The Fraser Eye Care Center Doctors have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
The experienced cataract surgeons at Fraser Eye Care Center are dedicated to providing safe and effective vision care to residents of Detroit and all of Michigan. Cataracts are progressive, which means that the symptoms worsen gradually. Patients may initially experience blurry vision that can be corrected with prescription eyeglasses or contacts. However, as symptoms progress the only long term treatment for cataracts is cataract surgery. Learn More About Cataracts
Your cataract surgeon will use a topical anesthetic to numb the eye, and may also administer a sedative to help you relax. The surgeon will remove the natural lens of the eye, which has become clouded by cataracts, and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) implant. The IOL is permanently placed between the pupil and the iris. The small incision used to remove the cataract will heal naturally, and patients typically will not require any stitches. A variety of IOL types are available and your eye doctor will discuss your options with you prior to surgery to determine which IOL will be best suited to your needs.
Basic Cataract Surgery
In a traditional cataract surgery, ultrasonic waves are used to break up and emulsify the cataract through a small incision. The patient will receive a standard IOL, which is a monofocal lens that has one focusing distance. Monofocal lenses are usually engineered to correct for distance vision, so patients who also have astigmatism, presbyopia or near vision loss will still need to use corrective eyewear after traditional cataract surgery.
Custom Laser Cataract Surgery
The cataract surgeons at Fraser Eye Care Center combine extensive training and advanced equipment to perform custom laser cataract surgery. We utilize the LenSx® Femtosecond Cataract Laser, which offers superior safety, accuracy and precision by creating incisions with a laser instead of a manually with a blade. LenSx® also can be used to treat astigmatism with the use of laser limbal-relaxing incisions (LRI).
In order to offer highly customized surgery for each unique patient, we also use the ORA (Optiwave Refractive Analysis) guidance system with all of our custom laser cataract procedures. ORA provides the surgeon with real time measurements and data of the patient’s eye to allow the surgeon to monitor the patient and adjust the placement and IOL power to optimize results.
It is important to note that many practices offer Laser Cataract Surgery, but that does not imply you are getting both LenSx® and ORA. At Fraser Eye Care Center, we believe both are integral and necessary technologies to providing you with the best possible outcomes and results.
Advanced Technology Intraocular Lens Implants (IOL)
Laser cataract surgery patients may choose from several types of advanced IOLs which can correct vision for near distance, far distance, astigmatism and presbyopia while also correcting cataracts. Even if you have worn glasses for most of your life, you may be able to achieve clear vision with an advanced IOL. Learn more about Intraocular Lens Implants (IOL) Options.
If you have been diagnosed with a cataract, you may not need surgery right away but it is important to discuss options with your eye doctor. Your symptoms, level of visual impairment, and your lifestyle can all be factors in the decision to have surgery.
Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgeries in the United States, and has a very low rate of complications. You may feel mild discomfort for the first few days after surgery, which can be addressed with medication. You will be scheduled for a follow up appointment the day after your surgery. Patients typically resume regular activities within one week. At Fraser Eye Care Center the vast majority of our patients receive dropless cataract surgery where your eye drops are directly placed into the eye eliminating the need for eye drops before and after cataract surgery.
Our fellowship trained eye surgeons are highly experienced and committed to restoring vision for cataract patients. At Fraser Eye Care Center we have over 35 years of experience in caring for the eye health of residents of Detroit and all of Michigan. We offer four convenient locations with 24-hour on call service. Contact us with any questions or to schedule a consultation.
The Fraser Eye Care Center Doctors have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.