Who Is A Good Candidate For Refractive Cataract Surgery?

Traditional cataract surgery involves the removal of a cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial one. For patients with nearsightedness and farsightedness, refractive cataract surgery can eliminate any cataracts and correct these problems as well. Board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Young H. Choi uses advanced laser technology and a premium intraocular lens (IOL) to restore your vision back to normal.

So what causes cataracts to form in the eyes, and who is a candidate for refractive cataract surgery? After visiting Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center, we can make personal recommendations to address age-related vision loss. To learn more, call a member of our ophthalmology team for a consultation. We can dramatically reduce or remove your dependence on glasses and contacts in Birmingham, AL.

What causes cataracts?

In the U.S., cataracts are likely to start developing in individuals who are 40 or older. So, what causes cataracts to form in the first place? A cataract occurs when proteins in the eye break down, usually due to age or physical trauma. As these clumps continue to grow and change, your vision will become more blurry or hazy. This is because cataracts prevent light from passing through the eye as it should. When not treated right away, cataracts could eventually lead to blindness.

Ideal candidates for refractive cataract surgery

So should you get traditional cataract surgery or refractive cataract surgery? Patients often make this decision based on the severity of their vision problems. If you wear corrective lenses and want to be free from that inconvenience, refractive surgery may be right for you. Dr. Choi will examine your eyes and make suggestions accordingly. Ideal candidates have been diagnosed with mild or severe cataracts and want to correct common refractive errors. During your consultation, our staff can also help you choose the right intraocular lenses.

About our premium lenses

A standard intraocular lens is monofocal, which means that it improves vision at just one distance. While standard IOLs do treat mild to severe cataracts, Birmingham, AL patients still require glasses or contacts after surgery to see near or far away. Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center offers a range of premium IOLs to correct cataracts, as well as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism at the same time. Premium lenses have been shown to improve your overall quality of life and lessen your dependence on visual aids.

Preparing for cataract eye surgery

Refractive cataract surgery is a fast and typically painless procedure that is performed on an outpatient basis. Your board-certified ophthalmologist will provide anesthetic eye drops and sedation methods to keep you comfortable. We then use advanced laser technology to make a small incision in the cornea to remove the lens. This laser system can reduce treatment times and any post-surgical risks associated with cataract surgery. Afterward, the premium intraocular lens is inserted. In all, surgery only takes about an hour to complete.

Recovering from your cataracts procedure

Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center offers patients important information and guidelines to follow after cataract eye surgery. You should expect some mild sensitivity to light and discomfort, but this is temporary and should dissipate soon after the procedure. Keep in mind that your eyes need time to heal and adjust to your new visual acuity. Dr. Choi can schedule a follow-up appointment several days after surgery so we can check on your progress. For questions or concerns about cataracts, reach out to our office to speak with a professional.

Schedule cataract eye surgery

Whether you have mild or severe cataracts, it is critical to address the issue as soon as possible and preserve your vision. To get the latest information about your options, schedule a thorough preoperative consultation with an experienced ophthalmologist. Board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Young H. Choi has performed countless successful procedures and can guide you through the process. Call Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center in Vestavia Hills, AL to visit our boutique facility and restore your eye health.