Cataracts FAQs

What is a Cataract?
How do Cataracts affect vision?
Do I need cataract surgery?
What is involved in the Cataract Procedure?
Why use a lens implant?
Is the lens implant permanent?
Will I feel a difference with the lens implant?
Will injections or stitches be needed?
Can both eyes be done on the same day?
What about Capsular Opacities?
Patient Testimonials
Our Technological Advances

WHAT IS A CATARACT?
Contrary to what many people think, a cataract is not a growth or film over the outside surface of the eye. In fact, the cataract is the lens which has become opaque or clouded. This interferes with vision by blocking out light. It is most often due to the normal aging process. A cataract clouds vision by preventing light from passing through the lens to focus on the retina at the back of the eye. The lens of the eye works much like the lens of a camera. If the lens of your camera is dirty or fogged, then the picture taken will be hazy or blurred. A cataract causes the light focusing on the retina to be blurred in the same manner.

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HOW DO CATARACTS AFFECT VISION?
Shown is a normal, clear field of view as seen through the clear lens of the eye. When a cataract is present (place cursor over image), vision becomes darkened, cloudy, yellow and blurred.

DO I NEED A SURGERY?
Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure usually done at the hospital or ambulatory surgical center. The procedure uses local anesthesia in the form of eyedrops to ensure comfort. Patients are awake during the surgery. Eye patches are not required after surgery, and restrictions are minimal.

Successful cataract surgery can greatly improve the quality of life by giving people the freedom to see clearly to once again enjoy day and night time activities. Driving, reading, shopping and recreation can again become pleasurable activities.

To decide whether or not you need cataract surgery, you must first have a complete eye examination. There are several indications for cataract surgery, but rarely will a cataract need to be removed immediately or as an emergency. Because the procedure is elective, most cataract surgery can be scheduled at the individual’s convenience. Some of the more common reasons an individual chooses cataract surgery are:

• Decreased vision - such as difficulty seeing the street signs, or problems reading fine print.
• Foggy vision - some people report that their vision appears to have a fog or film over it.
• Halos around lights - some people have difficulty in particular with night driving due to glare from oncoming automobile headlights.
• Glare - problems with light sensitivity going from a darkened room to bright light.
• Decreased ability to perform daily tasks - such problems as reading medication instructions, failure to pass a driver’s visual examination, problems seeing to play cards, bowl or play golf are common.

After consultation with your ophthalmologist, you may decide that you wish to have cataract surgery. Before your make this decision, however, you need to be informed about the health of your eyes, the risks and complications of surgery, and the alternatives as well as the potential benefits for you. You also need to know what you can reasonably expect for visual improvement following the procedure. Although millions of people have undergone safe and successful cataract surgery, complications, though rare, can and do occur. The most serious complication of eye surgery is blindness, due to infection, retinal detachment or technical problems with the surgery and your eye. You must be fully informed about the surgery and its attendant risks before making an informed decision to proceed.

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WHAT IS INVOLVED IN THE CATARACT PROCEDURE?
For most patients, cataract treatment involves the placement of a synthetic lens inside the eye. Typically, this involves making a small incision in the eye, and then dissolving and removing the cataractous lens with ultrasound (often referred to as phacoemulsification). A clear, synthetic lens is then put in place. We evaluate each patient carefully. Any special treatment or instructions will be discussed prior to surgery. Sight First Clinics is focused on your comfort and the best possible care.

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1. A very small "No Stitch" incision is made in the side of the cornea. Such an incision promotes fast and more comfortable recovery.

2. The bag of the lens is opened and a special ultrasonic probe (phacoemulsifier) removes the cloudy lens.

3. A small foldable artificial lens is inserted through the small incision to replace the cataract lens.

4. The final replacement lens is shown in place. It is not required to suture the small "No Stitch" incision.

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHY USE A LENS IMPLANT?
When we perform a cataract surgery, the ultrasound dissolves and removes the cataract, which is the lens. Therefore, we use a special intraocular lens or lens implant to replace the lens that was removed.

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IS THE LENS IMPLANT PERMANENT?
The lens is intended to be permanent and in most cases will not need to be removed.

WILL I FEEL A DIFFERENCE WITH THE LENS IMPLANT?
No, the lens becomes a part of you. It is as natural in appearance, comfort and durability as your natural lens had been prior to the development of the cataract.

WILL INJECTIONS OR STITCHES BE NEEDED?
The eye is desensitized without injections. We use anesthetic drops to numb the eyes. This eliminates the pain and bruising of the eye associated with injections. Because the incision is so small, it usually does not require stitches.

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CAN BOTH EYES BE DONE ON THE SAME DAY?
No. Only one eye is operated on at a time. The second eye can be done approximately one day to one week later.

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WHAT ABOUT CAPSULAR OPACITIES?
A secondary cataract does not involve the lens. In patients with secondary cataracts, the clear membrane that separates the front and back of the eye has become cloudy. To restore visual clarity, an opening is made in the center of the membrane with a Yag laser. The laser dissolves the cloudiness of the membrane and allows light to pass through to the retina.

