About Cataract Surgery
A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens of your eye that causes blurring or a decrease in vision. The natural crystalline lens that you were born with gradually darkens in color and clouds over as we age. In some cases it is not noticeable and does not cause significant visual loss. In other cases one may start to lose the ability to read, drive, see faces or see the television. Everyone would develop a cataract if they lived long enough. It is not uncommon for cataracts to develop at a younger age such as in one’s forties or even thirties. Even children can develop cataracts that affect their vision. Other causes of cataracts are diabetes, trauma to the eye, family history or other systemic diseases and local diseases of the eye. The bottom line is that if you have a cataract that is decreasing your ability to do all the things you want to do then it is time for it to be treated with cataract surgery.
The decision to have cataract surgery starts with a personal evaluation by Dr. Gary S. Hirshfield. Your complete medical history will be taken as well as a complete history of your current and past eye problems. Dr. Hirshfield will then personally perform a thorough examination of your eyes. Many conditions can affect your vision. If Dr. Hirshfield determines that a cataract is causing your loss of vision you will then have the option of scheduling surgery.
Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the Untied States. It is extremely effective in restoring vision and quality of life. While no procedure can be guaranteed, the success rate of cataract surgery is at least 98 %. The time from arrival to our surgical center to your trip home is often less than 2 hours. It is a painless procedure usually performed in 15 minutes or less and is done under topical or local anesthesia. Microincisions are used and are less than 3 mm and therefore require no suturing. The cataract is emulsified in the eye by an ultrasound probe or a tiny water jet that allows us to use these small incisions. After the cataract is removed an intraocular lens implant is placed in the eye so that the vision is restored (see below). It is very unusual to have symptoms worse than a mild irritation or foreign body sensation post operatively. In most cases resuming of normal activities will be the same day as surgery or the next day. The vision can become much clearer by the first day.
CRYSTALENS
INTRAOCULAR ACCOMMODATING LENS IMPLANTWelcoming Patients To Our New LOCATION IN SUNNYSIDE QUEENS
DirectionWe are pleased to Announce THE MERGER OF Dr. GEOFFREY BASSON, MD WITH HIRSHFIELD EYE ASSOCIATES
MULTIFOCAL VISION IN NEW YORK
When a cataract is removed, it is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
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