No Stitch Cataract
& Lens Implant

	IOL in place

A cataract is where a normally clear lens becomes cloudy. The cataract is located in the front of the eye. There is no pain associated with the condition but there are other symptoms, including:

• Blurred/hazy vision
• Spots in front of the eye(s)
• Sensitivity to glare
• A feeling of "film" over the eye(s)
• A temporary improvement in near vision

Risk factors for developing cataracts include being over 55 years old, diabetic, eye injury or disease, a family history of cataracts, smoking or use of certain medications.

For people who are significantly affected by cataracts, lens replacement surgery may be recommended. We perform a minimally invasive, no-stitch cataract surgery called phacoemulsification ("phaco") surgery. First, the eye is numbed with topical anesthesia. Then a tiny incision is made in the eye to make room for a small ultrasonic probe. This probe breaks up, or emulsifies, the cloudy lens into tiny pieces and then is suctioned out.

After the cloudy lens has been removed, a new artificial lens is implanted in the eye. With the recent advance of foldable IOLs (intraocular lenses), artificial lenses can be implanted through the same small incision from the phaco procedure. At Eye Physicians and Surgeons of Texas, we also offer the latest in implantable lens development, which includes the "natural lens". This new "natural lens" provides built in protection from ultraviolet and damaging blue wavelength light, which some research suggest may be a factor in causing age related macular degeneration. Now you can achieve excellent vision results while also obtaining additional protection against the harmful effects of sunlight.

We also are excited to offer the potential for freedom from glasses with the use of the new ReSTOR® and ReZoom™ lens implant. Qualified candidates have an 80% chance of complete spectacle freedom i.e., no more reading glasses or bifocal glasses. This exciting technology does come with additional expenses, but is rapidly becoming one of our most popular surgical options.

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Macular
Degeneration

The macula is a part of the retina in the back of the eye that ensures that our central vision is clear and sharp. Macular degeneration is a wear and tear, or aging process, that affects the central or reading vision. It is most common in people over the age of 50.

While there is not a clear cut genetic pattern to ARMD, it is true that ARMD does tend to run in certain families. This may not however be due to genetic reasons but instead to family lifestyles. There are a number of lifestyles that are associated with ARMD. Unprotected exposure to sunlight seems to increase the incidence of ARMD. Thus, we should wear dark sunglasses and a hat whenever we are outdoors. Cigarette smoke seems to increase the incidence of ARMD. Diets that are well balanced and include plenty of vegetables seem to be helpful in the prevention of ARMD, as well as in the slowing of progression once present.

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Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that weakens the blood vessels that supply nourishment to the retina (the light-sensitive lining in the back of the eye where vision is focused). These weak vessels can leak, swell or develop fragile, new vessels, causing a loss of vision. In its advanced stages, the disease can cause blurred or cloudy vision, floaters and blind spots - and, eventually, blindness. This damage is irreversible.

Fortunately, diabetic retinopathy is preventable. People with diabetes are most susceptible to developing it, but your risk is reduced if you follow your prescribed diet and medications, exercise regularly, control your blood pressure, and avoid alcohol and cigarettes.

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Flashes and Floaters

The eye is spherical like a ball and is lined with a film known as the retina. The inner portion of the eyeball is filled with a jelly-like substance known as the vitreous. In young people, the vitreous is perfectly clear and jelly-like in substance. As we age, the vitreous becomes more liquid-like and develops a fibrillar nature. The fibrillar material now floats in a liquid like vitreous. These are what are seen by patients as floaters.

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Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the U.S. It occurs when the pressure inside the eye rises, damaging the optic nerve and causing vision loss. The condition often develops over many years without causing pain or other noticeable symptoms - so you may not experience vision loss until the disease has advanced.

Symptoms that you could be developing glaucoma include blurred vision, loss of peripheral vision, halo effects around lights, and painful or red eyes. People at high risk include those who are over the age of 40, diabetic, near-sighted, African-American, or who have a family history of glaucoma.

To detect glaucoma, your physician will test your visual acuity and visual field as well as the pressure in your eye. Regular eye exams help to monitor the changes in your eyesight and to determine whether you may develop glaucoma.

Once diagnosed, glaucoma can be controlled. Treatments to lower pressure in the eye include non-surgical methods such as prescription eye drops and medications, laser therapy, and surgery.

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Pediatric and
Adult Strabismus

Strabismus, or crossed eyes, is the term for when a person cannot align both eyes on an object at the same time. The condition occurs in about 5% of children, and many adults suffer from it as well. Strabismus can be congenital (present from birth) or acquired from eye injury, diabetes, stroke and other conditions. Strabismus may manifest at first as double vision. If left untreated, it can lead to visual impairment, loss of binocular vision, and blindness in the weaker eye. For children, early treatment is best, preferably before the age of six. Older patients can be helped as well; it's never too late to seek treatment.

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Children's Eye Health

Vision problems can begin at an early age. It is very important that children seek proper eye care. Untreated problems can worsen and lead to permanent vision loss and delayed development.

Children may not be aware that they have a serious vision problem. That is the reason that infants should be screened. Child check up and vision testing should be conducted for all children starting at around 3 years of age. However, if your child has evidence of strabismus (crossed-eyes), amblyopia (lazy eye), ptosis (droopy lids), nystagmus (jiggling eyes), prematurity or family history of eye problems, he/she needs to be evaluated by the Ophthalmologist as soon as it is noted.

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