Cataract Surgery Boston

Over fifty percent of people over the age of 60, and quite a few younger than that, suffer from cataracts. Currently there is no medical treatment to reverse or prevent the development of cataracts. Once they form, the only way to see clearly again is to have them removed from within the eye.

In your parents' or grandparents' day, cataract surgery was considered risky, required a lengthy hospital stay and was usually postponed for as long as possible. Today, cataract surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and takes only a few minutes. It is now one of the most common and successful medical procedures performed. In fact, following cataract surgery, many patients experience vision that is actually better than what they had before they developed cataracts. See what cataract patients have to say about their cataract surgery.

Self-Sealing Incisions

Your cataract will be removed with an advanced technique called phacoemulsification, or small-incision cataract surgery.  Using only a topical anesthetic, a tiny incision of about 1/8" is made in the clear cornea (just above the area where the cornea meets the sclera).  The cataract is then broken into microscopic particles using high-energy sound waves and gently suctioned from the eye.  Then, to compensate for the removal of the eye's natural lens, an intra-ocular lens (IOL) is implanted into the eye.  After using this special incision, the eye remains tightly sealed by the natural outward pressure within your eye.

Benefits Of Topical Anesthesia                        
& Clear Cornea Incisions

Topical anesthesia and self-sealing, clear cornea incisions have taken cataract surgery to the next level, offering more rapid recovery.  The surgery requires no patches, and many patients are able to see with clear vision much sooner after the surgery.  In most cases it is now possible to return to daily activities such as driving and reading almost immediately.  With "eye drop" anesthesia, there is no need for a painful, needle injection which delays vision restoration and could cause temporary swelling and skin discoloration. There's also no risk of hitting nerves, blood vessels or muscles with a long needle.

Cataract surgery is for those who:

• believe that their quality of life has been impaired by poor vision
• have been diagnosed with cataracts
• have no health issues affecting their eyes

What to expect on surgery day:

You will arrive at the surgery center about an hour prior to your procedure. Once you have been checked in you may be offered a sedative to help you relax. You will then be prepared for surgery. The area around your eyes will be cleaned and a sterile drape may be applied around your eye.
Eye drops or a local anesthetic will be used to numb your eyes. When your eye is completely numb, an eyelid holder will be placed between your eyelids to keep you from blinking during the procedure.		Your eye will be completely numbed before the procedure.

A very small incision will be made and a tiny ultrasonic probe will be used to break up the cataract into microscopic particles using high-energy sound waves. This is called phacoemulsification.

The cataract particles will be gently suctioned away. Then, a folded intra-ocular lens (IOL) will be inserted through the micro-incision, then unfolded and locked into permanent position. The small incision is "self-sealing" and usually requires no stitches. It remains tightly closed by the natural outward pressure within the eye. This type of incision heals fast and provides a much more comfortable recuperation.

Intra-Ocular Lens replaces the natural lens of the eye.

The IOL is placed inside the capsular bag of the eye.

If your eye has pre-existing astigmatism, your surgeon may elect to make micro-incisions in the cornea to reduce your astigmatism. These are called LRIs or limbal relaxing incisions.

Pre-existing astigmatism can be treated with limbal relaxing incisions.

You will go home soon after the surgery and relax for the rest of the day. Everyone heals somewhat differently, but many patients report improvement in their vision almost immediately after the procedure. Most patients return to their normal activities within a day or two.

Realistic expectations:

The decision to have cataract surgery is an important one that only you can make. The goal of any vision restoration procedure is to improve your vision. However, we cannot guarantee you will have the results you desire.

Once removed, cataracts will not grow back. But some patients may experience clouding of a thin tissue, called the capsular bag, that holds the intra-ocular lens. In most cases, a laser is used to painlessly open the clouded capsule and restore clear vision with a procedure called a capsulotomy.

The capsular bag may become cloudy in the future.

Serious complications with cataract surgery are extremely rare. It is a safe, effective and permanent procedure, but like any surgical procedure, it does have some risks. Going to an eye specialist experienced with the procedure can significantly minimize the risks involved with cataract surgery.

After a thorough eye exam, you and your doctor will determine if cataract surgery is an option for you. You will be given additional information about the procedure that will allow you to make an informed decision about whether to proceed. Be sure you have all your questions answered to your satisfaction.

Experienced Surgeon

Dr. Horsley is certified by the American Board of Eye Surgery in the subspecialty field of cataract/implant surgery. Only a few other eye surgeons in the state are so qualified.

To be board certified in cataract surgery, an eye surgeon must meet many demanding requirements including being board certified in ophthalmology.

Dr. Horsley helped introduce to the area many innovations including phacoemulsification. Today, this technique is recognized by ophthalmologists around the country as the preferred method for treating cataracts.

You may also choose to make an appointment or request additional information to learn more about this exciting procedure.