Eye surgery is extremely safe. Like any medical procedure it has its risks,
but the success rates for eye surgery are far above many other operations.
Our team is very friendly, and we encourage you to speak with them extensively
about your questions and concerns. Just knowing more is often enough to
help reduce surgery anxiety. The benefits of eye surgery, including clear,
painless vision, far outweigh the minor risks.
Cataract Removal
St. John’s Health has partnered with ophthalmologist Jamie Monroe,
MD of Utah Eye Centers-Orem to perform cataract and glaucoma surgery.
Cataracts are a common cause for vision impairment in individuals over
the age of 40. Your eye contains a small disc shaped object called a lens.
Natural changes in anatomy can damage this lens and obscure your vision,
this is a cataract.
In cataract surgery this cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial
alternative. The actual procedure only lasts roughly 15 minutes and patients
remain sedated the entire time. You will still be awake during the operation,
but thanks the sedative you should be relaxed and feel no pain.
There are a few options for your lens replacement, but we typically recommend
traditional monofocal lenses. With this replacement, many people experience
improved long and short distance vision. 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. We can discuss
the lens replacement with you before the operation and provide more detailed
information of the various benefits.
A cataract is a vision problem caused by clouding of the eye’s lens.
The most common type is related to aging. More than half of the American
population ages 60 and older have cataracts.
What is the lens?
The lens sits behind the pupil and helps to focus light on the retina.
To produce a clear image, the lens must remain clear. The lens is made
mostly of water and protein. As you age, the protein can clump together
and cloud small areas of the lens forming a cataract. In its early stages,
a cataract may not cause a problem. However, over time the cataract may
grow larger, making it harder to see. Because less light reaches the retina,
your vision may become dull and blurry.
How do I know if I have a cataract?
Cloudy or blurred vision
Nighttime glare from headlights
Sensitivity to light
Difficulty reading fine print
Faded colors
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 can I expect during cataract surgery?
The surgery is performed in our fully equipped surgical suite with state-of-the
art ophthalmic equipment.
To restore clear vision for someone with a cataract, the cloudy natural
lens must be replaced with an intraocular lens or implant. The technique
is called phacoemulsification, an advanced and painless method of cataract removal.
During cataract surgery, a tiny ultrasonic probe breaks up and removes
the cataract and a permanent IOL is inserted. Patients commonly experience
dramatically improved vision within 24 hours of their procedure. Most
patients return to normal activity the following day, and use eye drops
for several weeks after surgery to speed healing.
What are possible side effects of cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is very safe and has a success rate of more than 99%.
As with any surgery, transient discomfort and mild swelling are normal.
The risks of retinal detachment, infection, and bleeding are less than
one percent; however, these conditions are serious and need to be treated
emergently.
Will I need to wear glasses after my cataract surgery?
During traditional cataract surgery, a single-focus lens is implanted.
Oftentimes this gives patients good distance vision but still requires
them to wear glasses. However, patients may opt for advanced-lens implants
which address astigmatism and presbyopia (the need for reading glasses)
to reduce dependence on glasses and contact lenses after cataract surgery.
