Traditional Cataract Surgery in Roseville, CA

As patients age, they may develop cataracts, which is a clouding of the lenses in the eyes. Cataracts cause a gradual deterioration in the vision, and if left untreated, may even lead to blindness. The condition cannot be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery procedures such as LASIK. But a cataract does not damage the eye — it only blocks the vision similar to a dirty window.

If the eye is otherwise healthy, cataract surgery will restore sharp vision. Fortunately, treatment for cataracts is very safe and effective. Sacramento ophthalmologist Stephen Wilmarth, M.D. has performed thousands of cataract surgeries over the past 30 years with an extremely low complication rate. To learn more about this procedure, please call Wilmarth Eye and Laser Center in Roseville, CA.

Ideal candidates for cataract surgery have cloudy or blurry vision that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. They should also be in good general health and have no other eye conditions that could affect the success of the surgery. Dr. Wilmarth will review your medical history and perform a comprehensive eye exam to determine your eligibility for this advanced procedure. Inform us about your current medications and allergies, as well as any chronic health conditions that may interfere with healing after cataract surgery.

The benefits of modern cataract surgery include:

• A brief stay in an ambulatory surgery center, typically three hours
• Topical anesthesia with minimal conscious sedation
• Two small incisions that do not require stitches
• Short recovery period with minimal downtime — the majority of patients are back to normal activities the next day
• Premium and standard intraocular lenses that deliver clear vision and may reduce the need for glasses following surgery
• Very low rate of complication with minimal risk of infection — Dr. Wilmarth has had no post-operative infections in 30 years of surgery

The first step to cataract surgery is removing the cloudy lens in the patient's eye and replacing it with an artificial lens called an IOL or intraocular lens. The procedure is performed in an ambulatory surgery center. Dr. Wilmarth will administer a local anesthetic to help with the discomfort. He will make two small incisions and use an ultrasound handpiece to remove the cataract from its capsule. An IOL is then placed into the eye and positioned in the same location as the old lens. Dr. Wilmarth offers the following options to his cataract surgery patients:

• Cataract removal with implantation of intraocular lens: This procedure involves the placement of a standard intraocular lens, usually one that is monofocal. This will allow patients' vision to be restored, but they will most likely require glasses to see objects at certain distances. It is still a good option for those who do not mind wearing corrective lenses and it is more cost effective.
• Cataract removal with implantation of toric intraocular lens to correct astigmatism: This option will correct blurry vision caused by astigmatism, though the patient may still require reading glasses or contacts to restore their eyesight from all distances. 
• Cataract removal with implantation of premium intraocular lens: Premium lenses such as Crystalens is Dr. Wilmarth's preferred method. These advanced lenses will completely transform a patient's vision and offer restoration without the need for glasses or contact lenses.

Cataract removal surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis, and patients can return to work in about three days. Some people have noticed significant vision improvement after just one day following surgery, while others may take a couple of days to notice the full effects. Each patient will require their specific set of aftercare instructions, as each surgery and case is different. Dr. Wilmarth will thoroughly go over what activities are allowed and which ones to avoid right after the operation. 

How long do intraocular lenses (IOLs) last?

Because they are made with a very durable medical-grade plastic, intraocular lenses (IOLs) last a lifetime. While rarely required, an IOL can be safely removed and replaced if needed.

Will I have 20/20 vision after traditional cataract surgery?

Many patients can achieve 20/20 vision after traditional cataract surgery, but the 30 – 50% of patients that opt for a monofocal IOL will still need corrective lenses.

Is traditional cataract surgery painful?

No, it isn't. Before your traditional cataract surgery, Dr. Wilmarth will numb your eyes with anesthetic drops. If they feel anything at all, most patients say they only feel a slight pressure.

What are the different types of intraocular lenses?

• Multifocal IOLs — correct both near and distance vision
• Monofocal IOLs — correct near or distance correction but not both
• Toric IOLs — a monofocal lens that corrects astigmatism

Blurry vision caused by cataracts doesn't have to dominate your life anymore. Thanks to modern advances in technology and Dr. Wilmarth's skillset, your vision can be cleared up more easily and quickly than you might have thought. Call our Roseville, CA office today to find out more about cataract removal surgery.