What Refractive Errors Can be Improved With Refractive Cataract Surgery?

man and woman wearing glasses

Cataracts are an age-related eye condition that causes your natural lens to become cloudy, leading to blurry vision, halos around light sources, and poor night vision. Now there is a procedure that not only removes the cataract but also gives you the opportunity to improve your prescription. Refractive cataract surgery can correct many cases of myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.

Board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Young H. Choi has helped countless people reduce their dependence on glasses and contact lenses through advanced treatments near Birmingham, AL. Call now for a consultation at Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center and see if you are a candidate for this life-changing procedure.

How cataracts and refractive errors prevent clear vision

As you age, the proteins in your natural lens begin to break down and clump together. This causes the lens to become opaque or cloudy, which is referred to as a cataract. Cataracts typically develop slowly over time and don’t cause any pain. But as they progress, they can cause the following:

  • Blurry vision
  • Glare and halos around light sources
  • Poor night vision
  • Frequent changes in prescription

Refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism occur when the shape of your eye prevents light from focusing directly on the retina. This leads to blurry vision at different distances (near, intermediate, or far). People often get glasses or contact lenses to correct refractive errors, but this only treats the symptoms, not the underlying cause.

How does refractive cataract surgery help with these issues?

During refractive cataract surgery, Dr. Choi carefully removes the cataract-affected lens and replaces it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This procedure is minimally invasive and outpatient, meaning that you can return home on the same day.

Traditional IOLs only improve cataract symptoms, but Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center does offer premium lenses for refractive errors. A consultation with Dr. Choi is the best way to learn about premium IOLs and which one may be right for your needs.

Premium IOLs at Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center

Here is a brief overview of our premium lenses for Birmingham, AL patients:

  • Multifocal: Allows people to see at near and far distances at the same time.
  • Monofocal/blended vision implants: Corrects near vision in one eye and distance vision in the other.
  • Trifocal: Restores vision at three different distances.
  • Toric: Reduces or removes astigmatism.
  • Trifocal Toric: In addition to correcting astigmatism, trifocal lenses reduce your risk of light sensations such as halos and glares.

What is life like after refractive cataract surgery?

Most people report feeling satisfied with their vision after refractive cataract surgery. Cloudy vision is almost immediately improved, and you should notice a decrease in your dependence on glasses or contacts. Of course, each patient is different, and your exact results may vary. Dr. Choi understands the importance of clear vision and will work closely with you to ensure satisfying results.

Get clear vision with refractive cataract surgery

Cataracts and refractive errors are common issues, but they do not have to impact your quality of life. Refractive cataract surgery at Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center can help you see the world as it is meant to be seen. Discover the benefits of this procedure during an assessment with Dr. Young H. Choi. Our team knows just how to help you achieve your vision goals in Birmingham, AL.

* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.