What Is a Cataract?
The term cataracts refers to the eye’s natural lens. Clear at birth, the lens becomes cloudy over time, causing vision problems and can eventually cause blindness if left untreated. Cataracts are completely normal and typically develop sometime in our 50s or 60s. Surgery is the only treatment for a cataract. You should consider surgery when cataracts cause enough loss of vision to interfere with your daily activities.
Can Cataracts Be Prevented?
Most cataracts occur with age. However, a good, balanced diet, protection from the sun, and restraint from smoking can delay the development of cataracts.
What Are My Treatment Options?
Cataract Surgery (Removal)
Cataract surgery is a routine, virtually painless outpatient procedure that replaces your clouded lens with a clear intraocular lens implant. Cataract removal is performed through a procedure called phacoemulsification. In this procedure, high-energy ultrasound waves are used to gently remove your cataract. In most cases, we use only eye drop anesthesia, allowing our patients the fastest possible recovery. Once the cataract is removed, a permanent, artificial lens is inserted. It is not uncommon for our patients to have the benefit of dramatically improved vision within a few hours of their procedure.
Clear Lens Exchange
For those with presbyopia that are not yet candidates for cataract removal, your surgeon may offer an elective procedure known as clear lens exchange. This procedure uses the same successful techniques as modern cataract surgery by replacing your natural lens with an intraocular lens (IOL) designed to reduce or eliminate your need for readers, bifocals or even trifocals.
Results After Cataract Treatment
I’ve been in business and observed interactions between customers and employees my whole life. I cannot say enough about how impressed and pleased I was with my entire experience with Longwood Eye & LASIK Center. From the first phone call to set up the appointment, to the time Dr. Warren spent with me before and after my surgery, and all of my pre and post-operative appointments, it was a truly a pleasant experience!
Three of my friends had similar cataract procedures, and prior to my conversation with them, I had no idea that this type of procedure was available. It is totally remarkable how I feel and how my vision has improved without the use of contact lenses. Simply put, my results are outstanding and I have never experienced this level of professionalism and care, and I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Warren and his team at Longwood Eye & LASIK Center.
-Michael M – Cataract Surgery with John Warren, MD
Which Lens Is Best for Me?
Distance Correcting Monofocal IOLs
Traditionally, the lens implant used for cataract surgery is a monofocal IOL. In most cases, the monofocal lens provides good distance vision for driving, walking, and some everyday activities. However, most people receiving monofocal lenses still require reading glasses or bifocals to have a full range of vision.
- Traditional
- Advanced
Astigmatism Correcting IOLs
Approximately 20% of cataract surgery patients have a significant degree of astigmatism. Astigmatism creates distortion in vision and is not corrected by traditional cataract or lens replacement surgery. The unique design of the Toric IOL makes it possible to provide quality distance vision and reduce or eliminate astigmatism at the same time.
- Clareon TORIC
- Tecnis TORIC
- enVista TORIC
Enhanced vision option
This option combines the optics of advanced wavefront-designed monofocal IOL with modern surgical planning and techniques to provide a higher quality and overall enhanced vision with a monofocal designed IOL. These techniques will also further reduce or eliminate your need for distance glasses including low levels of pre-existing astigmatism. In a clinical study, these more advanced optics provided improved visibility, better contrast sensitivity, and reduced glare.
Vision correction decisions are among the most important you will ever make. There are many intraocular lens (IOL) options available, including traditional monofocal, advanced monofocal, toric and multifocal, IOLs. Your doctor will discuss all the options available and recommend the IOL that is best for you.
Presbyopic Correcting IOLs
Previous lens replacement technologies provided only one improved focal point, distance, leaving people dependent on readers or bifocals after cataract surgery. Furthermore, in the past, those who were not yet cataract surgery candidates had no good alternatives to readers, bifocals, or trifocals. Recent advances in lens technology now make it possible to improve vision at all ranges, near through distance, with increased freedom from glasses or contact lenses. Our doctors are proud to offer the most advanced multifocal IOLs to give our patients the best possible vision.
- Tecnis Synergy Multifocal
- Clareon PanOptix Multifocal
What Are the Risks Associated with Lens Replacement Surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved. These may include infection, retinal detachment, an increase in eye pressure, reactions to medications, and vision changes. Our doctors will discuss all risks and benefits with you before your surgery.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Common side effects include redness, scratchiness, and light sensitivity. You may also experience glare, halos around lights, and blurred vision. These side effects may make it more difficult to see while driving at night or working in low light for a period of time, however they generally resolve over time.
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
Cataract surgery is generally a simple, outpatient procedure requiring only a few hours of your time. Patients should plan on being at the surgery center for about 2-3 hours.
Where Will My Surgery Be Performed?
Your lens replacement procedure will be performed by one of our surgeons in an outpatient surgery center or hospital facility.
What Can I Expect After My Surgery?
After a short stay in the outpatient recovery area, you will be ready to go home. Plan to have someone drive you home. Everyone heals differently, but most patients can return to their normal activities the very next day. You will return to our office for a postoperative visit the next day. You will notice an improvement in your vision at that time which will continue to sharpen over the next 30 days. Eye drops will be prescribed to prevent infection and help your eye to heal.
How Will I See After Cataract Surgery?
