What is Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery?

In Laser-Assisted cataract surgery, a device is placed over the eye to map its surface. It gathers information to program the laser with the exact location, size, and depth for the incision. The device can also make the incision into the cornea, open up the capsule where the lens sits, and soften the cataract.

Measured in Femtoseconds

You may have heard the term “Femtosecond” or “Femto.” A femtosecond is the SI unit of time equal to 10^-15 or 1 ⁄ 1,000,000,000,000,000 of a second. These refer to the speed of the laser, which is one quadrillionth of a second or one millionth of a billionth of a second. That’s fast!

Laser-Assisted vs. Traditional Cataract Surgery

After the laser has done its job, the cataract is removed, and the new intraocular lens or IOL is inserted into the eye.

In contrast, when performing traditional cataract surgery, the initial incisions are done by hand with a scalpel (blade).

In either case, the incision generally closes on its own without the need for stitches.

Correcting Astigmatism

Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery is approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for the correction of Astigmatism, a common imperfection in the curvature of the eye that causes blurred distance and near vision.

Dr. Robert Scharfman is committed to excellence in patient care and compassion. Atlantic Medical Eye Care has served the community for over 25 years. Contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.

The post Everything to Know About Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery appeared first on Atlantic Medical Eye Care.

Basic vs. Premium Intraocular Lenses to Correct Cataracts

Basic single vision IOLs are covered by Medicare and other types of medical insurance. However, “premium” IOLs are also available. They have advanced features that the basic IOLs don’t have. There is an additional cost to the patient, but many of our patients feel that the advantages of the premium lenses far outweigh the fee:

• Toric IOLs correct astigmatism which basic IOLs cannot do.
• Accommodating IOLs expand the range of clear vision, whereas basic IOLs are designed to provide clear vision at a single focal point (usually far away for good driving vision).
• Multifocal IOLs can also decrease the need for reading glasses following cataract surgery.

At Atlantic Medical Eye Care, our patients find that they gain distance vision while greatly reducing their need for reading glasses after cataract surgery with these premium IOLs.

Mixing and Matching IOLs for Cataracts

Sometimes the best visual outcome is achieved by choosing a different type of premium lens for each eye. One can also make one eye clear for distance and the other clear for reading. This is called Monovision.

Get More Information about IOLs

If all of this seems confusing, rest assured that Dr. Scharfman thoroughly explains each choice to help each individual patient make the most informed decision taking into account their medical history and lifestyle.

Click here to set up an appointment with Dr. Scharfman and discover whether premium IOL’s are the best solution for your cataracts.

Image Attribution: Frank C. Müller, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The post Premium Intraocular Lenses vs. Basic Lenses for Cataracts appeared first on Atlantic Medical Eye Care.

Individuals with cataracts may have noticed that things look blurry, hazy, or that colors look less distinct and vibrant. But, generally speaking, cataract surgery is not urgent.

Hesitance to Have Cataract Surgery

Sometimes patients are hesitant to have cataract surgery. This is unfortunate because the procedure is a very brief outpatient procedure with a low incidence of complications. In fact, multiple studies indicate that the success rate is over 98%.

When to Consider Cataract Surgery

The timing of cataract surgery is important because as a cataract matures, it becomes thicker, denser, and incrementally more difficult to remove.

At Atlantic Medical Eye Care, we believe that the right time to have cataract surgery is when vision impairment interferes with the activities of daily living — activities such as:

• Reading
• Watching television
• Doing puzzles
• Sewing and crafts
• Taking medications accurately
• Ambulating without falling
• Driving

Cataract Surgery Can Improve Your Quality of Life

Don’t wait unnecessarily to remove your cataracts. Cataract surgery has one of the highest success rates of any surgery performed. Additionally, patients describe the improvement to the quality of their lives as profound.

If you suspect you may have cataracts, or if you’ve been putting off surgery to remove your cataracts, contact us today to set up a consultation to evaluate your eyes. If could be the best decision you make this whole year.

