What is a cataract?
We live most of our lives with clear eye lenses that enable clear vision. As your eye begins to age, natural proteins in your eye begin to clump together causing a clouding of the crystalline lens. This is a cataract.
Cataracts gradually prevent light from reaching your retina — the back layer of your eye that processes images to send to the brain. When this occurs, the light that enters your eyes becomes scattered and distorted, resulting in gradual loss of vision.
If not properly treated with surgery, cataracts can lead to severe vision loss.
People with cataracts can find their vision for reading, watching TV, and driving affected. As a result, many people withdraw from normal social and business activities.
Cataract extraction is a short, outpatient procedure. A cataract surgeon begins with a small incision to remove the clouded lens with the help of ultrasound. Then, the lens is replaced with a new intraocular lens. There are usually no sutures and very little downtime to fully recover. The patient can resume normal activities within days.
You may not realize you have a cataract because it does not significantly affect your vision, but if you experience any of the following symptoms, you should contact your eye doctor to discuss the best treatment options.
Once your cloudy lens is removed, a new intraocular lens (IOL) will be gently inserted into your eye. In the past, a monofocal IOL was the only option for vision improvement. Although these lenses are still available, many patients opt for lenses that can actually restore youthful vision — perhaps even eliminate the need for reading glasses.
Selecting the right type of lens implant is very important for your improved vision. Special eye measurements will provide important information for your cataract surgeon to determine implant power.
Your doctor will discuss your best options so that together you can select the right one for your vision goals.
All of our doctors are trained to recognize and treat cataract issues. However, once surgery is needed, our doctors will often refer to one of our partners who is trained in cataract surgery. Our cataract surgeons include Dr. Shelley, Dr. Culclasure, Dr. Pariyadath, Dr. Bruce, and Dr. Mequio.
Our modern, efficient facilities include four offices in Greenville, Simpsonville, and Easley. Each offers one-stop convenience for examinations, eyewear selection, purchase, and fittings.
