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Cataract Surgery

Denver, Boulder - Colorado

The lens is the part of the eye behind the cornea, pupil, and iris that focuses light on to the retina. It is not uncommon for the lens to become cloudy and affect one's eyesight. When the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy it is called a cataract. Cataracts continue to be the most common cause of blindness in the world today.

A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye.

A normal view:

The same view as seen through an eye with a cataract:

Images used with permission - © 2002 American Academy of Ophthalmology

Cataracts are so common that about half of people 65 or older have them in one or both eyes and nearly all people 75 or older have at least one cataract. Generally, older individuals are the ones most at risk of having a cataract develop, but young people and even infants can develop cataracts by inheriting the genetic trait from their parents. Other causes of cataracts are: trauma, electric shock, long-term use of certain medications, intraocular infection or chronic inflammation.

The mere presence of a cataract does not always affect one's vision. Visual loss associated with cataracts depends upon the location and density of the cataract. For example, if a cataract is located in the periphery of the lens, a patient might not even be aware of any visual disturbance. Sometimes, cataracts will not develop to a point that requires surgery, while other times cataracts progress to the point that prevents people from driving or performing everyday tasks safely. There are three types of cataracts that you may develop:

  • Nuclear Cataract - forms as a result of aging and natural changes in the eye. This is the most common cataract; it forms in the center of the lens.
  • Cortical Cataract - forms around the edge of the lens and gradually spreads toward the center of the lens. People with diabetes often develop cortical cataracts.
  • Subcapsular Cataract - forms at the back of the lens and is most commonly developed by people with diabetes, retinitis pigmentosa, or patients who take steroids on a long-term basis.

While not all cataracts must be treated, when they progress and develop to a point that inhibits or detracts from taking part in activities or interferes with the quality of life, cataract surgery should be considered. Dr. Lewis at Cherry Creek Eye Physicians and Surgeons, P.C. has corrected thousands of patients' cataracts with cataract surgery and lens implantation since 1981.

Cataract surgery is the only way to correct vision that has been severely compromised by the development of large cataracts. During cataract surgery, the natural lens in the eye that has developed into a cataract is removed and replaced with an Intra-Ocular Lens (IOL).

Cataract surgery is a very common procedure that is performed on one eye at a time. During the surgery, Dr. Lewis makes a very small incision in the side of the cornea. Through this incision, the eye's natural lens is removed, and an IOL is placed in the eye. And, if a patient has astigmatism, it can be reduced or eliminated at the time the cataract is done.

The patient can select the IOL used in cataract surgery. There are many different IOL options, including the traditional monofocal lenses and multifocal lenses like the Tecnis, Crystalens, and ReSTOR Lens. Each of these different IOLs provides cataract-free vision.

Cataract FAQ

Once the cataract has been removed and the patient has received their IOL, they will no longer have to worry about cataracts again. Cataracts do not form in the plastic IOL. Contact the cataract surgery team at Cherry Creek Eye Physicians and Surgeons, P.C. in Denver, Colorado. Dr Lewis and his team provide patients with cataract consultations. Call or email us today to schedule an appointment.

Cherry Creek Eye Physicians and Surgeons, P.C.

4999 E. Kentucky Ave
Denver, CO 80246
(303) 691-2228
Uncompromised Excellence in Eye Care