“Are there any alternatives to cataract surgery?”

Cataracts are an inevitable part of life.  They usually begin developing in the 50s, and if we live long enough we will ultimately need them removed.  Fortunately, cataract surgery is an amazing procedure:  we can replace the “worn out” lens with an implant that can provide excellent distance and...

“What are my options if I have astigmatism?”

Cataract surgery is one of the most successful procedures.  It has become so precise over the years that it is now being used as a method to permanently correct vision.  People with nearsightedness, farsightedness, and/or presbyopia (the need to wear reading glasses) can have this procedure as an alternative...

“My doctor told me I am not a candidate for LASIK.  Do I have any other options?”

LASIK is a terrific way to decrease your need for glasses.  The procedure helps reshape the cornea – the front window of the eye – in order to focus the vision for better distance.  People over the age of 40 who need reading glasses may choose to have one...

“How Long Does Cataract and Lens Replacement Surgery Take?”

Cataract surgery is quick and painless.  Patients hear that statement regularly and doctors assume it provides all the reassurance they need.  To be sure, there is something to be said about a procedure that can be performed in a short time.  A fast treatment suggests little risk and downtime....

“What will my restrictions be after surgery, and when can I go back to work?”

Laser cataract and refractive lens procedures are safe and painless, and usually have little downtime.  Vision may be “foggy” for the first day or so, but most people can resume the majority of their daily activities almost immediately.  In fact, people are usually able to get back to work...

“I still work 5 days a week, and I don’t want to take too much time off. How long is the downtime after cataract surgery?”

Cataract and refractive lens surgery are two ways to permanently correct your vision.  Both treatments replace the natural lens with one that can free you from reading and distance glasses.  The procedures are fast – typically lasting 10 minutes or less per eye – and there is little downtime. ...

“I had cataract surgery in another country, and I am unhappy with my vision. I was told by other doctors that the lens is ‘acrylic’ and cannot be removed. Is this true?”

Did you know that intraocular lens implants (IOLs) can be replaced?  While the intent of cataract surgery is to remove the natural lens and insert a permanent IOL, circumstances may arise where a different IOL would be desirable.  Examples include: the visual result after surgery not being what was...

“I was recently diagnosed with cataracts, but I’m only 56 years old. Should I wait until I get a little older before I have the surgery?”

While nobody wants to live with cataracts, some people are so frightened by the prospect of surgery that they would rather let their vision deteriorate.  Others believe that their cataracts have to “ripen” before they can be removed, or that they must wait until their doctor tells them the...

“How should patients choose a cataract surgeon?”

Choosing a cataract surgeon can be a daunting task.  With all the new and exciting technological advances in cataract surgery, there are a multitude of options available to improve your vision, and it is important that you have the opportunity to learn about them as well as to know...

“I had cataract surgery performed somewhere else and I am unhappy with my vision.” “Is there anything that can be done to improve my vision without using glasses or contact lenses?”

Although cataract surgery can vastly improve one’s vision, its primary goal is to remove the “fog” and visual side effects caused by a clouded lens.  A potential benefit of the procedure is that the surgeon may also be able to decrease your need for glasses, but despite his/her best...