Be Eye Wise by understanding that cataracts are an eye condition that causes the lens of your eye to become cloudy and obstruct light. Twenty million Americans over the age of 40 are affected by cataracts. Not surprisingly, three million Americans opt for cataract surgery every year to correct the issue.
Nuclear cataracts occur in the center of the lens
Cortical cataracts occur as wedge-shaped spokes extending from the outside of the lens to the center
Subcapsular cataracts occur at the back of the lens
Blurred or dimmed vision (particularly at night)
Cloudy vision
Sensitivity to light and glare
Visual distortions or “ghost images”
Increased nearsightedness
Difficulty reading or driving
Age-related cataracts are the most common, resulting from a natural build-up of proteins in the lens.
Congenital cataracts may be present at birth or developed during childhood.
Secondary cataracts develop when other health or ophthalmologic conditions (such as diabetes) are present.
Traumatic cataracts can develop after an eye injury.
Cataract treatment depends on the type and severity of the cataract. If your vision is slightly blurry, cataract treatment might not be necessary. When cataracts impair your vision, however, surgery is the only treatment option.
But even the surgical path offers you choices. Northwest Eye doctors will help you understand the process and procedure for correcting your cataract. Be Eye Wise and see what you can expect with cataract surgery before, during and after the procedure.
Cataract surgery is an exciting, life-changing choice. But like contacts or glasses, no single solution addresses every eyesight issue. As an elective procedure in conjunction with your cataract surgery, Northwest Eye offers three Advanced Refractive Laser Vision Packages, all designed to address specific vision outcomes.
Schedule ConsultationAdvanced diagnostic technology & testing
Extended pre-operative measurements, calculations, planning, and care
LENSAR™ Laser Surgical System
Post-operative laser enhancements (if necessary)
Extended aftercare for up to 180 days after surgery
With a single distance package, patients have the option of choosing to correct their vision at one focal distance. They can correct for nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia).
Advanced diagnostic technology & testing
Extended pre-operative measurements, calculations, additional monovision testing, planning and care
LENSAR™ Laser Surgical System
Toric lens technology (if necessary for astigmatism)
Post-operative laser enhancements (if necessary)
Extended aftercare for up to 180 days after surgery
With a monovision package, patients have one eye corrected for near vision and one corrected for distance vision. This allows for less dependence on glasses for both ranges.
Advanced diagnostic technology & testing
Extended pre-operative measurements, calculations, additional monovision testing, planning and care
LENSAR™ Laser Surgical System
Multifocal or Accommodating lens technology
PanOptix or Vivity IOL technology – the newest lens technology that offers a full range of quality vision and corrects astigmatism
Post-operative laser enhancements (if necessary)
Extended aftercare for up to 180 days after surgery
With a multifocal lens, patients have the opportunity for less dependence on glasses at a variety of focal ranges (near, far, and intermediate).
The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) is the first lens that offers fine tuning, or adjustments, to the prescription after surgery. Following cataract surgery with this lens, our team can optimize the best prescription for you, for both distance and near vision. Generally, patients need between 2 and 5 adjustments before locking in their best vision. UV protective goggles are necessary to wear during all waking hours for up to 6 weeks until we can get the prescription locked in.
This package includes:
With a light adjustable lens, patients have the option of choosing to correct their vision at a variety of distances. These lenses can correct for nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), or both, by optimizing one eye for each. This highly customizable lens allows for patients to trial their preferred focal point correction before locking it in.
Cataract Surgery is an out-patient procedure, where the surgeon replaces the cloudy intraocular lens (IOL) with a clear one. After your surgery, you’ll be able to return to most everyday activities. Your eye needs time to heal and adjust to focus properly, so it’s possible that your vision may be blurry for a short time after your procedure. Your eye surgeon will provide you with specific care instructions.
After your IOL is implanted, colors may seem brighter. The new IOL will be clear, unlike your natural lens that may have had a yellowish tint. Many patients find the improved colors to be the best outcome of the surgery.
Contact us if you are experiencing the symptoms of cataracts. Be Eye Wise and see the difference between traditional cataract surgery and our advanced refractive laser vision procedures. A Northwest Eye board-certified ophthalmologist will meet patients from the surrounding Minnesota areas, properly diagnose the type of cataract they have and discuss their options. Like any surgery, cataract surgery has risks and varying results. Your eye surgeon will explain and discuss these with you and answer any questions you have before your procedure.
Schedule ConsultationWith six locations throughout the Twin Cities metro area, Northwest Eye is among the largest eye care providers in the Midwest. Be Eye Wise and schedule a general eye exam or a specific service consultation today. We have optical at the following offices: Golden Valley, Minnetonka, Maple Grove, St. Anthony, and Wayzata, MN.
