Is cataract surgery necessary in all cases?

No, but the majority of our cataract patients choose to have this routine procedure when their vision begins to fail. Cataract surgery is considered an elective procedure if it is done only for vision improvement, as opposed to surgery prompted by impending harm to the optical system.

In many cases, cataract development will never progress past a small “smudge” on the lens of the eye. However, waiting to see if the cataract development will reverse itself before removal is not always a wise long-term plan. Denver cataract surgeon Dr. Lewis discusses the progress of an individual’s cataract(s) and together helps patients decide when and if surgery is a good option.

Are there any risks involved with cataract surgery?

The risks associated with cataract surgery are many but rarely occur. Infection, inflammation, glaucoma, retinal detachment or swelling are possible and are usually (but not always) treatable. However, the vast majority of cataract patients will experience nothing more than minimal awareness to mild discomfort during the healing process. Dr. Lewis and his staff will discuss the potential risks of cataract surgery with you during your personalized, pre-operative eye evaluation.

Will a preexisting medical condition put me at risk during cataract surgery?

There are certain conditions that may put a patient in a higher risk category during surgery. However, the doctors at Cherry Creek Eye Physicians and Surgeons take every precaution necessary to prevent harm during your procedure.

If removal of a patient’s cataract poses an unusually high danger, doctors may suggest other cataract management options. Patients should be sure to notify his or her doctor of any existing or past health problems, and provide an accurate family history. If necessary, an ophthalmologist may request a complete physical from the family doctor.

How will the world look different after cataract surgery?

Depending on your degree of cataract development, a view once blurred beyond recognition could come clearly into focus following removal of your cataracts. In addition to the disappearance of the cloudiness, many patients are thankful for a loss of glare, more vibrant colors, and the ability to read, drive and perform hobbies again.

After diagnosis, is there a way to stop the growth of cataracts?

Cataract formation cannot be controlled or reversed by medications, herbal remedies or diet. The only known way to permanently improve vision after cataracts is to remove them surgically.

How are cataracts diagnosed?

Most cases of cataracts are easily detected during a thorough and complete eye exam. However, sometimes it is necessary to perform certain specialized eye tests for clarification. It is necessary to rule out other causes of decreased vision including macular degeneration, corneal abnormalities and glaucoma before cataract surgery is recommended. Using specialized instruments like the brightness acuity test (BAT), potential vision acuity analyzer (PAM) visual field analyzer (VF) or optical coherence tomography (OCT), the correct diagnosis can be made with an extremely high degree of certainty. All of these testing options are readily available at the Cherry Creek Eye Physicians and Surgeons, P.C.

Are there different types of cataracts?

Depending on how they were formed, cataracts can be age-related, traumatic (caused by injury), congenital (at birth), or secondary (following other diseases or medication use).

Which replacement lens should I choose?

Each brand of replacement lens has its own unique characteristics. Traditional, monofocal IOLs offer a tried and true way to correct either distance or near vision. The newer, multifocal or accommodating lenses like Tecnis™, Crystalens™, or ReSTOR Lens offer both distance and near vision correction features. During a candidate’s cataract consultation, Dr. Lewis discusses the benefits of all types of replacement lenses.