Cataract Surgery &
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Cataracts are a major cause of vision loss worldwide; almost 20 million people are blind because of the condition. However, advanced cataract surgery can restore lost sight in most cases.
In the United States, more than 24 million people over the age of 40 are affected by cataracts. Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed procedure by ophthalmologists, with more than 3.6 million cataract surgeries performed annually.
At Advanced Sight Center in Washington, Missouri, Dr. Chris Ullrich specializes in cataract surgery. As a board-certified ophthalmologist with nearly three decades of experience, he has performed more than 20,000 successful cataract surgeries.
Learn more about cataracts and cataract surgery below.
A cataract is the clouding of a transparent part of your eye called the lens. A normally clear lens focuses light onto the retina, which is located in the back of the eye. When the lens becomes cloudy and opaque, light cannot pass through to the retina, resulting in blurry or cloudy vision.
The aging process is most directly associated with cataracts. As the body ages, the normally transparent lens begins to harden and becomes cloudy. There is increasing evidence that lifelong exposure to ultraviolet light contributes to the formation of cataracts.
Over half of all people aged 65 or older have some degree of cataract development. In addition, eye injuries, certain medications, diabetes, kidney disease, smoking, and high blood pressure may contribute to the formation of cataracts.
Innovative Lens Implants
There are always new and exciting developments being made in the field of ophthalmology, and our ophthalmologists stay on top of these innovations through continuing education and research.
One such advance is today’s state-of-the-art intraocular lens implants (IOLs), which are used for cataract surgery and refractive lens exchange. The main difference between these two ophthalmic surgeries is that one is to remove cataracts and the other is to correct a refractive error.
If you are diagnosed with cataracts or are considering refractive lens exchange, Dr. Ullrich will recommend the best type of lens implants based on your individual vision needs. He will explain everything in simple terms and give you realistic expectations.
Today’s premium IOLs can provide you with clear vision at all distances and reduce or even eliminate your need to wear glasses or contact lenses. To learn more about the innovative lens implants we offer in Washington, Missouri, call Advanced Sight Center today.
The newest TECNIS intraocular lens (IOL) is an excellent choice for those with cataracts and presbyopia, or age-related farsightedness, a condition in which nearby objects become blurry.
Approved by the FDA in July 2016, this lens is the first and only extended range of vision IOL to provide vision correction across multiple distances. This means that you won’t have to wear reading glasses or contacts after cataract surgery. Another version of the lens, the TECNIS Symfony Toric IOL, corrects astigmatism as well.
This IOL is used to treat cataracts as well as provide additional vision correction for near- and farsighted patients. According to studies, nearly 9 out of 10 people who use the TECNIS Multifocal IOLs do not need to wear eyeglasses after cataract surgery.
If you or someone you know has cataracts, know you are not alone as millions of others around the world suffer from vision loss due to cataracts. During cataract surgery, the TECNIS Toric Intraocular Lens replaces the cloudy natural lens. This type of IOL lens helps people with astigmatism, and allows light to enter the eye, helping you to see clearer, improving your vision overall.
Cataract Surgery in Washington, MO
Don’t put your vision at risk. Early diagnosis and treatment is paramount to preserving your vision. If you are experiencing blurry vision, dimming, glare while driving at night, or double vision, call and schedule your appointment at Advanced Sight Center today, or request one online. Our ophthalmologist can see you in Washington, Missouri.