The post What Happens If You Put Off Having Cataract Surgery? appeared first on Atlantic Medical Eye Care.

In a normal eye, light passes through the transparent lens to the retina. Light is then changed into nerve signals that are sent to the brain. If the lens is cloudy from a cataract, the image is blurred.

Cataracts are very common — especially in older people. According to the National Eye Institute, by age eighty more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery.

7 Different Causes of Cataracts

There are several different causes for cataracts:

1. A secondary cataract can form after surgery for another eye problem, such as glaucoma.
2. Diabetics may develop cataracts related to their diabetes.
3. Cataracts have also been linked to steroid use.
4. A traumatic cataract can develop after an eye injury.
5. Babies are sometimes born with cataracts called congenital cataracts.
6. Cataracts can develop after exposure to some types of radiation.
7. Of course, the most common type of cataract occurs with age.

Cataract Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of cataracts include:

• unclear or blurry vision
• diminished color vision
• glare with poor night vision
• sometimes double or multiple images in one eye

It is important to note that pain is not associated with cataracts.

Cataracts tend to develop slowly, so that although they become thicker and may turn yellow or brown over time, some people don’t realize they have them until they see their eye doctor.

Cataract Surgery is a Great Treatment Option

The good news is that they can be fixed within minutes with outpatient surgery. In fact, the newest implantable lenses can restore distance and reading vision. Additionally, cataract surgery is covered by Medicare and most other medical insurance plans.

If you suspect you have cataracts and you live in New Jersey, contact Atlantic Medical Eye Care. We have an excellent track record for removing cataracts and restoring pre-cataract vision.

The post 7 Different Causes for Cataracts and How to Treat Them appeared first on Atlantic Medical Eye Care.

In a normal eye, light passes through the transparent lens to the retina. Light is then changed into nerve signals that are sent to the brain. If the lens is cloudy from a cataract, the image is blurred.

Cataracts are very common in older people. According to the National Eye Institute, by age eighty more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery.

Different Types of Cataracts

There are several types of cataracts:

• The most common type of cataract occurs with age.
• A secondary cataract can form after surgery for another eye problem, such as glaucoma. Diabetics may develop cataracts.
• Cataracts have also been linked to steroid use.
• A traumatic cataract can develop after an eye injury.
• Babies are sometimes born with cataracts called congenital cataracts.
• Finally, cataracts can develop after exposure to some types of radiation.

Symptoms of Cataracts

The symptoms of cataracts include:

• unclear or blurry vision
• diminished color vision
• glare with poor night vision
• sometimes double or multiple images in one eye

It’s important to note that pain is not associated with cataracts. Cataracts tend to develop slowly, so that although they become thicker and may turn yellow or brown over time, some people don’t even realize they have them until they see their eye doctor.

The good news is that they can be fixed within minutes with outpatient surgery. In fact, the newest implantable lenses (IOL’s) can restore distance and reading vision. Cataract surgery is covered by Medicare and most other medical insurance plans.

34 Questions to Ask BEFORE Having Cataract Surgery

If you or someone you love is considering cataract surgery, download our free cataract guide. It includes the answers to 34 different questions about cataracts and cataract surgery.

The post What is a Cataract? Discover the Different Types and Symptoms appeared first on Atlantic Medical Eye Care.

In a normal eye, light passes through the transparent lens to the retina. Light is then changed into nerve signals that are sent to the brain. If the lens is cloudy from a cataract, the image is blurred.

Common Symptoms of Cataracts

The primary symptoms of cataracts include:

• unclear or blurry vision
• diminished color vision
• glare with poor night vision
• sometimes, double or multiple images in one eye

The good news is that they can be fixed quickly (literally within minutes) with outpatient cataract surgery.

Cataract Surgery Success Rates: 2 Surprising Statistics

The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) reports that the overall success rate of cataract surgery is greater than 98%.

