How are Cataracts Treated?
The general treatment for cataracts requires cataract surgery. Cataract surgery has undergone numerous advancements in the last decade, which have not only made the procedure faster, but also shortened the length of recovery time and provided new lens implant options, such as the ReStor, the ReZoom and the crystalens intraocular lenses. Dr. Harry Koster is a corneal specialist and was one of the first eye surgeons in New York to use these innovative technologies.
With skilled and experienced surgeons such as Dr. Koster, cataract surgery is now one of the most safe and effective surgical procedures available in medicine. Prior to a cataract procedure, our technicians take measurements of the patient’s eye in one of our offices. These measurements determine the strength of the intraocular lens implant. Determining the precise power of the lens implant is critical because the implant determines the patient’s post-operative prescription. The type of intraocular lens placed in the eye is also important because different intraocular lenses have different features.
Not long ago, cataract surgery required a hospital stay. Today the surgery typically takes 10 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis in the comfort of Dr. Koster’s own eye surgery center in midtown Manhattan. Patients leave the surgery center just a couple of hours after arrival. Before the procedure an anesthetic gel is used to numb the eye. Through a small incision (2 mm) the cataract is emulsified using sound waves, with the resulting particles irrigated out of the eye (this process is called phacoemulsification). Once the cataract is removed, an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted that focuses light properly for good uncorrected vision. At the end of the procedure the wound is tested. The vast majority are water tight, requiring no sutures, thus allowing the eye to more quickly heal. Recovery time is drastically reduced from years ago, with most patients back to their daily routines within a day of their surgery.
Different Intracocular Lens Options
Traditionally, the only intraocular lenses available to cataract patients were "monofocal" . This type of lens corrects unaided vision at only one point, either distance or near, depending on the power of the implant. Most of the time, an implant power is selected to completely correct a patient’s distance vision so that after the operation, the patient will only need reading glasses.
As a result of technological advances, new "multifocal" lens implants are now available. Lenses such as the ReStor, the ReZoom and crystalens IOLscan correct a patient’s distance AND near vision, making the patient less dependent on reading glasses. Other lenses, such as the Acrysof Toric lens, can reduce or eliminate astigmatism. Prior to cataract surgery, the doctors and staff at NY Laser Group discuss the various type of intraocular implants available so that an informed decision can be made regarding the appropriate type of intraocular lens for each patient. We are dedicated to helping patients find the best optical solution for their lifestyle and vision needs. In addition, prior to the procedure, NY Laser Group will discuss potential side effects of cataract surgery and important pre and post-operative instructions, including required post-op appointments. We will also review the insurance plans accepted by the group and alternative financing methods.
Cataract surgery is considered one of the most popular and highly successful procedures for improving vision. In fact, a study by the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons recently reported that 98% of cataract patient had their vision successfully improved following surgery. Many patients report that their vision is even better than it was before they developed cataracts. Notwithstanding the popularity of cataract surgery, the success of a patient’s procedure depends on skilled and experienced surgeons such as Dr. Koster, who has performed over 10,000 cataract surgeries. Indeed, other doctors often refer difficult surgical cases to him. If you are think you are a candidate for cataract surgery (or are over the age of 40 and haven’t seen an eye doctor in the past year), please Contact Us to set up a consultation.
For more information please do not hesitate to contact our surgical coordinator Sherri Delatorre by phone at (718) 805-0700 ext 215 or (212) 243-2300 or via email sdelatorre@nylasergroup.com.
