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Eye Physicians and Surgeons, P.A.
1207 North Scott St.
Wilmington, DE 19806
Ph / (302) 652-3353
Fax / (302) 656-9979
See the World through Clear Eyes Once Again
Cataracts are a frustrating fact of life for millions of adults, particularly those over the age of 50. Fortunately, however, no one has to live with cataracts. The surgical removal of cataracts gives cataract sufferers an opportunity to regain the crisp, clear vision they once enjoyed. Indeed, with the advent of advanced, multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs), most patients are able to see better than they had been able to since childhood, if not in their entire lives.
If cataracts are interfering with your vision, Dr. Jeffrey Minkovitz and his team can help. Contact Eye Physicians and Surgeons, P.A., in Wilmington, Delaware for further information about cataract surgery or to schedule a consultation.
What Is a Cataract?
The term "cataract" refers to the gradual thickening—or clouding over—of the crystalline lens of the eye. Over time, the lens becomes so opaque that light entering the eye becomes distorted or cannot reach the retina, thereby obscuring vision. Cataracts can occur in one or both eyes.
The most common type of cataract is the nuclear cataract. A likely the consequence of aging, the nuclear cataract affects the nucleus of the center of the lens. Another type of cataract is the cortical cataract. The cortical cataract occurs when the shell-like cortex surrounding the nucleus becomes cloudy. This type of cataract occurs most commonly in patients with diabetes. Subcapsular cataracts, common in those who have used steroids, affect the rear part of the lens.
Cataract Symptoms
The symptoms of cataracts develop gradually over time. The decline can occur so slowly that you may not even recognize a problem until you have a complete eye exam. The most obvious symptom is a white spot over the pupil of your eye, but by that time, the condition is already in an advanced stage. However, there are several symptoms associated with cataracts that should be noted:
- Distorted, blurry, or cloudy vision
- Reduced vision at night
- Seeing halos around lights
- Sensitivity to bright light
- Colors appear dull and muted
Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is a safe and effective outpatient procedure in which the natural lens is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision. There are three techniques associated with cataract surgery: phacoemulsification, extracapsular surgery, and intracapsular surgery.
Phacoemulsification
The most common technique used to remove cataracts, phacoemulsification uses ultrasound waves to safely and effectively break up the damaged lens. Once the lens particles have been removed, an IOL is positioned into place.
Extracapsular Surgery
Commonly used for lenses that are very thick or hard, extracapsular surgery allows the affected lens to be removed in a single piece from the lens capsule. Once the lens has removed, an IOL is inserted.
Intracapsular Surgery
Intracapsular surgery involves the removal of both the lens and the capsule in which it is held. This technique is often reserved for situations in which the lens has become displaced due to injury or disease.
To learn more about cataract surgery, contact Eye Physicians and Surgeons, P.A. in Wilmington, Delaware today. Our experienced team of eye care professionals would be pleased to answer whatever questions you might have and to schedule an appointment for you to discuss your vision restoration options.
Lens Replacement after Cataract Surgery
Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are artificial lenses made of silicone, acrylic, or plastic, used to replace the natural lens of the eye in cataract surgery. Since the IOL is made of a pliable material, it can be folded and slipped through a narrow incision into its permanent position. An IOL not only serves to replace an unhealthy lens and repair vision, it can also improve vision to a point where corrective lenses—glasses or contact lenses—are not needed at all or as often.
Contact the Eye Physicians and Surgeons, P.A. to Learn More about Cataract Surgery
Serving patients in need of cataract surgery in the Wilmington, Delaware area, Dr. Minkovitz and his colleagues welcome the opportunity to meet with you and discuss your eye care needs. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.