Cataract Surgery

Your eye has a clear lens through which light passes, allowing you to see. When the lens loses its transparency, the cloudy tissue that develops is known as a cataract. Cataracts cause progressive, painless loss of vision.

Cataracts Diagram

 If visual impairment interferes with your ability to read, work, or do the things you enjoy then it is time to consider cataract surgery. Surgery is the only proven means of effectively treating cataracts. Cataract surgery is relatively painless and is one of the most frequently performed procedures. It has a very high success rate and more than 90 percent of cataract surgery patients regain useful vision.

Causes & Symptoms

Although cataracts usually develop without apparent pain, some indications that a cataract may be forming are as follows:

  • Blurred or hazy vision
  • Double vision
  • Poor vision in bright light
  • Seeing halos around lights
  • Night vision difficulty

Cataract tissue is a natural result of aging which, like most medical problems, affect some people more severely than others. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light may also play a role in the formation of cataracts.  Studies have shown that people who smoke cigarettes have a higher risk of developing cataracts than non-smokers.

In younger people, they can result from an injury, certain medications, or illnesses such as diabetes.

Treatment

Our talented and experienced surgeons perform the most common and proven method of cataract surgery.  The surgery begins with the surgeon making a small incision at the edge of the cornea.  Then, in a process called phacoemulsification, an ultrasonic probe with a hollow tip and a vacuum is used to break up and remove the cloudy lens from the bag or capsule.  This cloudy lens is then replaced with a small plastic intraocular lens (IOL) implant.  This IOL corrects vision for a single focal point (monofocal), often resulting in a reduced dependency on glasses or contact lenses.

In addition to the monofocal IOL which is the most widely used in cataract surgery, we also offer the latest refractive IOLs, such as the multifocal IOL and toric IOL. The multifocal IOLs (Tecnis and ReSTOR) are both designed to correct vision for distance and near. The toric IOL (AcrySof Toric) corrects for astigmatism. These refractive IOLs are not currently covered by insurance and therefore involve a charge to the patient; however, for many it may be well worth the extra cost.

Cataract Surgey Process

Occasionally, months and sometimes years after the cataract surgery, a hazy membrane can form on the capsule that holds the IOL in position.  This is commonly called a secondary cataract and can cause issues with blurriness or glare in your vision. If this occurs, a fast, painless laser treatment called a YAG capsulotomy is performed to remove the secondary cataract and restore the clarity of your vision.

Videos

Through Our Patients Eyes

"I took my son to see Dr. Morse when he was about four and a half. My husband and I have no vision issues, so we were really in uncharted territory. Dr. Morse and the Concord Eye Center staff were so forthcoming and honest with information and that was so important for us. This was all new and we really needed all the support we could get. Dr. Morse has been really great – taking the time to explain everything to us. Cal was very nervous about having glasses but once he got them, he could see so much better that he forgot all his nerves and just took to them. We have just felt very comfortable with Dr. Morse and are grateful for the care she’s given our family."

Cal's Mom - Concord NH

"Dr. Wasserman knew when it was time for me to consider surgery and I liked that he didn’t rush it, that he was really looking for things to get to a point where surgery made sense. When he said it was time, that surgery could really help, we scheduled it. I felt comfortable with Dr. W and with the procedure – I knew I was in good hands and that I’d be fine. It all went very smoothly. My life has improved so much since the surgery – I love that I really don’t need my glasses all the time anymore – I don’t need them for driving or distance. I didn’t realize the cataracts were that bad – I am so happy it’s done!"

Barbara - Franklin NH

“I’ve been an eye surgeon in Concord for 22 years and have performed hundreds of surgeries for my patients. I can’t tell you how rewarding it is to hear them tell me how their sight has been enhanced and their quality of life improved. My favorite day of the week is my surgery day. My second is the next day when I get to hear the “wows” and see the smiles on patients’ faces. I think that’s what’s been my greatest pleasure in serving the people of Concord and the surrounding towns since 1994. If you have been noticing changes in your vision, I’m proud to recommend that you give us a call.”

Dr Erin Fogel – Concord Eye Center