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Patient Testimonials

"I am very impressed and happy of the results of the operation. I should have done it earlier because i am now seeing things as they are." Consul Arcadio Alegrado Hon. Consul of Austria

"My daughter (Donna Cruz - Yrastorza Larrazabal was right! Larrzabal Eye not only removed my cataracts but made me see clearer even without my glasses!" Renato Yrastorza Father of singer/actress - Donna Cruz

Dr. Potenciano Larrazabal III has blessed us with his Christ guided hands in laser surgery. We now have new and clearer vision to see our life’s ambition realized! We thank God daily for blessing us through this talented young doctor and proudly recommend him to those who have the need for eye surgery." Felipe and Lea Pansoy Businessman and Housewife

"Ari ta sa, the best" Max Surban Visayan Singer

 

There has been an explosion of technology in the field of modern cataract surgery in the past several years. Today, cataract surgery can be performed without painful injections, without sutures, without bandages, and with more rapid recovery of normal vision. This has been made possible by ultra fine microscopic instruments and new techniques.

Our Technological Advances
Cataract Surgery and Lens Implants

Bausch & Lomb Millennium

Bausch & Lomb Surgical, formerly Storz Instrument Company, is a leading international manufacturer and distributor of high-quality ophthalmic surgical instruments, surgical and diagnostic equipment, intraocular lens implants, and ophthalmic pharmaceuticals. Bausch & Lomb Surgical is responsible for introducing technological innovations that have delivered tremendous advances to phacoemulsification and microincision surgery worldwide.

Bausch & Lomb Surgical's new Millennium Microsurgical System is a modular system that addresses the needs of several eye surgical specialties, including cataract removal, retinal reattachment, glaucoma, and cornea repair. The Millennium has advanced surgical features, which include new pump technology for either a flow or vacuum-based aspiration system from the eyes, high-performance ultrasound delivery for cataract removal, a dual light source, and electric scissors.

The Millennium microsurgical system delivers on the promise of a platform with innovative technology. For the latest advancement in fluidics control for the cataract surgeon, Bausch & Lomb Surgical offers the first aspiration pump to provide both flow and vacuum response.

This programmable system delivers outstanding performance. The Dual Linear control feature allows for simultaneous control of either flow or vacuum, and ultrasound power. Additionally, both flow and vacuum response can be used in the same procedure. The powerful Quad-crystal ultrasound hand-piece delivers smooth efficiency. Programming options allow for virtually unlimited parameters of storage and surgeon-controlled mode switching. With its modular design, the Millennium system integrates innovation for today and the future.

The Leica M844 F40

The Leica M844 F40 is the premium class surgical microscope system for ophthalmology. Optimal lighting conditions are provided by the Leica direct halogen illumination system for improved contrast and Red Reflex.

The original APO OptiChrome™ optics in conjunction with the Quad-Zoom™ zoom system guarantee optical brilliance. APO OptiChrome™, in combination with the Leica F40 floor stand, are the ideal answers to the challenges of ophthalmic microsurgery in the 21st century.

The Leica M844 F40 provides the best preconditions for safe, fatigue-free work – regardless of the physical size and posture of the user.

Key Features

• Original APO OptiChrome™ optics
• QuadZoom™, motorized 6:1 zoom, 2 x 2 beam paths for identical view for all observers
• 100% illumination and stereo view for the main surgeon and the assistant both at the identical magnification
• Leica Halogen Illumination concept
• Double Beam Red Reflex for fundus reflex in all positions
• OttoFlex™ II, for high contrast and brilliant red reflex
• Leica F40, solid stand system with four electromagnetic brakes
• Special UltraLow II binocular tube for ideal eyepiece to field distance regardless of accessories used
• Two-in-One Display (control unit / live video display)
• ISUS™ System
• StepCycle™ - semi-automatic surgery function
• Ergonomic brakes-release for perfect positioning
• Motorized XY-unit, speed adjustable with automatic and manual reset function
• Motorized tilt mechanism, speed adjustable
• Quick-change lamp mount

• ErgonOptic™ means a wide range of observation options for comfortable viewing and fatigue free viewing like the ultra low binocular tube.

• Foot-/handswitches with 12 or 16 functions
• Asepsis for all controls

Acrysof® ReSTOR® Natural Implant

A new artificial lens (intraocular lens), the ReSTOR lens received FDA approval in March of 2005 for the correction of near, intermediate and distance vision. Clinical studies showed that 80% of the patients who received the Acrysof ReStor lens did not use glasses for any acitivity after cataract surgery. 99% achieved distance visual acuity of 20/40 or better, with 88% seeing 20/25 or better. Regarding near vision, those who had the implantation in both eyes achieved 20/25 vision. This means that they could read stock quotes printed in the newspaper. And 85% achieved 20/25 vision at intermediate distance (adequate for computer work).

The ReSTOR lens provides different ranges of vision based on a lens configuration that enables a specific distribution of light in response to the size of the pupil. Most current intraocular lenses used for cataract surgery are able to restore vision only in limited distance ranges, which means patients often must use eyeglasses or other corrective lenses following surgery.

Learn More about Acrysof® ReSTOR® IOL