Cataracts are one of the most common causes of vision loss in people over 40, and the National Eye Institute reports that most Americans over 80 have cataracts. The Eye Center offers cataract surgery for the people of Northwest Arkansas.
Learn more about cataract surgery here.
A cataract is clouding of the lens of the eye. People may have cataracts in one eye or in both, but they will not spread from one eye to the other. Some people are born with cataracts. Some develop cataracts from causes such as injuries, diabetes, smoking, alcohol, sun damage, and steroid use. And many people develop cataracts as they get older, even if there is no other medical reason.
Cataracts can cause many vision problems:
- Blurry vision
- Poor night vision
- Faded-looking colors
- Double vision
- Frequent prescription changes
- Glare or halos around lights
Fortunately, cataracts can be corrected with surgery. Cataract surgery is now one of the most common surgical procedures in the nation, and is responsible for dramatically improved vision for millions of Americans.
Cataract surgery involves the removal of the lens of the eye and replacement with a new lens. The lens, which is called an intraocular lens or IOL, is placed directly into the eye and it cannot be felt or seen.
There are different types of IOLs, and you should discuss your options with your Eye Center doctor. You may need standard intraocular lenses, which are designed to provide clear distance vision, or you may need IOLs that also correct presbyopia or astigmatism.
Presbyopia is a common condition in which the eye becomes less flexible and can’t focus at different distances as easily. Many people begin to find it hard to read, to focus well on their computer screens, or to do close work as they get older. Some people begin to see the effects of presbyopia in their 40s, and nearly everyone experiences presbyopia by their 60s. If you suffer from presbyopia and from cataracts, talk with your eye doctor about multifocal intraocular lenses. Multifocal IOLs can give you improved near and distance vision, while standard IOLs may mean that you still require glasses for near vision.
Patients who have both cataracts and astigmatism should discuss toric intraocular lenses with their eye doctors. Toric IOLs correct for astigmatism as well as providing clear distant vision.
The Eye Center offers a variety of packages for cataract surgery and intraocular lenses. Call or make an appointment to discuss your needs.
“My husband and I recently had cataract surgery by Dr. Risch. Due to both of us having prior eye surgeries, our cases were considered more complex. Thanks to Dr. Risch for using the latest eye technologies, he was able to meet our vision goals. My husband only wears glasses for reading, and I can see at both distance and near without glasses. We have been more than pleased with our results. Dr. Risch is very friendly, confident, and caring. We highly recommend him to others!”
“My life is much easier now that I don’t have to wear prescription glasses. Traveling is my favorite hobby and keeping up with readers, bifocals, and sunglasses was a challenge. At 62, my reading Rx was the same as my 86 year-old mother-in-law. Now I am 20/20 in one eye and 20/15 in the other eye. I am able to thread a needle without glasses for the first time since my early 40s. This surgery was life-changing. After extensive research, Dr. Risch’s name kept coming up as well-known and respected among his colleagues. My experience with his office staff and surgery center made the entire process comfortable and without fear and pain. I have already recommended Dr. Risch to close friends and will continue to do so.”
“I am a retired educator of 46 years, play the piano at church, and have lived on a working cattle ranch with my sweetheart for 56 years of our marriage. Dr. Risch just finished my cataract surgery process. I found him to be very skilled, very well trained, and very confident. HE was kind and sensitive and had my best interests at heart. We are fortunate to have Dr. Risch in our medical community. I will always be grateful for his help.”
“I recently had cataract surgery and opted to have the trifocal lens. I didn’t want to wear glasses, reading glasses, or contacts after surgery. Dr. Risch told me about the Trifocal lens and I am so happy he did. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. I had 20/20 vision the day after each surgery. It’s amazing and I highly recommend it. You are worth it!“
