Technological Advancements in Cataract Surgery
Courtesy RGB Eye Associates, Texoma LIVING WELL Magazine
It’s hard to work the words “wavefront aberrometer” and “femtosecond laser” into a casual conversation, but the advantage of the two in cataract surgery is something worth talking about.
The two revolutionary technologies complement one another, allowing the surgeons at RGB Eye Associates to provide patients with highly customized procedures that enhance accuracy and visual outcomes for those choosing cataract surgery with presbyopia-correcting intraocular lenses (IOLs) or astigmatism correction.
The first in the region to offer what is described as a merger of technology and surgical ingenuity, the physicians at RGB Eye Associates are enthusiastic about the new options for patients and the possibility of restoring vision to what people enjoyed at a younger age. “Our proactive practice philosophy has been to secure any proven innovation, technique or technology that benefits our patients, who always come first,” says Robert G. Burlingame, M.D. “The more people learn about the latest advancements in cataract surgery, the more they want to know how they can get their youthful vision back.”
Some patients describe the results as life changing.
The laser refractive cataract surgery option allows RGB surgeons to implant the premium IOLs during surgery to remove cataracts, utilizing precise specifications not previously available. Some patients who have worn glasses since childhood are able to see near, far and everything in between without glasses or contacts.
What the Technology Does
The wavefront aberometer measures the eye by mapping how light rays travel through, allowing the RGB surgeons to customize IOL power selection and astigmatism correction. It allows for more refined outcomes because measurements occur during the procedure, instead of requiring the surgeons to “wait and see” as is the case with traditional cataract surgery.
Femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery offers a non-invasive technique to replace procedures surgeons formerly had to perform manually, which allows for greater precision and customization. Like a fingerprint, every eye has a unique size and shape. The tailored treatment during surgery enables RGB surgeons to create a plan that is highly customized, helping patients achieve their best possible vision outcome.
What Cataracts Are
A cataract is a clouding of the lens of your eye. Cataracts are quite common, affecting about 20.5 million Americans over the age of 40, although they occur most often in people over 60. One or both eyes may be affected. Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 55. Symptoms include cloudy vision, difficulty seeing at night, double vision, “halos” around lights, sensitivity to light, or colors that seem dull or faded.
While age is the most common cause of cataracts, trauma to the eye, radiation, some medications, and some diseases may play a part in cataract development. Genetics may also be a factor.
About Cataract Surgery
Formerly, cataract surgery was about preventing blindness. Now there’s a new standard; an unparalleled precision process that changes everything. Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective surgical procedures available today with over 1.5 million procedures done each year. In fact, it’s the most common eye surgery performed by the ophthalmologists at RGB Eye Associates. Previously, surgery consisted of simply removing the cataract, which alleviated the symptoms but did nothing to correct vision problems associated with astigmatism or presbyopia. Later technology offered greater options, but the surgeon still had to wait weeks after performing the surgery to determine your vision results.
Of course, everyone’s eyes are different and outcomes vary. You’ll want to make an informed decision after talking with the physicians and professional team members at RGB Eye Associates about choices available to you. All surgeries include some risk, so it is important to read the material you will be given prior to treatment and address any concerns. RGB Eye Associates team members want to ensure that you have the most current, accurate information about possible indications, limitations and risks, as well as expected benefits.
You are invited to visit RGB Eye Associates in their new location at 1625 Highway 75 North in Sherman. Call 903-892-3282 for more information. Please ask for Sally. Or visit the website at www.RGBeye.com.
