Cataract Surgery In Wilmington, DE & Langhorne, PA

A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye; cataract surgery is performed to improve vision by replacing the clouded lens with an artificial one. Cataracts affect millions of people in the United States each year. Most cataracts are the result of aging, though some form as a result of genetic factors, disease or injury. Cataract surgery is common, and considered safe and effective.

At The Center For Advanced Eye Care, our expert eye doctors provide cataract surgery to the Wilmington, DE, Middletown, DE, and Langhorne, PA areas.

See What Our Patients Have To Say!

Dr. Pendse performed cataract surgery on both my eyes. He was very attentive to all follow-up care and my many questions. Whenever an out-of-the-ordinary problem arose, he would be sure to see me in an expeditious manner. The staff is thorough and caring. Would definitely recommend them. - Michele F.

Reasons For Cataract Surgery

Cataracts can cause blurry vision, and increase the glare from lights. In their early stages, cataracts usually are not troublesome but, as they thicken, surgery to remove them may be required. Typically, surgery is needed because cataracts are interfering with everyday activities, or the treatment of another eye problem.

Cataracts can cause blurry vision, and increase the glare from lights. In their early stages, cataracts usually are not troublesome but, as they thicken, surgery to remove them may be required. Typically, surgery is needed because cataracts are interfering with everyday activities, or the treatment of another eye problem.

Am I A Candidate For Cataract Surgery?

Cataracts caused by aging develop gradually, and patients may not notice the early vision changes they cause. It is only when their cataracts start interfering with vision that patients may become aware of them. An ophthalmologic examination will detect cataracts, and rule out other causes for vision issues, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration. Patients who become aware of visual difficulties related to cataracts usually experience, especially at night, clouded, blurred or dim vision.

Benefits Of Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery‘s benefits are many, greatly enhancing the quality of life. They include the following:

  • Improved quality of vision (sharper images, brighter colors)
  • Less difficulty with routine tasks (particularly night driving)
  • Decreased dependency on eyeglasses
  • Greater independence, regardless of age or disability
  • Greater safety

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Research indicates that the improved vision provided by cataract surgery reduces the risk of falls, making exercise, sports and hobbies safer. This, combined with the improved ability to read, recognize faces, and perform everyday activities with greater ease, results in improved physical health, increased sociability and longer life expectancy.

Cataract Surgery In Delaware

After the pupil is dilated, and the area in and around the eye is numbed with anesthesia, a tiny incision is made to insert an ultrasonic probe. The probe emulsifies (breaks up) the cloudy lens into tiny pieces that are then suctioned out of the eye. Once the cloudy lens has been removed, an artificial lens is implanted.

The new lens, known as an intraocular lens (IOL), is often inserted through the original incision. Some varieties of IOLs serve multiple purposes, such as blocking ultraviolet light or working as bifocals. Depending on the type of IOL used, sutures may or may not be needed.

Surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis in a doctor‘s office, takes only 20 to 30 minutes, and is relatively painless. A very high percentage of patients demonstrates improved vision after the procedure.

Femtosecond Laser

The Femtosecond Laser is the newest advance in Cataract Surgery. It utilizes a Femtosecond Laser to make incisions, open the lens capsule, and cut the cataract into small pieces that can be extracted.
The incisions creased by the laser have been shown to seal tighter and heal quicker. This may reduce the dangerous risk of infection with cataract surgery. Separate incisions may also be created that are more accurate and precise than can be made by blades. These incisions can reduce astigmatism (Limbal Relaxing Incisions), which means less dependence on glasses after surgery.
Creating a more precise opening in the lens capsule is thought to be important in more reliable and stable positioning of the lens implant after surgery. This ensures more accurate results with surgery and more stability long term. Cutting the lens into small fragments enables the surgeon to remove the cataract with less trauma to the eye. This is critical in patients with advanced cataracts, Fuchs Corneal Dystrophy, Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome, and a history of previous trauma to the eye. In all patients, the reduced trauma leads to quicker visual recovery after surgery.

How Is Recovery After Cataract Surgery?

Immediately after surgery, an eye patch is worn; some doctors advise wearing a protective shield, even when sleeping, for several days. Vision may be blurry at first, but improves within a few days. Some itching and discomfort are also present for a few days, but it is important that a patient not rub or exert pressure on the treated eye. Heavy lifting should be avoided. Eye drops to prevent inflammation and infection, and control eye pressure are prescribed.

Even though full healing can take up to 2 months, because cataract surgery is performed on one eye at a time, daily activities can be resumed in a few days. Most patients need to wear eyeglasses, for at least some tasks, after surgery. If the other eye also has a cataract, which is usually the case, the second surgery is scheduled a month or two after the first.

Risks of Cataract Surgery

Although cataract surgery is a common procedure and considered quite safe, any surgery poses risks. In the case of cataract surgery, there is a slightly increased risk of retinal detachment, a painless but dangerous condition. Other risks of cataract surgery include bleeding and infection. The risk of complications after cataract surgery is greater if the patient has another eye disease or serious medical condition. Danger signs of complications after cataract surgery include increased pain in or redness of the eye, light flashes or floaters, diminished vision, nausea, vomiting or intense coughing.

Schedule Your Cataract Surgery Consultation

If you require cataract surgery in the Wilmington, DE, Middletown, DE, or Langhorne, PA areas, call our office at 1-833-921-6200 or click here to schedule an appointment online.

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