Surgery Consultation
Drs. Henderson and Letourneau work closely with area eye surgeons in the comanagment of laser vision surgery (including LASIK) and cataract surgery by providing the pre and post-operative care.
What is LASIK?
LASIK which stands for (Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis) in which a laser is used to reshape the cornea to correct or reduce moderate to high levels of nearsightedness (Myopia), astigmatism and farsightedness (Hyperopia). During the LASIK procedure a microkeratome is used to gently create a flap in the cornea. The flap is lifted and an extremely precise excimer laser is then used to shape the remaining tissue. The flap is then carefully set back into place, forming an occlusive seal by osmotic pressure. The flap is replaced which allows it to heal very quickly, without stitches!
LASIK has emerged as one of the safest, most effective, and most popular vision correction procedures available. Patients report an almost immediate improvement in their vision following the LASIK procedure. Most patients say they experience little or no discomfort during or after the procedure.
What is a cataract?
The term Cataract is used to describe a natural lens that has turned cloudy. Cataracts are not a disease, but rather a condition affecting the eye. As the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, it does not allow light to pass through it as well as it did when it was transparent. Cataracts usually start as a slight cloudiness that progressively grows more opaque. They are usually white, but may take on color such as yellow or brown. As the cataract becomes more mature (increasingly opaque and dense), the retina receives less and less light. The light that does reach the retina becomes increasingly blurred and distorted. This causes gradual impairment of vision. If left untreated, cataracts can cause blindness. A cataract can only be removed by surgery.
What are the symptoms of a cataract?
A gradual deterioration in vision over time
Objects may appear yellow, hazy, blurred or distorted
Vision at night or in low light conditions may be reduced
Vision in bright light or in the sun may be difficult due to glare
Halos may appear around bright lights at night
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Clouded Cataract Vision |
Normal, Clear Vision |
Types of Cataracts
Nuclear Sclerotic Cataract – This is the most common type of cataract that occurs with aging. The natural lens becomes more dense and yellowish brown in the nucleus, or center of the lens.
Cortical Cataract – This type of white –grey cataract forms in the lens cortex, gradually extends its spokes from the outside of the lens to the center.
Posterior Sub Capsular Cataract (PSC) – This type of cataract may occur at younger ages than nuclear sclerotic cataracts. A PSC is an opacity on the back surface of the lens. Patients with diabetes, radiation treatment, and trauma are more prone to develop this type of cataract.
Combined– Often cataracts are a combination of those listed above
Cataract Surgery is one of the most common operations performed, usually with excellent results. Generally, cataracts are removed on an out-patient basis. Most patients could be up and about on the day of surgery, but we encourage our patients to rest their eyes as much as possible.
Pain-Free Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is a pain-free experience thanks to advances in anesthesia. Patients are numbed with eye drops, not needles, and are peacefully awake during the surgery. According to a survey by the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, more than 98% of cataract patients had their vision successfully improved after surgery. Many patients experience vision that is actually better than before they developed cataracts. Once removed, cataracts will not grow back. However, some patients may experience clouding of a thin tissue called the capsule or "bag" that holds the intra-ocular lens (IOL). If this occurs, a YAG laser is used to painlessly open the clouded capsule and restore clear vision.
What causes Cataracts?
Cataracts develop for a number of reasons, but the most common cause is aging. These Age-related cataracts develop as a result of natural changes within the lens. In other cases, an injury or blow to the eye may cause a traumatic cataract. Some cataracts may also result from the use of certain drugs, exposure to harmful chemicals or excessive amounts of ultraviolet radiation, or some diseases. Cataracts are typically slowly progressive but can be rapid in some cases. In addition, some babies are born with congenital cataracts as a result of unusual prenatal factors. Some cataracts are simply inherited. Fortunately, almost all cataracts can be removed and vision can be restored through modern microsurgery.
How are Cataracts Treated?
A cataract may not need to be treated. In fact, almost everyone will develop cataracts if they live long enough. Simply having a cataract is not a reason for surgery if your vision is only slightly blurry. In some cases, changing your eyeglass prescription may help to improve your vision for a while.
However, when cataracts interfere with your vision so that you are no longer able to see well enough to do the things you like to do, cataract surgery should be considered. There are no medications, eye drops, exercises, or glasses that will cause cataracts to disappear or to prevent them from forming. Surgery is the only way to improve blurry vision that is due to a cataract.
Our doctors can determine if cataract surgery is likely to be helpful for a patient by performing a thorough eye examination in our office.