Cataract Services

What is a cataract?
A cataract is the eye's normal lens that has become cloudy due to age, disease or trauma. Like going through a frosted bathroom window, images become fuzzy when passing through the cloudy lens.

How are cataracts treated?
There is no medicine to prevent or remove a cataract. As the cataract becomes cloudier, vision becomes increasingly impaired. When the symptoms interfere with the patient's daily activities and visual needs, then the cataract is removed. In its place, the surgeon places a synthetic lens implant to clearly focus light again within the eye.

What is cataract surgery like?
Prior to surgery, the patient has the eye measured to determine the artificial lens implant power. These implants should last for the rest of the patient's life. Then, the patient is brought into an operating room and given medicine to become relaxed. Medicine is placed in or near the eye so that the operation is comfortable. The surgeon makes a small hole in the eye and uses ultrasound (phacoemulsification) to dissolve and remove the cataract. A small lens implant is put in its place within the eye. The surgery usually lasts less than 1/2 hour and the patient goes home shortly afterward. Depending on the cataract, some patients may have sutures in the wound and some may wear an eye patch for a short period of time. The patient uses eyedrops for a few weeks, in most cases, is able to resume normal activities in a day or two.

Is a laser used?
No, although it seems like everyone knows someone who supposedly had their cataract removed with a laser. At some point after cataract surgery (perhaps, months or years later), a cloudy membrane can grow behind the implant. This membrane is opened, in the office, with a laser.. this is generally what people mean by a laser cataract surgery.

Where is the surgery done?
Most cases are done right here in our attached Wildwood Surgical Center. However, our doctors are able to perform surgery at local hospitals if your condition or insurance plan requires it.

Will I have to wear glasses after cataract surgery?
Many patients are able to reduce their dependence on glasses after cataract surgery. However, this depends on many factors, including the vision in the other eye and the health of other layers within the eye. Most patients wear glasses at least part-time. Your doctor can discuss your specific situation with you.

To schedule an appointment give us a call at (419) 578-2020 or toll free at 1-(888) 322-7070. Patients troubled by cataracts can schedule an appointment with one of our ophthalmologists who perform cataract surgery:

Michael Abowd, MD

Kathleen Karol, M.D.

Jason Ofori, M.D.

Rodney McCarthy, M.D.

Robert Neville, MD

Gerald Striph, M.D.

John Burchfield, M.D.

Qais Farjo, M.D.