Cataract Surgery & Intraocular Lens Implantation – Eric D. Donnenfeld, MD, FAAO, FACS
Cataract surgery is performed for patients whose crystalline lens has become cloudy due to cataract formation. Cataracts usually develop in individuals 60 years of age or older and are considered a normal part of the aging process. However, in rare cases cataracts may develop in younger patients due to eye injury, certain medications and other causes. To restore patients' vision following cataract surgery on Long Island, Eric D. Donnenfeld, MD, FAAO, FACS, removes the eye's crystalline lens and replaces it with an artificial implant known as intraocular lens implant (IOL).
Please read the paragraphs below to learn more about cataract surgery with Dr. Donnenfeld, treating Long Island cataracts patients and those throughout the Tri-State region.
Cataract Surgery: The Procedure
The removal of the eye's cataract-diseased lens is one of the safest procedures in the field of refractive surgery. Dr. Donnenfeld performs the advanced, micro-incision, no-stitch cataract surgery with premium IOLs. The procedure is performed under anesthetic eye drops and lasts about 20 minutes per eye.
During cataract surgery, a small, self-sealing incision is created on the surface of the eye. Next, an ultrasonic probe is used to soften and break up the cataract, which is then suctioned out of the eye. This step is called phacoemulsification. A foldable IOL is then carefully placed in the eye through the same incision.
IOLs are designed to provide patients with clear vision after cataract surgery, often greatly reducing their need for corrective eyewear. For more information about the different types of IOLs, please peruse the IOLs page.
Due to the small incision required during phacoemulsification cataract surgery, the need for stitches is eliminated. This is why the procedure is often referred to as "no-stitch" cataract surgery."
Dr. Donnenfeld also performs laser cataract surgery with the Alcon LenSx femtosecond laser platform.
Cataract Surgery Recovery and Results
Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure, which means patients are free to go home shortly after surgery. Anti-inflammatory eye drops are applied for a few days, during which time patients may also be asked to wear a protective eye shield. Some Long Island cataract surgery patients may experience mild discomfort and itching immediately after surgery, which should subside fairly quickly.
The healing process after cataract surgery may last up to eight weeks. Following recovery, most patients are able to see clearly at multiple distances without the need for spectacles. Older patients who have presbyopia (age-related loss of focusing power) may need reading glasses.
Cataract Surgery Candidacy
Individuals who are diagnosed with cataracts are excellent candidates for the procedure. However, it is important to note that cataract surgery is usually performed after the condition has progressed significantly and is affecting vision. This is because some cataracts are safely observed without treatment. Individuals who suffer from unrelated eye diseases may not qualify for cataract surgery.
For more information on cataract surgery and to find out if you are a candidate, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Donnenfeld. In addition to being a leading cataract surgery Long Island provider, Dr. Donnenfeld provides treatments for Long Island laser eye surgery patients.
