36921 Cook Street, Suite 103
Palm Desert, CA 92211
Phone
760-836-EYES (3937)
A Natural Part of Aging: Cataracts are the leading cause of visual loss in adults 55 and over. A cataract is the clouding of the normally clear lens in your eye. This clouding may be associated with a number of symptoms: blurred vision, fuzzy night vision, glare, halos, starbursts, and difficulty driving, reading, seeing street signs, television, or following the golf or tennis ball. Prescription glasses may be changing or no longer help you see better. Colors may appear faded and less vibrant. These changes can happen over months or years. The degree can range from mild to severe and disabling. The only way to treat a cataract is to surgically remove it.
The following symptoms are usually associated with a cataract. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms below, schedule an appointment with Desert Eye and Laser. Our skilled cataract surgeons will examine your eyes to diagnose you and provide you with the best treatment possible for your visual needs.Common Cataract Symptoms include:
Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most successful procedures performed today. It is the most commonly performed surgery in the United States, with over 2 million Americans having the procedure every year. Once the clouded natural lens is removed, a clear intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. Most people are surprised to find out just how easy and pain-free cataract surgery is. It usually takes 20 to 30 minutes or less and most patients have improved vision soon after surgery, but sight may continue to improve for several days or weeks.
A topical anesthetic is used before the small incision is made so that your eye is properly cleaned and dilated before your cataract surgery. An ultrasonic device is then inserted into the small incision that will pulverize the hard yellow proteins that form the cataract. After the proteins have been pulverized, the cataract is then removed from the eye.Once the cataract has been removed, a folded intraocular lens will be inserted through the original incision. This intraocular lens will replace the natural lens of your eye and will stay in place inside of your eye. You will not be able to feel the implanted lens in any way once it has been implanted. There is no need for stitches because the small incision will self-seal itself.
Fortunately, recovery after cataract surgery is fast and relatively easy. Within 24 hours, most patients will notice improved vision with their new lens. You will receive postoperative instructions that will be provided by your cataract surgeon, and it is important that you follow these instructions. Patients should also refrain from strenuous physical activity or from rubbing their eyes during the first few weeks after surgery.
To determine which intraocular lens is right for you after cataract surgery, it is important that you discuss your vision expectations with your eye surgeon. If you or a loved one are experiencing some of the cataract symptoms that are listed above, schedule an appointment with us. Our experienced eye sugeons will help you choose the right intraocular lens for your lifestyle and for your visual needs.
To learn more about your premium lens implant options at Desert Eye and Laser, visit our Lifestyle Lens Section on this website.
Trying to find the right eye doctor is never easy, including when you are looking for a cataract surgeon. Eye surgery can be a delicate and dangerous procedure, so you need to be sure you’ve found the right person for the job. Luckily, eye surgeries like cataract removal have become extremely popular and common. No matter how popular a surgery is, it’s important to do a little bit of research and find the right fit for you.
A good first place to start your research is to ask friends and family who have had cataracts removed. Word of mouth is one of the easiest ways to find out whether an eye doctor or surgeon is right for you. Don’t hesitate to ask how the pre and post op went, and whether they would recommend the surgeon that they saw. Getting a direct recommendation is an easy way to know if a practice is professional and a good fit. If you don’t know anyone who has had cataract surgery, contacting local hospitals and practices could give you a better idea about who comes highly recommended, and help you narrow the playing field. You can also ask your personal eye doctor for a list of recommended cataract surgeons.
In this world of digital communication, you can find almost anything on the internet. Utilize sites like Healthgrades, where you can see various eye doctors and cataract surgeons who practice in your area, and how they measure up to their competition. Ratings are given from all reviews that are filled out, giving you an unbiased look into how they are perceived by current patients. If the practice has a Facebook page, you can read reviews from patients who have liked their page as well.
Once you’ve narrowed your selection down, it’s time to check out their qualifications. It’s important to pick a cataract surgeon who has a good track record with removing cataracts. You also want to find someone who is board certified, and has gotten rave reviews with their patients. The more you know, the more comfortable you’ll feel with your decision.
One last but very important thing to do before having cataract surgery is to find out the practice’s financial options. Some places will require you to pay in full on the day of the surgery, while other offices may offer payment plans or take insurance. Knowing what is required of you financially before having surgery will make the rest of the process easier to go through.
If you’re ready for cataract surgery and live in Palm Springs, Palm Desert or Coachella Valley, Desert Eye & Laser has state of the art equipment for your cataract surgery and highly skilled cataract surgeons who will give you the best possible treatment.
36921 Cook Street, Suite 103
Palm Desert, CA 92211
760-836-EYES (3937)
760-836-1151
Mon - Fri 8:00am – 4:30pm
