Cataract Surgery
Des Peres Eye Center
Ophthalmologists located in St. Louis, MO & Arnold, MO
When cataracts cloud your vision and prevent you from enjoying daily activities, cataract surgery is the most effective way to restore your vision. The skilled ophthalmologists at Des Peres Eye Center in St. Louis and Arnold, Missouri, have more than 60 years of combined experience, and they’re fully committed to restoring your vision using the most advanced technology available. Call the office to schedule your cataract surgery consultation now.
Cataract Surgery Q & A
What is a cataract?
A cataract is a cloudy eye lens that diminishes your vision. You can have cataracts in one or both of your eyes. The majority of cataracts occur due to changes in the eyes as you age, but cataracts can also develop after trauma. Sometimes cataracts develop due to uncontrolled blood sugar in diabetics.
What are the symptoms of cataracts?
If you have cataracts, you'll typically have at least some of the following symptoms.
- Cloudy or hazy vision
- Blurry vision
- Difficulty with night vision
- Difficulty seeing when there's a glare
If your cataracts aren't significant yet, you may not have obvious symptoms. But, since they tend to progress steadily, it's important to monitor cataracts closely with the help of your Des Peres Eye Center ophthalmologist.
When do I need cataract surgery?
If your cataracts are interfering with clear vision to the point that it's causing problems in your life, cataract surgery may be the best option for you. With cataract surgery, you can replace your cloudy lens for a new one (an artificial implant) that offers sharp and clear vision.
What is cataract surgery like?
Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure, and it's one of the most reliable and safe types of surgery available today. You'll be under mild sedation for the procedure, which means you'll be awake but comfortable and a bit drowsy.
During the surgery, your Des Peres Eye Center ophthalmologist creates tiny incisions in the eye and then uses carefully targeted ultrasonic energy to pulverize your cataract. Then they remove the old cataract from your eye.
Des Peres Eye Center also offers CATALYS®, a state-of-the-art laser system for precision cataract surgery. With CATALYS, your ophthalmologist uses advanced 3D imaging and femtosecond laser technology to create a tiny, precise circular opening into the cataract. The laser then softens the hard cataract material allowing for gentle and safe removal of the cataract.
Next, your ophthalmologist places an intraocular lens implant in your eye. Your new intraocular lens implant works just like a healthy eye lens, but it also corrects refractive errors. Typically, your ophthalmologist selects the implant that gives you the best distance vision. But, you may still need to wear glasses to optimize your distance vision or improve your close-up vision.
The doctors at Des Peres Eye Center are pleased to offer a wide range of the most advanced intraocular lens available today including multifocal lenses to help you see both near and far in addition to toric lens if you have astigmatism. Your doctor will help you decide which lens option will be best for your needs and lifestyle.
Want to learn more about cataract surgery? Book your appointment at Des Peres Eye Center online or by phone today.