Cataract Surgery
Cataracts occur when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, leading to blurred or hazy vision. Cataract surgery in Farmington, CT at Atlantic Eye Physicians can restore clarity, reduce dependence on glasses, and help you see the world with vibrant colors once again.
What Are Cataracts?
The human lens focuses light for clear vision. Over time, natural changes in the lens’s collagen can lead to opacification, forming a cataract. Common symptoms include:`
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Cloudy or blurry vision
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Difficulty driving at night
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Glares and halos, especially around headlights or bright sunlight
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Changes in glasses prescription
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Trouble seeing in bright or dim lighting
Cataracts affect a large portion of the population by age 70. If you have cataracts, you're in good company.
Cataract surgery is safe, efficient, and has exceedingly high success rates
How are cataracts treated?
The only definitive treatment for cataracts is surgery. During cataract surgery:
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The cloudy natural lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL)
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Surgery takes less than 30 minutes per eye
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Most patients walk in and out the same day
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Recovery is usually at home with quick return to daily activities
Lens Options:
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Multifocal IOLs: Correct distance and near vision, reduce need for glasses
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Toric IOLs: Correct astigmatism and cataracts for sharper distance vision
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Basic IOLs: Standard lenses covered by insurance; glasses may still be needed for optimal clarity
After cataract surgery, patients express satisfaction with the enhanced vibrancy of colors, the clarity of images, and the ease of driving at night.
3.7 million
Cataract surgeries are performed annually in the US. Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgery nationwide.
>99% success
Over 99% of patients achieve a successful surgery the first time. Less than 0.5% will need a second surgery to complete the task of removing the cataract and placing a new lens; these will end up seeing very well.
1/2 hour
Cataract surgery is very efficient, and generally takes less than half an hour. You will walk in and out of the surgery center the same day, and recover in the comfort of your home.
2 millimeters
The size of the incision through which surgery is performed. Given the small size, most wounds are self-sealing and sutureless. Topical (drop) anesthesia is all that is needed. Patients also receive an IV for extra help staying calm (MAC anesthesia) and additional intraocular numbing agents.
1-2 weeks
Each eye may be performed one to two weeks apart, though some elect to wait longer.
1 month
Patients will use drops for one month after surgery to reduce the risk of infection and inflammation. Dropless options for surgery are available upon request for appropriate candidates.
1 month
After surgery, new glasses are prescribed. It takes about this long for the refraction to stabilize postoperatively. Until then, many will wear over-the-counter reading glasses if needed.
>70%
of the population will have cataracts by age 70. If you have cataracts, you are in good company.
After cataract surgery, you will recover in the comfort and independence of your home. You will quickly resume your normal activities, including driving, exercise and the leisure activities you love within days to weeks.
Vision Packages
Restore Clarity with Customized Vision Solutions
Advanced Vision
Multifocal Intraocular Lens
Multifocal intraocular lenses offer cutting-edge technology that corrects astigmatism while providing clear vision at multiple distances. By reducing reliance on glasses for both near and far vision, these lenses enhance overall visual clarity and provide greater freedom for daily activities.
Toric Monofocal Intraocular Lens
Astigmatism-correcting toric intraocular lenses (IOLs) are specialized lenses that correct both cataracts and astigmatism. Unlike standard monofocal IOLs, toric IOLs have a unique design that compensates for the irregular curvature of the cornea, allowing for sharper, more focused vision at a single set distance—typically far. While they significantly reduce or eliminate the need for distance glasses, patients may still require reading glasses for near vision tasks.
Basic Vision Correction
The Basic Vision Package is ideal for those looking to improve their vision through cataract removal and intraocular lens implantation. After surgery, glasses will still be needed for optimal clarity at both near and far distances. The Basic Vision Package is covered by insurance.
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
MIGS, or Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery, is an excellent option for patients with glaucoma, often performed at the same time as cataract surgery. These procedures use the same tiny incisions, adding only about 5 minutes to the operating time. MIGS can provide lifelong benefits, including reduced glaucoma progression, decreased reliance on glaucoma eye drops, and overall improved eye pressure control. Our glaucoma specialists in Farmington, CT offer personalized MIGS treatment plans for eligible patients.
Common Symptoms
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Needing brighter lights to read
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Difficulty driving at night
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Difficulty seeing in challenging lighting situations, such as bright sun or dim light
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Glares and haloes, especially with oncoming headlights or bright sunlight
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Blurry vision. Often, patients feel their glasses don't work anymore, and may cycle through multiple pairs of glasses without success
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Change in glasses prescription