In addition, a study of more than 200,000 Medicare Beneficiaries found that 99.5% of patients had no severe postoperative complications.

These statistics have made cataract surgery the best option to solve this medical condition. But despite the super-high success rate, there are a number of questions you should ask (and have answered) before you have cataract surgery.

What Insurance Plans Cover Cataract Surgery?

One question you no doubt have concerns insurance coverage.

The good news is that cataract surgery is covered by Medicare and most other medical insurance plans. Contact your plan’s provider to determine the full extent of your coverage.

34 Questions to Ask Before You Have Cataract Surgery

As noted above, there are several questions you should have answered prior to having cataract surgery. That’s why we created this free guide:

34 Questions You Must Ask BEFORE Having Cataract Surgery »

Click the link above to receive this free guide when you subscribe to our monthly newsletter. In addition to the guide, you’ll receive monthly eye care tips directly from Dr. Robert Scharfman himself, one of New Jersey’s leading Ophthalmologists.

The post 2 Surprising Facts About Cataract Surgery Success Rates appeared first on Atlantic Medical Eye Care.

• blurry vision
• double vision
• light sensitivity
• difficulty seeing at night
• seeing bright colors as faded or yellowish

Cataract Surgery – Does it Increase Life Expectancy?

In order to fix a cataract, an Ophthalmologist or Eye M.D. performs minimally-invasive cataract surgery, removing the eye’s natural lens and replaces it with an artificial lens.

This procedure, which takes only a few minutes, can markedly improve one’s vision and quality of life.

But what about the length of one’s life?

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Ophthalmology studied over 70,000 women over time and found that cataract surgery was associated with decreased risk of mortality from all causes aggregately.

They also discovered a decreased risk of mortality, specifically, with respect to:

• vascular causes
• cancer-related illness
• accidental causes
• neurological causes
• pulmonary causes
• infectious causes

Previous studies showed similar results for men.

The researchers posit that after cataract surgery, patients can move around better and get more exercise. They can also take their medication more effectively and they’re less likely to fall or have automobile accidents.

Answers to Your Questions About Cataract Surgery

Use the form below to receive our complementary guide: 34 Questions You Must Ask BEFORE Having Cataract Surgery.

Your email is safe

Then, each month, you’ll also receive helpful tips to keep your vision strong.

Once you confirm your email address, you’ll receive an email with a link to this extensive free guide — it’s a MUST-READ if you or a loved one is considering cataract surgery.

The post Can Cataract Surgery Actually Prolong Your Life? appeared first on Atlantic Medical Eye Care.

The primary symptom of cataracts is blurry and distorted vision. By removing the cataract through cataract surgery and replacing it with a clear artificial lens, an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) can significantly improve a patient’s vision.

That’s not surprising… but what IS surprising is how cataract surgery affects your hips.

Cataract Surgery is Good for Your Hips

A recent study discovered people who had cataract surgery had a 16% lower risk of hip fracture one year after the procedure!

Furthermore, researchers found that those with severe cataracts had a 23% reduction in the odds of hip fracture as a benefit of surgery!

While the study could not prove a direct cause and effect, the association between having the surgery and the risk of hip fracture was very strong. Researchers say that vision impairment is a known risk factor for falls and potentially disabling hip fractures.

Must-Know Info about Cataract Surgery

If you’re considering cataract surgery, you probably have a number of questions. Luckily, we’ve got you covered. Click below to get your free downloadable guide:

34 Questions You Must Ask BEFORE Having Cataract Surgery

Each month, you’ll also receive our helpful newsletter, full of simple tips to keep your vision strong!

The post Cataract Surgery and Healthy Hips: A Winning Combination appeared first on Atlantic Medical Eye Care.

Cataract Symptoms: Pre-Surgery

The symptoms of a cataract include:

• unclear or blurry vision
• diminished color vision
• glare with poor night vision
• (sometimes) double or multiple images in one eye

The good news is that all of these symptoms can be fixed in minutes with outpatient cataract surgery.

