Traditional Cataract Surgery is a safe and effective option for patients who have been diagnosed with cataracts and who are comfortable with continued use of glasses following surgery. In traditional cataract surgery, the blurry natural lens is extracted by the surgeon and replaced with a clear IntraOcular Lens, or IOL. This lens is permanent, and is a great choice for patients who want to see well at a distance and who don’t mind wearing glasses for near and medium distances.
Astigmatism is the misshaping of the cornea or lens, and is a common cause for poor or blurred vision for many patients. Typically, this is corrected through prescription glasses or contact lenses. When patients are diagnosed with cataracts as well as astigmatism, they have the opportunity to correct both during cataract surgery by having cataract surgery with Corneal Relaxing Incisions (or CRI). CRI is a great option for patients who are going to have Traditional Cataract Surgery and want to be less dependent on prescription glasses after surgery.
Laser cataract surgery utilizes the most advanced technology available to provide an unprecedented degree of precision and accuracy during cataract surgery. It is available for those who have been diagnosed with cataracts and astigmatism, or those who are candidates for advanced refractive lenses. The most complex parts of the surgery are performed with the precision of our LenSx laser. The laser also performs astigmatism correcting incisions (CRI) with that same degree of laser accuracy. For patients receiving an advanced refractive lens, the laser also provides the ability to precisely place the lens in the best position for optimal visual results.
In addition to the single focus IOL, McFarland’s offers a full suite of advanced refractive lenses for patients who prefer to reduce their dependence on glasses in their daily lives.
Once you have cataract surgery, you cannot upgrade to an advanced refractive lens. That’s why it is so important to really think about this decision ahead of time. We always strive to answer your questions and help you through this decision process. We understand that your lifetime of good vision depends on it.
Are you considering cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange to improve your vision? You can achieve your desired visual outcome with the Light Adjustable Lens, the only IOL that can be customized after your procedure to meet your personal visual preferences.
One of the most important parts of cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange (RLE) is choosing the intraocular lens, or IOL, that will replace the natural lens of your eye. The Light Adjustable Lens is a unique IOL that offers peace of mind when choosing your new lens, as it can be adjusted after your procedure to match your desired vision.
Your eye doctor at McFarland Eye Care can fine-tune your lens to optimize your eyesight through a series of quick, non-invasive UV light treatments. This is because the Light Adjustable Lens is specially formulated with a light-sensitive material that can be reshaped with targeted exposure to UV light.
Between your treatments, you’ll be able to test-drive different vision options before they are finalized and make any necessary adjustments at your next appointment. Along the way, you are building your new, personalized vision with the Light Adjustable Lens that has the potential to give you greater visual freedom than ever before.
The Light Adjustable Lens Plus (LAL+) provides all the same benefits as the original Light Adjustable Lens, including personalization and the ability to test your vision before it is finalized. However, the Light Adjustable Lens Plus utilizes a modified surface curvature that increases the central lens power, allowing for better vision across a broader range of distances.
If you want to reduce your reliance on glasses and contacts after cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange, you may be a good candidate for the Light Adjustable Lens. This freedom from visual aids is especially beneficial for patients who have active lifestyles.
Imagine how much easier it would be to travel, play sports, and do your favorite hobbies without having to worry about whether you remembered to pack enough daily contact lenses or constantly pushing your glasses up on your nose! However, you may not be a good candidate for the Light Adjustable Lens if you have certain eye conditions or take specific medications.
Your eye doctor at McFarland Eye Care will have you attend a consultation before your procedure so they can examine your eyes, review your medical history, and discuss your visual goals to help determine whether the Light Adjustable Lens is right for you.
As your eye heals from cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange, you’ll be required to use prescription eye drops and rest to ensure a smooth recovery, as with any other IOL. Your eye doctor will send you home with specific guidelines about post-operative care and let you know when it’s safe to resume normal activities.
However, with the Light Adjustable Lens, you’ll also be required to wear eye protection to prevent exposing your eye to UV light before your vision is finalized. Because the Light Adjustable Lens is made with light-sensitive material, it’s essential you protect your eye from UV light, as it could affect the lens.
Once you have healed from your procedure, you will attend a series of appointments with your eye doctor, who will use the Light Delivery Device to adjust your lens to match your visual preferences. You’ll have the opportunity to test your eyesight between appointments until you are satisfied with your visual outcome.
The number of treatments a patient needs after surgery will vary depending on your desired visual outcome. After the treatments, you’ll no longer need the eye protection, and you can start enjoying your new, personalized vision.
Could the Light Adjustable Lens be your key to custom vision after cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange? Find out by scheduling an appointment at McFarland Eye Care in Little Rock, AR, today!
