What is a Cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear, natural crystalline lens in you eye. This clouding is usually due to the aging process but can also be caused by eye trauma, heredity, diabetes, and even some medications. Whatever the cause, cataracts typically result in blurred or fuzzy vision and sensitivity to light.

Cataract formations occur at different rates and can affect one or both of your eyes at the same time. Fortunately, with modern medical technology, your cataract can be treated safely and effectively through a microsurgical technique. In fact, cataract surgery is one of the most successful surgical procedures performed today - about 95% of all cataract surgeries result in a improvement in vision.

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The best way to treat your cataract is to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a new, clear artificial lens. This can be accomplished two ways. The first technique, called extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE), involves removing the cloudy lens in one piece. This technique requires a large incision of 10 to 12 millimeters in length.

The second technique is the latest advance in cataract removal. It's called phacoemulsification, or phaco.

In phaco surgery, a small ultrasonic probe is inserted into the eye. This probe breaks (emulsifies) the cloudy lens into tiny pieces and gently sucks (aspirates) those pieces out of the eye. Phaco requires a small incision of only 3.2 millimeters or less. Dr. Frangie will determine which method is most appropriate for your condition.

The Result

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Prior to cataract surgery, the lens is cloudy and images are blurred.  After the surgery, a new replacement lens (place cursor over image) provides a clear image on the retina. Vision is again clear.

All Artwork copyrighted and licensed by Stephen F. Gordon