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Cataracts are a clouding of the natural lens of the eye, which impair vision by reducing the amount of light that reaches the retina. Cataract surgery is among the most frequently performed procedures in the United States with approximately 2.5 million surgeries performed annually. Over the last 20 years cataract surgery has changed dramatically. Originally, the surgery was performed through an incision along the top of the eye which required closure using a very fine suture. The patient was hospitalized and the recovery time was long. Before intraocular lens implants were used, the patient was left "aphakic" (without a lens), which required very thick and heavy glasses for useful vision. Today's surgery is very different! Modern technology allows the surgeon to remove the lens (cataract) through a very small incision using ultrasonic energy to "emulsify", or break up, the cataract. This process is called phacoemulsification and has truly revolutionized cataract surgery today. The intraocular lens implants are now "foldable", allowing the surgeon to deliver the implant into the eye through and incision approximately 1/8 inch in length.
People at risk for developing cataracts are over 55 years old, have had eye injuries or disease, have a family history of cataracts, smoke cigarettes or use certain medications. There is no pain associated with the condition, but there are several symptoms that indicate failing vision due to cataracts. These include:
- Blurred/hazy vision
- Spots in front of the eye(s)
- Sensitivity to glare
- A feeling of "film" over the eye(s)
- A temporary improvement in near vision
Using an advanced optical measuring system known as wavefront technology, optical engineers created a lens implant with a modified prolate surface to simulate the performance of the youthful eye’s natural lens. This technological breakthrough restores the balance of the eye, improving functional vision in all light conditions. In a simulated nighttime driving study, the TECNIS® lens implant enabled drivers to see a pedestrian on the road 45 feet sooner than a traditional IOL (or intraocular lens). The TECNIS® lens may improve patient safety for other life situations under low visibility conditions. No other lens implant has been proven to provide this benefit.
The Tecnis Mulitfocal is a unique lens implant for cataract patients that offers a full range of vision in all lighting conditions with less dependency on glasses. During the FDA clinical trials, the following results were reported.
At one year after their cataract surgery, 88% of patients reported NEVER having to wear glasses. At one year, 94.6 % of patients were totally satisfied with Tecnis Multifocal and stated that they would definitely make the same lens selection again. At one year 94.2% of the patients had achieved 20/32 (or better) near vision and 20/25 (or better) distance vision. Only 12% of patients said that they occasionally needed glasses to read fine print. Only 10.4% of all patients stated that “halos” around lights at night were moderate to severe.
The entire procedure usually takes less than 10 minutes. Vision is restored immediately in most cases; however, vision usually continues to improve in the weeks that follow the procedure.
If you would like further information, please visit the Tecnis Multifocal website: www.tecnismultifocal.com
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For cataract patients with astigmatism, successful cataract surgery is only half the battle for regaining quality vision. Until recently, the only viable vision correction options for astigmatism after cataract surgery were eyeglasses, contact lenses, or limbal relaxing incisions. Glasses and contact lenses are not only inconvenient in terms of lifestyle but can also be expensive over your lifetime.
The AcrySof® Toric Intraocular Lens (IOL) is an advanced technology that now makes it possible to correct the cataracts clouding your vision — AND the corneal astigmatism distorting your vision — all at the same time. About 35% of the general population has the correct amount of astigmatism that would make them eligible for this lens, and by the end of 2009, the AcrySof® Toric lens implant will be available in higher powers of astigmatic correction so that even patients with very high amounts of corneal astigmatism can be corrected. Over 90% of eligible patients are spectacle free after surgery for distance vision!
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Glaucoma is an eye disease in which pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure) is too high, causing vision loss and damaging the optic nerve. In a healthy eye, fluid is produced in the ciliary body, enters the eye, and then drains through tiny passages called the trabecular meshwork. In people with glaucoma, these passages become blocked and intraocular pressure rises.
Some cases of glaucoma can be treated with medications. For others, laser or traditional surgery is required to lower eye pressure. Common surgeries include:
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Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) - For patients with narrow-angle glaucoma. A small hole is made in the iris to increase the angle between the iris and cornea and encourage fluid drainage.
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Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT) and Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) - For patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). The trabecular passages are opened to increase fluid drainage. ALT is effective in about 75% of patients, and SLT may be repeated.
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Nd:YAG Laser Cyclophotocoagulation (YAG CP) - For patients with severe glaucoma damage who have not been helped with other surgeries. The ciliary body that produces intraocular fluid is destroyed.
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Filtering Microsurgery (Trabeculectomy) - For patients who have not been helped with laser surgery or medications. A new drainage passage is created by cutting a small hole in the sclera (the white part of the eye) and creating a collection pouch between the sclera and conjunctiva (the outer covering of the eye).
- Tube Shunt Surgery - May be recommended for patients with neovascular glaucoma, failed trabeculectomy, or susceptibility to developing scar tissue. A thin, flexible tube (a shunt) with a silicone pouch is inserted in the eye to facilitate drainage.
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