Cataract Surgery: What You Need to Know

Cataract surgery consists of breaking up and removing the cataract and replacing it with a lens called an intraocular lens or IOL.

Premium Lenses Can Correct More than Cataracts

In the past, intraocular lenses could correct distance vision or reading vision — not both. Today’s premium lenses can correct both with little or no side effects.

Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery can also correct Astigmatism, a common imperfection in the curvature of the cornea that causes blurry vision.

About the Surgical Procedure

When performing traditional cataract surgery, the initial incisions are done by hand with a scalpel (blade).

In Laser-Assisted surgery, a device is placed over the eye to map its surface. It gathers information to program the laser with the exact location, size, and depth for the incision. It can also make the incision into the cornea, open up the capsule where the lens sits, and soften the cataract.

You may have heard the term “Femtosecond” or “Femto.” These refer to the speed of the laser which is one quadrillionth of a second (or one millionth of a billionth of a second). That’s fast!

After the laser has done its job, the cataract is removed, and the new intraocular lens / IOL is inserted into the eye.

Cataract Surgery: Post-Operation

Whether cataract surgery is done traditionally or with a laser, the incision generally closes on its own without the need for stitches. You can return home the same day as your procedure, but you’ll need someone else to drive you.

For the next few days, you may experience itching, mild discomfort, fluid discharge and sensitivity to light and touch. Your doctor may prescribe eye drops to help the healing process and to reduce the risk of infection.

If you’re located in Central New Jersey and are suffering from the symptoms of cataracts, schedule an appointment with our office. When you’re here, ask Dr. Scharfman about premium lenses and Laser-Assisted Femtosecond surgery for your cataracts — you’ll be glad you did.

The post Making the Most out of Your Cataract Surgery appeared first on Atlantic Medical Eye Care.

Reasons to Correct Cataracts with Surgery

In time, performing everyday tasks and activities with cataracts becomes frustrating due to symptoms such as:

• blurry vision
• seeing double
• light sensitivity
• trouble seeing at night
• color distortion

Without treatment, loss of vision may progress to the point of complete blindness. Thankfully, the surgery to fix cataracts is generally quick and painless.

What to Expect When Having Cataract Surgery

cataract surgery as a minimally invasive procedure that involves numbing the eyes with anesthesia and then making a tiny incision into which a small needle-like probe is inserted.

1. First, the surgeon (your ophthalmologist) makes tiny incisions in the eye. Typically, these small incisions simply close up without requiring stitches.
2. Then an ultrasonic is used to break the lens into tiny pieces which are suctioned out.
3. Finally, an artificial lens or Intraocular Lens (IOL) is inserted into the eye.

After a brief waiting period in the recovery room, the patient can go home with a shield over the operated eye.

Cataract Surgery Follow-Up Care and Outcome

Follow-up care involves using eye drops for a short time and a few visits to the ophthalmologist. Most patients experience a rapid recovery. They are so pleased about their sharp, clear vision that they are enthusiastic about having their other cataract done.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Ophthalmology studied over 70,000 women over time and found that cataract surgery was associated with decreased risk of mortality from all causes aggregately.

Dr. Robert Scharfman is committed to excellence in patient care and compassion. Atlantic Medical Eye Care has served the community for over 25 years. Contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Answers to Your Questions About Cataract Surgery

Use the form below to receive our complementary guide: 34 Questions You Must Ask BEFORE Having Cataract Surgery.

Your email is safe

Then, each month, you’ll also receive helpful tips to keep your vision strong.

Once you confirm your email address, you’ll receive an email with a link to this extensive free guide — it’s a MUST-READ if you or a loved one is considering cataract surgery.

The post What Can I Expect When I Have Cataract Surgery? appeared first on Atlantic Medical Eye Care.