Topical Cataract Surgery

A cataract is a discoloration or clouding of the normally clear lens in the eye. This change in lens clarity causes light to be scattered producing glare and a reduction of vision that cannot be corrected with glasses. Unfortunately, there are no medical or nutritional methods of treating a cataract and once detected, the only way to improve the vision is by removing the cataract surgically.

Recent advances in cataract surgery now allow many patients to have their cataract removed without the use of needles or stitches. The eye is anesthetized using eye drops rather than using an injection of anesthetic under the eye ball with a needle.

Avoiding the needle reduces the risk of bleeding, bruising and inadvertent damage from the needle itself. The patient must be able to cooperate by looking at a light during parts of the surgery to help control eye movement; thus not all patients are good candidates for the procedure. Overall, the far majority of patients do well with this eye drop anesthesia.

In the phacoemulsification procedure, a very small incision is made (about 1/8 inch) through which the cataract is removed and an implant is placed to help the eye focus. The incision is self sealing and rarely ever requires a stitch (also called suture). These incisions are so small they do not typically require a shield to protect the eye.

Furthermore, when topical anesthesia is used we do not even require a patch for our patients and they can resume normal activities upon leaving the hospital. These patients leave the operating room without a patch or shield and they are able to see. They typically have no physical restrictions. Their vision may be somewhat blurred on the first day but most patients are happy to avoid patching.

The advantages of small incision, no stitch, no shield cataract surgery include quick visual recovery, minimal discomfort and no restriction of activities. Eye drop anesthesia eliminates the use of needles, thus reducing the risk of bleeding or damage to the eye when applying the anesthetic. It also eliminates the need for a patch or shield.

Vision clouded by a cataract.

Vision may also be discolored due to cataract.

Small incision surgery also allows the surgeon to control the amount of astigmatism after surgery. Small incisions do not typically change the astigmatism significantly so the surgeon can get a more predictable outcome and even provide astigmatism reductions if necessary and elected by the patient.

The increased predictability regarding refraction after small incision surgery also enables our surgeons to use new technology implants that can provide distant, near and intermediate vision. These deluxe intoraocular lens implants can provide increased freedom from glasses.

Now, with the availability of the Physicians Outpatient Surgery Center, patients can have topical cataract surgery without the hassles and higher cost of a hospital admission. Surgeries are monitored by certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs).

Topical cataract surgery is a relatively new technique and not necessarily used on all patients or by every surgeon. We believe our patients benefit from these new surgical techniques. Dr. David George, Dr. Scott Strickler and Dr. Zane Lazer have pioneered this new technique in the Mid-Ohio Valley. Please Contact Us for an appointment or for more information.