CATARACT SURGERY  

Cataract 

Cataract occurs when the natural lens of the eye, which is normally clear, becomes cloudy. A cloudy lens, like a dirty camera lens, produces a blurred image, causes glare and may cause a change in an eyeglass prescription. In some cases a simple eyeglass change may dramatically reduce symptoms from cataract. If visual symptoms from cataract are intolerable or interfere with normal daily responsibilities or activities, one might consider cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is almost always elective and rarely medically necessary. Failure to have cataract surgery will not cause irreversible damage to the eye. Poor vision and other symptoms from cataract almost always worsen with time. Fortunately, cataract surgery can completely restore normal vision provided the remaining eye structure is normal. Delaying cataract surgery for years, however, may make removal more difficult causing delayed visual recovery especially in elderly individuals.

The Operation 

Cataract surgery involves anesthetizing the eye with a local anesthetic either applied as a topical eye drop or as an injection into the lower eyelid. The surgeon enters the eye with tiny instruments and removes the clouded natural lens of the eye, replacing it with a clear silicone or acrylic artificial lens. The lens lasts a lifetime with no adverse effects (rejection) if it is properly implanted.  

Lens Options 

In the past the strength of the new lens placed within the eye could be customized to achieve glasses free distance or near vision but not both. Patients required either distance or near glasses. New, multifocal and accomodative lenses (such as ReSTOR® ReZoom and Crystalens®) are now available that permit clear vision for both distance and near. These new lenses permit glasses free vision for almost all visual tasks. There are different types of multifocal lenses and strategies available to customize vision after cataract surgery to suit unique individual preferences based upon career or recreational needs. During consultation each individual's needs and expectations will be clearly reviewed and options presented. 

 Dr. Benedetto performs cataract surgery at The River Drive Cataract And Laser Center (pictured above). The Center is dedicated exclusively to eye surgery and is owned and operated by 15 eye surgeons in the region including Dr. Benedetto. The center performs thousands of cataract surgeries each year, utilizing the latest lens removal technology, lens implants and diagnostic equipment. The center staff includes on site board certified anesthesiologists and internists. Patients are comfortable knowing that the staff is highly trained, experienced and focused on providing efficient service in an office setting with the safety of a hospital.

Complimentary round trip ride service is provided for all cataract patients on the day of surgery.  This service ensures that no one will have transportation problems causing delays in patient care on the day of surgery or inconvenience to other members of the family.