suffer from slowly deteriorating vision for years and not realize that cataracts are to blame. This is a common condition that affects 50% of people over age 60.
Cataract surgery is currently one of the most commonly performed medical procedures, with over three million surgeries completed in the United States each year. It is performed as an outpatient procedure and can provide a wide range of vision correction options.
What Are The Steps of Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the world. At the Eye Center of Northern Colorado, we make sure your experience is anything but common. Through our state-of-the-art laser cataract surgery technology and some of the most experienced doctors in the state, you can feel confident knowing that your eyes are in good hands.
Each of our cataract surgeons is board-certified in cataract surgery and utilizes the most up to date technologies and treatments to Northern Colorado. Our practice was the first to bring laser-assisted cataract surgery to Colorado. This technology paired with ORA® ensures your surgery will be customized to you from start to finish. When restoring your vision, our doctors use state-of-the-art technology to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Step 1
During cataract surgery, a small incision is made in the cornea. The Eye Center of Northern Colorado was the first practice in Colorado and one of the first in the country to implement revolutionary technology for this step: the LenSx® laser.
Step 2
After the incision is made, a small ultrasonic device is inserted in the incision. The lens capsule, which is the front part of the lens envelope, is opened so that the lens material can be removed. The small ultrasonic device inserted into the eye is used to gently wash away the hardened yellow proteins that cause the cataract while the material is simultaneously removed from the eye.
Step 3
Then, a pre-determined Intraocular Lens (IOL) is inserted into the eye. This new lens will remain inside the eye, allowing light to be clearly focused on the retina and providing clear vision at the desired distance.
Step 4
The IOL will not move and can’t be felt or sensed in any way by the patient. Once the new lens is in place, where your natural lens used to exist, the opening will self-seal without the need for stitches.
