Gainesville Eye Associates - Cataract Eye Surgery

A cataract is a clouding of the crystalline lens of the eye. It may occur slowly or rapidly. Symptoms that occur with cataracts include decreased vision at distance, decreased vision at near, glare or halos effecting vision.

Modern cataract surgery utilizes a small incision, no suture technique. No shots or needles are used behind the eye. The cataract lens is removed with an instrument that uses high energy ultrasound. It is called phacoemulsification. This instrument breaks the cataract up into very small particles, which are then aspirated, from the eye.

Following the removal of the cataract, an intraocular lens is placed in the eye through the small incision to take the place of the cataract lens.

Antibiotic drops and steroid or nonsteroidal drops are used in the eye postoperatively. You will be seen on postoperative day one to evaluate the eye. As with any surgery, complications can occur. There is a possibility of hemorrhage or infection.

After cataract surgery the cataract does not return. However, one out of three people may experience a blurring of their vision after cataract surgery. This can occur anywhere from weeks, months, to years after the procedure. This occurs from an opacification of the posterior capsule. This can be treated using a laser usually in the office taking less than ten minutes.