What
 is
 Cataract 
Surgery?

In simplest terms, a cataract is a clouding of the crystalline lens. A cataract can be relatively mild and cause limited visual impairment, or can be significant or extreme and thus block the passage of light to the Retina causing severe vision problems. A cataract develops slowly and painlessly so that your vision can be affected without you realizing it.

Age-related cataracts are the most common type of cataract. You may experience the following symptoms:

• Blurry or Clouded Vision
• Faded or Dull Color Vision, Especially Seeing the Color Blue
• Sensitivity to Light or Glare
• Difficulty with Night Driving

Modern cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective medical procedures today. Most patients experience little or no pain and return to their normal activities the day after surgery.

Cataract surgery is a relatively “patient friendly” type of surgery. The technology of cataract surgery is truly amazing. Modern cataract surgery is usually performed using a microsurgical technique called “phacoemulsification” whereby the cataract is gently “chopped up” and “suctioned” to remove it. There are many technological advances in phacoemulsification that have enabled skilled cataract surgeons like Dr. Whitten to perform cataract surgery and provide intraocular lens (IOL) implants through very tiny incisions requiring only eye drops, rather than needles or injections for anesthesia and without the need for stitches or a patch after the surgery. This allows patients to have a very quick visual recovery.

During the first 25 years or so that lens implants were used for vision correction after cataract surgery, the goal was to simply correct distance or far vision, as best as possible. These Single Vision Implants continue to be used today and may require that patients still wear eyeglasses following cataract surgery to get the sharpest vision. Today, Whitten Laser Eye also offers patients the newer Premium Lens Implants, which help patients minimize or possibly even eliminate their need for eyeglasses, reading glasses, bifocals or trifocals after cataract surgery. Patients are now experiencing vision better than they had ever before their cataract surgery!

The single most important decision you can make regarding cataract surgery, is your choice of surgeon. With over 30 years performing world-class eye surgery, Dr. Whitten offers you the kind of experience that you can trust. The detailed information on this website will educate you about your cataract surgery experience, but there is not a substitute for personal interaction and questions. Dr. Whitten and the staff of Whitten Laser Eye are here to deliver you safe and personalized care, with great visual results. Scheduling an appointment is easy, and is the first step toward a restored sense of safety, independence and crisp, clear vision.