Once the cloudy lens is removed, you will see a dramatic improvement in the clarity of your vision. Colors will be brighter, more vivid. And advanced lens implants, such as Tecnis, ReSTOR, and Crystalens, can deliver vision that is uniquely suited to your lifestyle. Dr. Warren and Dr. Fay will talk with you to understand your vision needs and can recommend a lens implant that gives you a fuller range of vision, allowing you to spend most of your day without glasses.
Will I Need to Wear Glasses After My Cataract Surgery?
During traditional cataract surgery, a single focus lens is implanted. Often times this gives patients good distance vision but still requires them to wear reading glasses for near vision. However, we offer our patients the option for a multifocal or accommodating lens implant that may allow them good vision at any distance, near through far.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are interested in learning more about cataract surgery and would like to see if you are a good candidate, please call 1-855-286-2020 or request a consultation online.
Testimonials
It’s been almost 2 months since I had LASIK done. Prior to this procedure I have been wearing contact lenses for over 10 years. I’m finally free of the hassle of putting them in every morning and taking them out at night. The staff here and the surgeon were awesome. I am very happy with the outcome and would recommend this place to anyone that is thinking about LASIK.June 11, 2024
I wasn't sure if I was a candidate for eye surgery, but I called and made a consultation appt to be sure. Turns out I was a candidate and the process from there was very smooth and laid out. The procedure itself was so easy and painless and the recovery was pretty quick. I had mild discomfort for the first two days and within a week my vision was 20/20. I would recommend them to anyone thinking of getting LASIK.June 07, 2024
Very happy with my LASIK experience. The team is very supportive, and I felt very comfortable going into the procedure. No issues or pain post procedure.June 06, 2024
Visited regularly over the past few years to monitor my deteriorating vision. I've always been pleased with how competent, courteous and helpful the entire staff are. Recently I had cataract surgery (plus a stent to prevent glaucoma) and was astonished at the results. Even in the hectic pace of the surgical center, everyone was pleasant and clearly explained the procedure in detail. I couldn't be more delighted, and I'm looking forward to the same procedure on my other eye. Yes, there's some waiting involved (bring a book or use the wifi), but that's because lots of people recognize the quality of the work done here.June 05, 2024
I have had a great experience here with LASIK surgery and follow up appointments. When I walked in for the surgery, I was terrified, and Amber Rose at the front desk saw how scared I was and said kind and comforting things about how safe and good the practice is, she made me feel much more relaxed. Thank you! Dr. Walkowiak has been very professional and informative, taking time at every visit to explain all the tests and options. Dr. Warren did the surgery in about 3 minutes per eye.June 05, 2024
I had an amazing experience with Longwood Eye and LASIK in West Springfield. It was my first time getting LASIK and I was very nervous but did a lot of research about the procedure and the West Springfield office. Everyone was so kind and helpful throughout the multiple office visits and put me at ease for the day of the surgery. I highly recommend Longwood and LASIK in West Springfield. They will take really good care of you here.June 04, 2024
From the staff at the front desk to the consult with Dr. Maher, 5 star treatment. Thank you Longwood Eye and LasikJune 03, 2024
If you are on the fence on whether to get LASIK or not - I had my surgery on 10/22/2020 and the only regret I have was not doing the surgery sooner! The professionalism from the staff at the reception to the doctors is is second to none. They walk you thru the process and make you feel comfortable and secure. Will you be anxious and hesitant? Of course, but let them guide you thru the process you will not regret it!!! 4 hours after the procedure (I took a nap) - and I could see perfectly!!! You will not regret it!June 03, 2024
I had a wonderful experience at Longwood Eye and LASIK in West Springfield. I was very nearsighted and had my vision corrected with ASA (also called PRK, a laser-refractive surgery like LASIK). All of the staff were helpful, kind, and responsive, and scheduling was easy, from the free consultation through the surgery itself. My pre-operative measurements were done by Dr. Walkowiak. He was very informative and answered all of my questions thoroughly, not to mention getting my prescription spot-on for the surgery. Dr. Warren was the surgeon who performed the procedure. Talking to him before the surgery gave me confidence that I was in good hands, as he had a professional and calming demeanor that put my mind at ease, and he explained the process very clearly. The surgery went smoothly, and now my vision is excellent, with no discomfort or side effects. I highly recommend Longwood Eye and LASIK, Dr. Walkowiak, and Dr. Warren to anyone considering laser-refractive surgery to correct their eyesight!June 02, 2024
I had a wonderful experience at Longwood Eye and LASIK in West Springfield. I was very nearsighted and had my vision corrected with ASA (also called PRK, a laser-refractive surgery like LASIK). All of the staff were helpful, kind, and responsive, and scheduling was easy, from the free consultation through the surgery itself. My pre-operative measurements were done by Dr. Walkowiak. He was very informative and answered all of my questions thoroughly, not to mention getting my prescription spot-on for the surgery. Dr. Warren was the surgeon who performed the procedure. Talking to him before the surgery gave me confidence that I was in good hands, as he had a professional and calming demeanor that put my mind at ease, and he explained the process very clearly. The surgery went smoothly, and now my vision is excellent, with no discomfort or side effects. I highly recommend Longwood Eye and LASIK, Dr. Walkowiak, and Dr. Warren to anyone considering laser-refractive surgery to correct their eyesight!June 02, 2024
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