Top Cataract Surgeons

The only way to truly restore the vision loss because of a cataract is to surgically replace it with an artificial one. Some people find that they can manage the vision loss from their cataracts with a stronger prescription for glasses or contact lenses. However, as cataracts progress over time, they may start to impede your ability to perform everyday tasks, like driving or doing your job.

The best way to determine when you should consider having your natural lens surgically replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL) is to ask your eye surgeon to review the degree of dysfunction in your lens compared to your cornea. An objective, scientific comparison of the two parts that make up your vision will help you and your surgeon decide the appropriate time for lens replacement.

Selecting the right premium IOL means that you may longer need to wear any sort of corrective eyewear — glasses or contact lenses — after your surgery. However, a common mistake is to assume that getting cataract surgery will automatically lead to perfect vision. The key to clear vision is having an accurate picture of your eye and selecting a replacement lens based on your unique eye structure and existing refractive issues.

In addition to examining your natural lens, your surgeon should perform a comprehensive visual assessment to measure the size and shape of your cornea as well as the way light moves through your entire optical system. Your cornea and lens are both contributors to the overall clarity of your vision. Frequently, the shape of the cornea is the cause of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. If you have an astigmatism, for example, an experienced surgeon will be able to demonstrate how your vision would change if you selected a toric lens so that you can decide which implant you prefer.