Learn More about Cataracts Cataracts Boston
If you have recently noticed that your vision has become blurry, you are having difficulty seeing at night, or colors are appearing faded, you may be suffering from a cataract. Cataracts occur when naturally occurring proteins in the eye clump together, clouding the eye's naturally clear lens. Though individuals with cataracts may live with minimal visual impairment for years, left untreated, the condition can have a detrimental effect on a person's quality of life. One of the most common causes of blindness, cataracts are easily treated through surgery.
The highly trained specialists of Sheth-Horsley Eye Center, Dr. Nilesh M. Sheth and Dr. Robert Kupsc, specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of cataracts for patients residing in Boston and surrounding areas. To learn more about our available services or schedule an examination, fill out our online contact form and we'll reach out to you as soon as we can.
What Are Cataracts?
Cataract Surgery
Advances in cataracts surgery technology have made the procedure extremely safe and effective. During surgery, a tiny incision is made on the side of the cornea, allowing access to the cataract. Phacoemulsification uses ultrasound waves to gently break up the lens into pieces, which are then suctioned away, whereas extracapsular surgery removes the cloudy core of the lens in a single piece. Afterwards, an artificial or intraocular lens (IOL) is typically used to permanently replace the clouded lens. The clear, plastic lens is undetectable to the patient and facilitates greatly improved vision. For patients who are unable to receive an IOL, glasses or contacts may be used to correct vision after cataract surgery.
Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery
Dr. Sheth stays on top of the latest technology, which is why he offers laser-assisted cataract surgery to further improve your vision. During an outpatient procedure, he will use a laser to gain access to the cornea. Once he gains access to the cornea, he will remove the cataract, which is causing the cloudiness. He will then place an IOL, and carefully implant it. Choosing a highly-skilled surgeon such as Dr. Sheth can ensure a safe and effective procedure, as well as enhanced, restored vision.
Cataract Surgery Cost
At Sheth-Horsley Eye Center, we understand how important the decision to undergo cataract surgery is. From the moment patients reach out to us, we provide them with the tools they need to be informed on their available treatments options, what their treatment entails, and what the risks and benefits are should they choose to pursue a particular type of treatment. With an extremely high rate of success, cataract surgery can have a truly life-changing effect. To make this surgery as accessible as possible, we offer a range of flexible financing options and work closely with patients as they file for reimbursement with their insurance company.
Cataract Symptoms
While changes in vision are an entirely normal part of aging, it is imperative that you take note of any sudden or persistent problems with your sight and schedule a comprehensive eye exam immediately. The earlier conditions such as cataracts are diagnosed, the more easily they can be treated. Common symptoms include blurred vision, double vision, colors that appear to be faded, trouble seeing at night, halos around bright lights, and sensitivity to bright lights. You may also experience frequent changes in the prescription of your glasses or contact lenses. Vision loss due to cataracts may be gradual, occurring over a number of years, or affect sufferers at such a rate that surgery is a suitable treatment.
Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)
During cataract surgery, the eye's natural lens which has become clouded is removed. An intraocular lens (IOL) is an effective replacement to refract light and provide improved, clearer vision. The majority of patients that undergo surgery for cataracts will receive an IOL. Patients with IOLs cannot feel or see the small piece of plastic, however, colors may appear especially bright since the removed lens had taken on a yellowish or brownish tint. IOLs are an extremely safe and effective form of treatment to restore clarity to vision after cataracts.