Cataract surgery is a procedure performed to remove the cloudy lens of the eye and replace it with a clear implant called an intraocular lens (IOL). Previously, only one choice was available, a monofocal IOL. This lens allowed good distance or good near vision. Now there are choices available.

 

Multifocal IOL: This is a “deluxe” type of IOL that provides distance vision and restores some of your eye’s ability to focus at near or intermediate ranges.

 

Toric IOL: The new toric IOL technology will allow for correction of astigmatism and may reduce the need for glasses for distance vision.

 

LRI (Limbal Relaxing Incisions): This is a procedure done during or after cataract surgery to reduce astigmatism. A LRI is a small incision the ophthalmologist makes into your cornea to make its shape rounder. This should result in better vision for distance without the need for glasses.

 

If you have cataracts and want to know whether you are a candidate for one of these high tech lenses or procedures, call us for an evaluation today.

 

 

 

Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the most common causes of poor vision after age 60. The macula is the part of the retina that is responsible for central vision and allows you to see fine details. Damage to the macula will result in blurred or distorted vision or dark areas in the central vision. The ability to do common activities such as reading, watching T.V. or driving can become impossible. 

 

The most common form is "dry" or atrophic macular degeneration, caused by aging or thinning of the macula. Vision loss with this type is usually gradual.

 

The "wet" or exudative form, which accounts for approximately 10% of macular degeneration cases, can be visually devastating. The vision loss, caused by abnormal blood vessels growing and leaking under the macula, can be swift and severe. 

 

Exciting new treatments are available for the "wet" type of macular degeneration that may slow the progression of the disease and preserve more sight. These include the new injectable drugs which have been shown to prevent or even reverse the new blood vessel growth. The treatment goal for macular degeneration is not necessarily to restore vision but to prevent further vision loss. 

 

If you have macular degneration, make an appointment to see if one of these new treatments could be right for you.