With cataracts affecting more than 20 million Americans, cataract removal is one of the most critical procedures in the field of eye care. A cataract is a cloud in the ocular lens, preventing enough light from entering the pupil. While cataracts occur gradually, they can cause severe vision impairment or blindness if left untreated. At Atlantis Eyecare, we are proud to offer among the finest cataract surgery Long Beach has to offer. If you or someone you know is suffering from cataracts in Long Beach, please read more below or call our office today.
Simply put, a cataract is a tint or cloud in the lens of the eye, obstructing the passage of light and causing your vision to become occluded. This clouding of the eye typically worsens with time and, if left untreated, can severely impair one’s vision and even cause eventual blindness.
Cataract Treatment Options
During the early stage of cataracts, vision impairment can be so minor that treatment is unnecessary. In such a case, one must maintain regular visits to Atlantis so we can monitor the condition closely.
Once cataracts begin to obscure vision, the only corrective procedure is surgery. The field of ophthalmology has advanced to a point where virtually all cataract cases are fully correctable. Cataract surgery is rapid and pain free, resulting in little or no downtime for the patient.
Following cataract surgery, many patients opt for refractive lens exchange. During this procedure, the natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens. Not only is the cataract removed, but also the patient’s natural vision is improved without the use of glasses or contact lenses.
At Atlantis Eyecare, we specialize in refractive lens exchange and offer a full array of intraocular lenses. We regularly help patients eliminate cataracts and recover their vision. To learn more about what our patients call the best cataract surgery Long Beach offers, please read below or call our office today.
Top Cataract Surgeons in Long Beach
If you are searching for the best cataract surgeon Long Beach has available, it’s important to consider several factors. Experience and training are key, as they ensure the surgeon has seen every type and degree of cataract and has experience in the removal thereof. It’s important to find a surgeon who is board certified, as this ensures approval by accredited organizations. Lastly, your surgeon should be armed with the latest technological advancements, both in technique and equipment. At Atlantis Eyecare, our surgeons fulfill each of the above requirements, allowing them to effectively and safely eliminate cataracts and restore a patient’s full vision. To learn more, please give us a call.
The Cataract Removal Procedure
With cataracts affecting over 20 million Americans, cataract surgery is one of the most common medical procedures—over three million cataract surgeries are performed every year. It has developed to a point of total efficiency and is considered one of the safest medical procedures available.
Cataract surgery is considered microsurgery, as it uses a single, 3mm incision. Once this incision is made, the lens capsule is opened and the surgeon removes the lens itself with an ultrasonic probe. Through this process, the cataract is gone from the eye.
Now that both the lens and cataract are removed, the artificial lens can be implanted. There are many different types of intraocular lenses, each of which serves a slightly different purpose. Prior to the surgery, you and your surgeon will decide which lens is most suitable for you.
In order to install the intraocular lens, it is first folded and placed into an implantation device. It is then inserted into the eye, unfolding into place where the old, natural lens once stood. Once the lens unfolds, the surgeon may center the lens to ensure it is placed properly. In many cases, stitches are not needed due to the tiny size of the incision.
Cataract surgery is a swift procedure, often taking only 10-25 minutes. Patients can return to daily activities the following day. To learn more about our leading edge cataract surgery in Long Beach, please call our office today.
