Office Information
General Office Hours
Monday – Friday: 8am-4:30pm
Open for Patients at 6:15am
Phone 937.431.9531
Cataract Extractions with Lens Implants
Cataracts create cloudiness in the crystalline lens of the eye and are usually caused by changes in the lens that occur naturally over time. Cataracts interfere with the way light enters the eye, and if left untreated can lead to impaired vision and even blindness. During cataract extractions, the opaque, damaged lens is removed from the eye and replaced by an intraocular lens (IOL) implant that restores clear vision and improves eye function.
Cataract Extraction Surgery at the Dayton Eye Surgery Center
At the Dayton Eye Surgery Center, we perform phacoemulsification cataract procedures. We use a tiny ultrasonic device that is made with a dual-purpose hollow tip. This device uses the ultrasonic vibrations to break up the eye's cloudy lens. The hollow tip works as a precision vacuum that then removes the particles. Once removed, the new lens is implanted. Most incisions used for cataract surgery are self-sealing.
On the few occasions where incisions need to be sutured, the stitches rarely need to be removed, increasing our patient's comfort during recovery.
While an uncomplicated procedure lasts only 20-30 minutes in our outpatient facility, patients should allow for 90 minutes or longer to allow for preparation and recovery.
If cataracts will be removed from both eyes, surgery will usually only be done on one eye at a time.
When Should You Consider Cataract Surgery?
Because it's possible for patients to continue daily activities with little or no interference from cataracts - even years after they've first been diagnosed - the appropriate time to undergo cataract removal surgery varies from patient to patient.
However, if you have cataracts, you may start to notice "ghost" images and declining visual clarity, which can't be corrected with glasses or contacts, and colors may begin to look faded. If your functional vision is impaired and it's hard to perform your normal daily activities, it may be time to talk to your eye doctor about your surgical options.
Preparing for Cataract Surgery
Once you and your doctor have decided cataract removal is right for you, the surgeon will examine you and should help you determine if you should continue usual medications and nutritional supplements that may cause problems during cataract surgery, such as Flomax, GLP-1 agonist (Trulicity, Ozempic, Wegovy, etc.), and alpha-blockers.
You may be given a choice regarding which type of lens you'll have implanted: a regular single-vision (monofocal) lens or a premium IOL to correct near-sightedness or astigmatism. Premium IOLs are mor expensive and insurance will not cover the difference, also, extra tests may be required to make sure measurements are exact and you don't have other vision problems that might hamper lens performance.
Discuss the features and benefits of both with your doctor when making your choice.