Cataract Surgery - Questions

San Francisco, Bay Area & San Jose, California

Cataracts are one of the leading causes of blindness and low vision today. According to the World Health Organization, more than 18 million people worldwide suffer from cataracts. As you get older, the probabilities of suffering from some level of cataracts increase. At Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley, we want to help you diagnose and treat cataracts before it becomes a debilitating health problem.

What is a cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the eye's crystalline lens or of the tissue that surrounds the lens. When the lens clouds up, it obstructs your vision. Cataracts that are left untreated lead to extremely blurry vision and eventual blindness. If you suspect that your vision problems are related to clouding of your eyes' lenses, you can confirm it with a visit to the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley.

What causes cataracts?

There are many factors that may lead or contribute to cataract development, including:

• Exposure to radiation
• Exposure to bright sunlight
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Trauma
• Aging

Genetic predisposition to cataract may also be a factor. If you have a family history of cataracts, you may be more susceptible yourself.

How can cataracts be treated?

The most common treatment for cataracts is Refractive Lens Exchange where your cloudy and ineffective lenses are replaced by artificial lenses called Intraocular Lenses (IOLs). Depending on your vision needs, Dr. Craig Bindi may use one of the following types of IOL:

• ReSTOR
• ReZoom
• Crystalens

The surgery is relatively quick and results are immediate. Treatment for other vision problems such as presbyopia can also be performed at the same time for total vision improvement.

Is RLE a good option for me?

An eye exam is necessary to determine if you are a good candidate for Refractive Lens Exchange surgery. First, Dr. Bindi determines that cataract is present and that it sufficiently reduces your vision to warrant surgery. Surgery can be performed in conjunction with other vision problems such as glaucoma or detached retina; these conditions do not necessarily preclude you from having cataract surgery.

Will my cataracts come back after surgery?

Your new intraocular lenses permanently replace your natural lenses and will not get cloudy in the future. Barring any unforeseen complications with the surgery itself, you should not need to undergo lens replacement again.

Where can I find a good eye doctor to help me?

In the San Francisco, Bay Area, and San Jose areas, Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley is where you can find highly qualified vision specialists to help diagnose and reverse the effects of cataracts. Please contact Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley today to schedule a comprehensive vision screening and let us help you restore your vision.

1.800.725.0740