Cataract Surgery in San Diego
In the early stages of a cataract, the visual effects can be fixed by wearing glasses; however, as a cataract matures, it can markedly impair your vision and start to impede your lifestyle, possibly preventing you from doing the things you love.
The decision to have cataract surgery is an important one. Cataract surgery should be performed by an experienced doctor that uses advanced technology in a state-of-the-art facility.
If you are seeking cataract surgery in La Jolla, Escondido, Mission Hills or the surrounding San Diego areas, you are in good hands with the doctors at Eye Care of San Diego. Our board-certified ophthalmologists have many years of experience with cataract surgery and are always looking for advances to improve the surgical outcomes and the overall patient experience.
Understanding Cataracts
With age, the proteins in the lens can clump together, creating cloudy areas known as cataracts. A cataract is painless, but it blocks light entering the eye, causing vision to be blurry or distorted.
Having a cataract is kind of like looking through a dirty or streaked window. Vibrant colors may appear dull or faded. Contrast and depth perception can be affected. Other symptoms like glare and starbursts are common.
Currently, there is no medication or non-surgical treatment for cataracts. Cataracts must be surgically removed, and the cloudy lens replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) that restores visual clarity.
Cataract Surgery, Step by Step
Prior to cataract surgery, your eyes will be numbed so you don’t feel anything during the procedure.
The cataract surgeon will create a small incision in your eye to access the membrane or “capsule” that holds your natural lens. A small opening will be created in the capsule, and the lens will be broken up into small pieces.
Once the pieces of the lens are removed, an artificial lens will be positioned in the capsule where the natural lens was. Most cataract surgeries do not require sutures.
Cataract surgery is one of the most routine procedures performed today and has evolved considerably. Although the traditional techniques used in cataract surgery are safe and effective, laser cataract surgery, which involves using a femtosecond laser to complete key parts of the procedure, offers even better outcomes. The team at Eye Care of San Diego offers both traditional and laser-assisted LenSx cataract surgery. We also offer a wide variety of intraocular lenses and premium lenses to suit a diverse range of visual needs.
Recovering from Cataract Surgery
Everyone recovers differently, but in general, cataract surgery recovery is swift and well tolerated. Your vision may be blurred or distorted for a few days after surgery, but these symptoms subside quickly. You should be able to resume work, driving and the rest of your normal routine within a few days to a week after surgery.
Depending on the artificial lens you have chosen, you may or may not need to wear glasses after surgery. Some lenses restore clear vision at a single fixed distance, whereas others provide a range of clear vision at multiple (or all) distances.
Book a Cataract Surgery Consultation
If you have been diagnosed with cataracts or are experiencing symptoms consistent with cataracts and want to explore your treatment options, please book a consultation with our team. Contact Eye Care of San Diego today to make your appointment.
