This page is designed to provide you with information concerning your vision problem and possible treatments. Once you have reviewed the content, contact us and we will answer any additional questions you have.

A cataract is an opacity or cloudiness of the normally transparent lens inside the eye. It is not a tumor or a new growth of skin or tissue over the eye. As a cataract forms, the lens becomes opaque and light cannot easily be transmitted to the retina. Cataracts can happen to anyone, regardless of age. Like gray hair, they are the normal part of the aging process. With new and advanced surgical techniques, this condition can be successfully treated in 95 to 97 percent of cases. The lens of the eye allows you to focus your vision at different distances. It is normally transparent and clear. It becomes known as a cataract when it becomes opaque and starts to hinder vision. The common symptom of cataracts are hazy or blurred vision. Reading may become difficult and you may have trouble driving, especially at night due to the glare of headlights. A thorough eye examination by an ophthalmologist is necessary prior to your decision about cataract surgery. An eyeglass prescription change is common in some forms of cataracts and new glasses may all that is necessary to improve vision. Retinal damage (macular degeneration), optic nerve atrophy or other eye diseases may prevent good vision after cataract surgery. If one of these diseases are present, cataract surgery may not be indicated. Surgery should only be performed if significant improvement of vision can be expected or under other unusual circumstances. The time you have your cataract removed can usually be decided by yourself. There is not a "best time" or urgent time to have cataract surgery. The time period depends on your lifestyle and/or type of work. Decreased vision that interferes with daily activities or work would indicate your need for the operation. The risks, benefits, procedures, alternatives and complications should be thoroughly discussed personally with your ophthalmologist prior to your decision to proceed with cataract surgery.

Modern cataract surgery has become extremely successful. Technological advances in today's equipment and surgical techniques have revolutionized cataract surgery, making this the most common surgical procedure performed in the United States. State-of-the-art implants (Intraocular lenses) have also made a vast improvement in after surgery vision. Other methods of vision restoration are cataract glasses and contact lenses, both of which are rarely used today. The vast majority of all cataract surgery today is done using an extracapsular technique. This technique leaves a portion of the capsule that surrounds your natural lens inside the eye. This capsule helps to hold the intraocular in position and also decreases the incidence of retinal complications following surgery. Extracapsular cataract extraction utilizing the small incision technique (phacoemulsification) is used in nearly all cases. This technique, often confused with laser surgery, uses a small ultrasonic probe that vibrates approximately 45,000 times per second. This rapid vibration dissolves the denser portion of the cataract allowing the ophthalmologist to remove it from the eye through a small incision. During the operation an intraocular lens is implanted inside the eye. This is a very small plastic lenses placed close to the original position of the natural lens. Intraocular lenses provide central and side vision. Most people have relatively good vision following surgery, but to obtain maximum visual acuity, glasses are required. We are pleased to offer astigmatism surgery at the same time as cataract surgery. We have been a leader in this technique and are one of the few centers offering this procedure routinely.

Surgery is usually performed at the University Eye Surgery Center. The center specializes in eye surgery and employs state-of-the-art surgical suites. The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and the entire time spent at the Surgery Center is usually less than two hours. Shortly before surgery, you will receive medications to relax you. In most cases, the surgery is done with topical anesthesia (eyedrops). This assures painless surgery while you are awake and you will not need an eye patch after surgery. In the operating room, you may see the usual lights and sterile equipment. You may also notice the special microscope used to magnify the eye during the operation. Prior to beginning the procedure, the area around your eye will be cleaned. Sterile drapes (thin sheeting) will be placed around the eye to be operated on. There will be plenty of space for your nose and mouth, so you'll have no trouble breathing. Surgery lasts approximately 15-20 minutes. Following surgery, you will be taken to a recovery area for a short period of time. The morning after surgery you will be seen in our office by the ophthalmologist. While your eye is healing you will have periodic follow-up exams. Make sure you continue using eye drops as directed by the ophthalmologist. This process normally takes about four to six weeks. A detailed instruction pamphlet will be given to you prior to surgery. This will list all special instructions for before and after your surgery.

Many people have been misled to believe that cataract surgery can be performed with a laser. There is no laser equipment manufactured today that can perform cataract surgery. Except under rare circumstances or conditions, cataract surgery is an elective operation. A cataract does not simply need to be removed because it is there. It can take years for the cataract to develop to the point which surgery is necessary. Only when your lifestyle or ability to perform necessary activities is altered due to blurred vision should you elect to have surgery performed. Be careful concerning information you may read or hear from other sources. If you have any questions or concerns, Dr. Croley or the trained staff members at the Cataract & Refractive Institute of Florida can provide you with factual information. A Commitment To Eye Care        A complete eye exam will be performed by an ophthalmologist prior to your decision to have cataract surgery. Every effort will be made to improve your vision with glasses before surgery is suggested. Alternatives to cataract surgery will be explored and discussed. You will have the opportunities to discuss the surgery with your ophthalmologist prior to the proceedure. An ophthalmologist will perform the entire proceedure from beginning to end. You will be seen personally by the operating surgeon on each visit during the post-operative healing time. We feel it's the responsibility of the ophthalmologist to care for you on an individual basis. The doctor-patient relationship is a sacred and important aspect to the practice of medicine.