UltraVision Laser Eye Surgery in San Antonio, TX

It’s estimated that nearly 25 million Americans have cataracts, the leading cause of blindness in the US. Fortunately, cataracts can usually be corrected, and when you undergo cataract surgery, you don’t just lose the cataract, you gain significantly improved vision with a new intraocular lens (IOL). The experienced doctors at UltraVision have helped many adults achieve better vision with cataract surgery.

What causes cataracts?

When a cataract develops, your lens, which is normally clear, becomes cloudy, as proteins in the lens begin to clump together. Cataracts may be caused by eye surgery or an injury, but in most cases, they naturally develop as you get older.A cataract can start to form in your 40s, but it won’t affect your vision until it gets larger, which usually happens 10-20 years later. When a cataract goes untreated, it can lead to blindness.

What are the symptoms of cataracts?

As your cataracts increase in size, you may experience:● Blurry vision● Double vision● Difficulty reading● Poor night vision● Glare around lightsYou may also find that your eyes are more sensitive to light or that bright colors appear yellow or dull.

Are there different types of cataracts?

You may form one of several types of cataracts, such as:● Nuclear cataracts: form deep in the center of the lens; associated with aging. With nuclear cataracts, the center of your lens gradually hardens and yellows, causing the primary symptom of blurry vision.● Subcapsular cataracts: form at the back of the lens; common in patients with diabetes● Cortical cataracts: cloudiness starts around the edge of the lens and progresses inward

How is cataract surgery performed?

In the early stages of cataracts, you may get by with eyeglasses and appropriate lighting when you read. Once your cataracts seriously affect your vision, there’s only one treatment option: surgery to remove the defective lens and replace it with a new intraocular lens.

Before your surgery, your doctor at UltraVision takes a detailed digital image of your eye using the Verion™ Image Guided System. Then, they map out your surgery using the precise measurements obtained from the Verion.

Your surgery is performed using an advanced system called Zepto®, which uses pulsed light technology to soften and remove the cataract and lens.

The capsule that holds the lens in place is usually retained, so for the final step, your doctor places your new intraocular lens into the existing capsule.

What types of intraocular lenses are available?

Your new lens will also correct refractive vision problems. You can get specialized lenses, such as:● Multifocal IOLs: improve vision at all distances, near and far.● Accommodative IOLs: move or change shape inside your eye, providing clear vision at different distances.● Toric IOLs: correct astigmatism.To schedule an eye exam to track your cataract progression, call UltraVision or book an appointment online.