What is a Cataract?
A cataract is a gradual clouding of the eye's
natural lens. The formation of a cataract occurs during the normal
process of aging. Although cataracts may affect people of any age,
they are most common in older adults. Because cataracts form gradually,
the symptoms are often difficult to spot. Perhaps you have noticed
increased difficulty when driving toward the sun, find it harder to
see traffic lights against a bright sky, or find it takes longer for
your vision to return to normal after passing an oncoming set of bright
headlights.
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Our Cataract
Surgeons
The Eye Center Group's team of cataract specialists
include:Thomas J. Chowattukunnel, M.D.,
Michael J. Hodkin, M.D., Michael
J. Scanameo, M.D., F.A.C.S., Kevin T.
Scripture, M.D., and J. Rex Parent. The
team of specialists collectively encompass 40 years of experience,
20,000 cataract surgeries, and board certified ophthalmologists. The
cataract specialists are committed to providing patients the highest
quality care and the most technologically advanced surgical techniques.
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Symptoms
Symptoms include reduced depth perception, diminished
color perception, annoying glare in sunlight, and poor night vision.
Headaches, eye fatigue, burning, and watering of the eyes when exposed
to bright light are also some other symptoms attributed to cataracts.
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Treatment
The Eye Center Group specializes in new and innovative
surgical techniques to keep your vision clear and bright. If you suspect
a cataract, call one of our offices or your family optometrist to
schedule an eye examination. Treatment consists of the surgical removal
of the cataract.
For most cataract patients, the intraocular lens implant literally
replaces the natural lens in its position behind the pupil of the
eye. Cataract surgery is safe, fast, and painless. The surgery is
performed on an outpatient basis at our Muncie, Richmond, Marion,
Lafayette, Frankfort, and White County Eye Centers.
During the surgery the clouded lens, or cataract,
is removed by a procedure called phacoemulsification, in which the
cataract is broken up by sound waves. Then once the cataract is removed,
a very small intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted to replace the clouded
lens. With advancements in surgery, modern day cataract surgery eliminates
the need for stitches, patches over the eye, hospital visits, and
post-operative restrictions. Your lifestyle will seem clearer and
can be resumed immediately.
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Same Day Cataract Surgery
Imagine in less than 4 hours, you could have
the diagnosis exam to determine if you have cataracts and the surgery
completed. At The Eye Center Group, we can make this a reality for
you. We offer patients the convenience of "Same Day" cataract
surgery, so patients can have their preoperative exam and surgery
all in one day. This eliminates the extra appointments and travel
time patients would otherwise have to encounter. Unlike having to
go the hospital for surgery, we are able to offer the same day convenience
because of having a surgery center on site which gives us the opportunity
to be flexible with scheduling surgeries.
Same Day Cataract Surgery is not available at
all Eye Center Group locations. Contact the office nearest you for
more information.
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Are lasers used to remove
cataracts?
No, a laser beam cannot remove a cataract. It
must be surgically removed. However, it can be used to correct a secondary
cataract.
For some patients, vision becomes cloudy again
a few weeks or months after successful cataract surgery. This is called
a secondary cataract. This process is usually caused by a clouding
of the natural shell or skin left in place during the operation. When
the eye is healed and the lens implant firmly in place, this cloudy
skin, thin as a piece of plastic wrap, must be opened for clearer
vision to be restored. This procedure is also painless and normally
takes 5 minutes, and there are no physical restrictions following
the treatment.
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