Cataracts & Intraocular Lenses
Cataract solutions at Overlake EyeCare
Cataracts are a major cause of vision loss worldwide; almost 20 million people are blind because of the condition. Many people think of cataracts as alarming, assuming that if they get them, they will become blind. However, advanced cataract surgery can restore lost sight in most cases. In the United States, more than one million cataract surgeries are performed annually.
What is a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the transparent part of your eye called the lens. A normally clear lens focuses light onto the retina, which is located in the back of the eye. When the lens becomes cloudy and opaque, light cannot pass through to the retina, resulting in blurry or cloudy vision.
What causes cataracts?
Cataracts are most directly associated with the aging process. As the body ages, the normally transparent lens begins to harden and yellow and becomes cloudy. There is increasing evidence that lifelong exposure to ultraviolet light contributes to the formation of cataracts. Over half of all people aged 65 or older have some degree of cataract development. In addition, eye injuries, certain medications, diabetes, kidney disease and smoking may contribute to the formation of cataracts.
Cataract surgery
Since there is presently no medical treatment to prevent cataracts or reverse them once they develop, the only treatment for cataracts is their surgical removal. Cataract surgery is recommended when cataracts start to interfere with your enjoyment of everyday activities. Today’s cataract surgery is a marvel of medical technology. Here at Overlake EyeCare, we’ve always been at the forefront of cataract surgery. Dr. Mary Coday offers the modern phacoemulsification procedure, which enables cataracts to be removed through a tiny incision, as well as "no-stitch" cataract surgery with topical anesthesia.
Dr. Mary Coday performs the state-of-the-art “no-patch,” “no-injection,” “no-stitch” method of cataract surgery. With this safe and effective outpatient procedure, your cloudy lens is gently removed through a microscopic-sized incision and a specially selected lens implant is then carefully implanted to restore bright, clear vision.
Cataract surgery is quick, safe and effective and offers a rapid recovery time of just a few days. Finally, you’ll feel confident that your procedure will be performed inside our state-of-the-art surgical center in Seattle that puts your safety and comfort first.
