Cataract Specialists Serving Charlotte, Indian Land, Matthews, Monroe & Rock Hill
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens caused by a buildup of protein that prevents light from passing through it and focusing objects onto the retina. The presence of a cataract causes blurry vision or other vision distortions.
Cataracts normally develop in people 60 years of age and older as a result of aging, though they can also be caused by other factors. Metrolina Eye Associates, our team of doctors have years of collective experience treating cataracts. In addition to traditional cataract surgery, we also perform custom, or laser, cataract surgery using the advanced LenSx Laser Cataract System as well as premium intraocular lens implants that reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses after surgery. Ask your Ophthalmologist about your cataract surgery options today.
Good Candidates for Cataract Surgery
You are generally considered a good candidate for cataract surgery if you have:
- Blurry or cloudy vision
- Difficulty seeing in the distance
- Light sensitivity (including seeing “halos” around lights)
- Night vision problems
- Vision distortions, including seeing “ghost” images
Laser Cataract Surgery
At Metrolina Eye Associates, our surgeons specialize in the most modern cataract surgery: no needle, no stitch, no pain, and under 10 minutes. We are also one of the few centers to offer the exciting and advanced LenSx® Laser Cataract System. We have extensive experience ranging from the most complicated cataract operations to the most routine. We also specialize in “custom” or “premium” cataract surgery using the all-laser cataract system and premium intraocular lenses to reduce or eliminate glasses after surgery. In addition to our expertise, our cataract surgeons and staff are committed to providing our patients with the most personal and caring approach.
Lens Implant Options
Modern cataract surgery replaces the cloudy eye lens with a crystal-clear, artificial lens implant. Since the implant is very small and placed inside the eye, you will not be able to feel it. We offer our patients three types of implants to choose from, including ones that correct vision problems. A monofocal implant corrects for one distance only. A multifocal implant corrects both distance and near vision. A toric implant corrects for astigmatism. A basic lens implant is also an option; it is a clear lens that replaces the blurry eye lens but does not correct distance or near vision, without the use of glasses.
The Cataract Surgery Procedure
Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure that is performed on one eye at a time. The procedure lasts only 10 minutes, though you will need to spend between one and two hours total at the surgery center, which includes preparation and recovery time. You will also need to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery.
At Metrolina Eye Associates, we use the advanced “No-Needle, No-Stitch, No-Pain” method of cataract surgery, which uses no injections or stitches, and which causes no eye pain during the procedure. You will be administered an IV of medicine to put you in a relaxed, yet awake, state for the procedure. Your eye will also be completely numbed with anesthetic eye drops or gel.
In traditional cataract surgery, two small incisions are made on the side of the eye, and an ultrasound device is used to break up the cataract into small pieces, which are then washed out of the eye. With laser cataract surgery, the eye incisions are made painlessly, and the cataract is broken up using a computer-guided laser. Once the cataract is removed, the doctor places the lens implant into the eye.
Although your vision will be blurry immediately after surgery, it will clear within a day or two of surgery, with sharp focus within a week after surgery.
Recovering from Cataract Surgery
Though most of the healing takes place the first week after surgery, it may take up to a month for the eye to completely heal. It is important to keep your eye clean and not rub it during this time. You can return to work the day after surgery, though the timeframe may vary based on the type of work. Heavy lifting or strenuous activity is not recommended immediately following surgery. Normal activities like washing your hair can be resumed, but you will need to wear the plastic patch provided by your doctor. You will also need to wear the patch while sleeping, for up to one week after surgery.
Light Adjustable Lens
The Light Adjustable Lens can correct near, intermediate and distance vision, as well as astigmatism. It also provides near vision correction with the Extended Depth of Focus Technology (EDF). While there are many excellent IOLs available, one of the primary benefits of the Light Adjustable Lens is that it allows you to trial and adjust your vision according to your preferences, regardless of what was decided before surgery
Schedule An Appointment
Would you like to ask one of our highly skilled doctors at Metrolina Eye Associates about your cataract surgery options? Call us for a cataract evaluation at one of our three locations. If you live in Uptown Charlotte, contact our local eye care center by calling (704) 334-2020. For patients near UNC Charlotte, contact our University office by calling (704) 547-8730. If you live in the Matthews or Stallings area, call our local office it (704) 234-1930. If you are in the Monroe area, contact us at (704) 289-5455. For our South Carolina patients, we have two locations available. Contact our Rock Hill eye care center at (803) 324-4258 or our Indian Land location by calling (803) 547-3937.
