Cataract

What is cataract?

Cataract is a clouding of the natural, crystalline lens of the eye. The natural lens is shaped with various layers and a central nucleus, and clouding may occur in any layer. Cataract formation can occur at any age. Systemic disease, trauma, medications, and natural age-related processes lead to cataract formation. 

What are the effects of cataract?

Clouding of the crystalline lens may affect light’s ability to focus onto the back of the eye, creating blurred vision, glare, haloes, and decreased night-time vision. Early in the course of cataract, eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions may change, but vision may still be good. With progressive cataract formation vision may be impaired, despite the use of corrective lenses. When this occurs, removal of the cataract can help improve your vision. 

How is cataract surgery performed?

The aim of cataract surgery is to remove the natural cloudy lens and to replace it with a clear artificial implant. Various implants exist, and premium technology implants including astigmatism-correcting (toric) and presbyopia-correcting (multifocal/trifocal implants) are offered by Dr. Osmanovic and Dr. Dikopf. Femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery is also offered by our doctors. Femtosecond laser may correct astigmatism and decrease the amount of energy used during cataract surgery. 

Cataract surgery is performed in the hospital, and systemic sedation (twilight anesthesia) is provided by an anesthesiologist during surgery.