For people with cataracts, everyday experiences are often impaired by symptoms like glare around lights and blurred or cloudy vision. Understanding the range of available treatments, from initial non-surgical approaches to advanced options like laser-assisted cataract surgery, is crucial for those affected. If you’re struggling with cataracts in Newark, exploring your treatment options is a critical first step in making informed decisions about your eye health.
What Are the Best Treatments for Cataracts?
While there are many common cataract symptoms, people may be affected in different ways. For this reason, eye surgeons offer a number of treatment approaches.
Using a Non-Surgical Management Approach
Symptoms are often mild in the early stages of cataracts. After a consultation, your eye doctor may recommend simple adjustments like prescription glasses with a stronger lens to improve vision, plus anti-glare sunglasses to deal with bright light and glare.
In addition, enhancing lighting at home can make many daily activities easier. However, as your doctor needs to monitor cataract progression and advise whether surgery is necessary, regular eye check-ups are still essential.
Resolving Cataracts With Traditional Surgery
When vision becomes more noticeably impaired, your doctor will likely recommend surgery. The most common treatment is traditional cataract surgery, called phacoemulsification. This technique involves making a small incision at the edge of the cornea. A tiny instrument called a phacoemulsifier is then inserted, emitting ultrasound waves to break up the cloudy lens. This device removes the small fragments via delicate suction in preparation for the placement of a new artificial lens.
Advanced Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery
Laser-assisted cataract surgery is an alternative to the traditional approach. With the help of a laser, surgeons can deliver even greater precision and more predictable outcomes with each treatment. While based on the same principle, this laser-assisted method uses a femtosecond (FS) laser to create incisions. The FS laser also softens and breaks the lens into smaller pieces, reducing the risk of tissue damage. The laser offers a gentler approach and can also treat lower amounts of astigmatism.
The Best Intraocular Lenses (IOLs) for Cataract Surgery
A critical component of both surgical methods is the intraocular lens (IOL) that replaces your natural lens. Options include monofocal IOLs, designed for clear vision at one particular distance, and multifocal IOLs, which allow for vision at multiple distances. Toric IOLs are another option, correcting both the cataract and astigmatism in one procedure. One of the most exciting IOL options is the Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) which allows the doctor to adjust the power of the IOL after it is implanted in the eye. The patient is able to preview and test drive their vision in-between up to three adjustments.
With many types of cataract surgery options and several IOLs, patients can identify their best choices based on vision and lifestyle requirements. Your eye doctor will guide you through the process, enabling you to restore clarity to your vision.
Contact Us for Cataract Treatments in Newark
Eye Care of Delaware offers the best cataract treatments at our surgical center in Newark. If you want to improve your eye health with proven cataract solutions, speak with our team today. Call (302) 454-8800 or request an appointment now.
