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The Cataract Surgery Bradenton, FL Relies On

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens, which results in blurry vision. The lens is made mostly of water and protein. A cataract forms when protein clumps together, clouding small areas of the lens and blocking some light from reaching the retina.

Cataracts can occur in the following ways:

  • Age-Related: More than 60% of all Americans over the age of 65 have cataracts
  • Congenital: Formed at birth or in early childhood
  • Secondary: Steroid use or health conditions such as diabetes can increase the risk of developing cataracts
  • Trauma: Cataracts can follow an injury to the eye, either quickly or years later
  • Other Causes: Cataracts may follow radiation exposure and excessive exposure to UV light (sunlight) and smoking or alcohol abuse

Cataract Signs and Symptoms

As a cataract progresses, you may notice a general decrease in the sharpness of your vision. A cataract should be removed when vision loss interferes with your everyday life. Frequently, glasses still must be worn after surgery for activities such as driving, reading or watching TV. Surgical treatment for cataracts usually results in excellent vision. If you have other problems besides the cataract, such as macular degeneration, results will not be as predictable.

The following symptoms can be signs, not only of cataracts but also of other eye problems.

  • Cloudy or blurred vision
  • Difficulty reading
  • Faded colors
  • Poor night vision
  • Double or multiple vision (when you are looking through one or both eyes)
  • Frequent changes in prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses

If you have been evaluated by Dr. Adler and you both decide cataract surgery is necessary, there are many options available to customize your surgery. Dr. Adler offers Monofocal, Toric, Multifocal and Monovision implants for cataract surgery. Medicare and most commercial insurances will cover costs for the basic Monofocal implant. While effective, many patients of this procedure will continue to wear corrective lenses for distance and near vision after surgery, but with much clearer vision.

While many patients are suitable candidates for all the available implants, some are not. Dr. Adler will help guide you in your selection based on your individual needs and the general health of your eye.

How is Cataract Surgery Performed?

Dr. Adler uses the new ORA System™ technology for cataract surgery at Premier Surgery Center.

Until recently, any surgeon would have to wait weeks after the cataract surgery procedure to assess the visual outcome accuracy. Now Dr. Adler is able to change that with an unprecedented technology called ORA System. It allows Dr. Adler to measure surgery accuracy during the procedure, fully customizing each patient's eye.

The ORA system enables Dr. Adler to make even more informed surgical decisions to provide the improved accuracy outcomes of cataract surgery Bradenton, FL residents need.

Before Your Cataract Surgery

There are critical steps preceding the surgical process. To begin, we complete a dilated eye examination and review your medical and eye history, along with a list of current medications you are taking. If it is determined you are a good candidate for surgery, a pre-op appointment will be scheduled.

You must not eat or drink anything after midnight on the day before your surgery. Most people choose to stay awake during the procedure. You will be given an anesthetic to numb your eye, and special eye drops are given to dilate your pupils. The actual surgery is painless and usually takes less than 15 minutes.

After Your Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery patients can go home the same day. You will not be allowed to drive after the surgery, so be sure to make transportation arrangements. Although you will not wear a shield home on the day of your procedure, Dr. Adler does ask his patients to wear an eye shield at night the first week after surgery. Typically, patients use three separate eye medications following cataract surgery. At Adler Eye Institute, we use a compounded three-in-one eye drop formulation for added patient convenience.

You should avoid bending or lifting for the first week after surgery. You can do light household chores, walk and climb stairs. Dr. Adler will schedule post-operative examinations to check the progress of your vision.

Potential Problems After Cataract Surgery

Problems are rare, but they can occur. These can include infection, bleeding, inflammation, vision loss, corneal swelling and retinal detachment. With prompt medical attention, these problems can usually be treated successfully. You should be fully informed of the risks and benefits of cataract surgery prior to your procedure.