Cataract Treatment

cataract

Cataract Surgery in Somerset, New Jersey

Cataracts are a largely unavoidable part of getting older. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, more than half of all Americans over the age of 80 either have a cataract or have had a cataract. The National Eye Institute estimates that the number of people with cataracts will double from 24.4 million to 50 million by 2050. However, cataracts do not have to stop you from living a full, active life.

Dr. Bradley J. Phillips, a top ophthalmologist in Somerset, is one of the area’s leading cataract surgeons and performs hundreds of procedures every year. Cataract removal with Dr. Phillips is a relatively short, simple outpatient procedure that requires no shots, stitches or overnight hospital stays. With Dr. Phillips’ help, you can reclaim clear vision and better quality of life after cataracts.

Understanding Cataracts

The eye’s lens sits directly behind the iris and is responsible for focusing light on the retina (similar to the lens of a camera). With age, the proteins in the lens can start to clump together, forming cloudy areas known as cataracts. Over time, the clouding can worsen and lead to blurry vision. The visual effects of cataracts have been compared to looking out of a cloudy or dirty window. Cataracts can also cause poor night vision, glare and halos, and can make colors look dull or faded.

Cataracts cannot be managed with medication or eyedrops. Some people try to compensate for the visual deterioration caused by cataracts by adjusting their glasses prescriptions; however, this simply buys time. Many cataracts can eventually become so severe that they must be surgically removed.

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Cataract Treatment

When the visual effects of cataracts start to interfere with daily life, they can be removed and an artificial lens placed during an outpatient procedure with Dr. Phillips. The eyes are completely numbed prior to surgery for a more comfortable patient experience.

Dr. Phillips was an early adopter of the Precision Laser System of cataract removal. This approach involves creating a three-dimensional map of the eye’s structures to chart out treatment before the surgery takes place. Dr. Phillips is then able to tailor treatment to each patient’s unique eye shape and size. The Precision Laser System also uses a laser in lieu of handheld instruments, for greater accuracy and precision.

The first step of the procedure is to create a small incision in the eye to access the lens capsule, which holds the clouded lens. While traditional cataract surgery in Somerset involved using ultrasonic energy to break up the lens, Dr. Phillips uses a laser to soften the cataract for gentler removal and shortened recovery. Once the natural lens has been removed, Dr. Phillips places a small artificial lens through the same incision. The lens is carefully positioned in the lens capsule and the incision is closed.

Dr. Phillips offers a wide variety of artificial lenses designed to suit his patients’ diverse visual needs. Some of the most popular lenses are multifocal or accommodating lenses, which restore clear vision at near, far and intermediate distances. Toric lenses are also available to correct pre-existing astigmatism. Dr. Phillips explores the pros and cons of each lens type with patients prior to surgery to determine the most appropriate option.

The recovery from Somerset laser cataract surgery is usually quite short. The eyes may be red and vision blurry for a few days, but these side effects subside quickly.

Schedule a Cataract Surgery Consultation with Dr. Phillips

If you are showing cataract symptoms or have been diagnosed with cataracts, Dr. Phillips invites you to schedule an informational consultation to discuss treatment options. Please call or email our office today to make your appointment.

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