Cataract Surgery

Cataracts can cause blurry and cloudy vision, and they might become disabling without treatment. At Harrisburg Eye Associates in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, expert ophthalmologist Alexander Szeles, DO, and his highly trained team use state-of-the-art technology to perform cataract surgery with a compassionate, personal touch. Call the office or book an appointment online today to learn more about cataract surgery.

What are cataracts?

Cataracts are the clouding of your eye lens. Nearly everyone develops cataracts as they age. They develop as proteins build up, clinging together and clouding the eye lens. The cloudiness can cause:

• Hazy vision
• Blurry vision
• Dim vision
• Sensitivity to light and glare
• Decreased color intensity (faded-looking colors)

Cataracts can cause pronounced vision impairment if untreated, which explains why four million Americans have cataract surgery annually. Cataract surgery removes your clouded eye lens and gives you a new artificial lens (intraocular lens or IOL). 

How does cataract surgery work?

There are two main options in cataract surgery. 

Standard cataract surgery

In standard cataract surgery, the team creates a corneal incision and a circular hole in the lens capsule bag to access the cataract. They use ultrasound energy to break down the cataract and then suction it out. Then, they insert your replacement lens.  

Laser cataract surgery

Laser cataract surgery assists with some of the most difficult steps of surgery. Instead of manually creating the openings for cataract access, the laser uses imaging guidance (detailed mapping of your eye) to create the corneal incision and lens capsule bag opening. 

Instead of segmenting the cataract with a separate device, the laser performs fragmentation. Using the laser allows for the highest level of precision, from incisions to IOL placement. 

At Harrisburg Eye Associates, the team will examine your eyes and determine the surgical technique best suited for your eyes. 

What type of IOL do I need for my cataract surgery?

There are numerous options in IOLs today, with the main options including:

Monofocal

Monofocal IOLs correct your vision at one distance (usually your distance vision). So, if you previously needed reading glasses for up-close eyesight or viewing things at arm’s length, you’ll still need those glasses after surgery. 

Premium

Premium IOLs offer an array of vision correction options. You can have multiple prescriptions in one IOL, and can also correct astigmatism (toric IOLs) if needed. With a premium IOL, you won’t need glasses after your cataract surgery.

Regardless of the type of IOL you choose, you can rely upon laser cataract surgery for the most optimal lens placement and the best long-term outcome.

Many cataract surgery patients experience significantly better vision after their procedure. To learn how it can help you, call Harrisburg Eye Associates or book an appointment online today.