A cataract is the clouding of the natural human lens. Cataracts are among the most common age-related eye conditions; it is estimated that over 60% of Americans will develop a cataract at some point during their lifetime. Anyone can get a cataract. Cataracts occur most often in people over 45 years old and are even more common in people over the age of 65. Cataracts may also develop as a side effect of certain medications, such as corticosteroids. Some children

are born with congenital cataracts. Other causes for cataract formation can include ocular trauma or previous retinal surgery.

Some symptoms of cataracts include:

• Blurred or distorted vision
• Sensitivity to light, especially bright lights from oncoming car headlights
• Need to get closer to see distance objects, such as road signs
• Loss of depth perception
• A change in the color or your pupil to a milky white or yellow
• Glare and/or light sensitivity
• Continual changing of glasses prescriptions

Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure performed using the most advanced methods available.

The procedure is painless and involves no stitches or injections. This suture-less, self-sealing cataract removal method was developed by Dr. Ernest. During cataract surgery, an ultrasound is used to break up the cloudy lens and the lens pieces are then removed. A new intraocular

lens (IOL) is implanted using a tiny, self-sealing incision that heals very quickly.

Because no blood vessels are cut, there is no bleeding. There are no stitches to remove and only a local or topical anesthesia is used. Patients heal very quickly and resume most normal activities the next day.

Since cataract surgery is such a common procedure, there are very few complications reported. The most likely complication is a rupturing of the capsule around the lens during the procedure.

This situation does not always result in a loss of vision, and it should be emphasized that rupture is very rare. In fact, the usual rate of this complication for cataract surgery is about 1 in 100; Dr. Ernest is proud of a complication rate that is only 1 in every 1,000-2,000 cases. He is also the author of a published article that illustrates methods for decreasing the chance of this complication.

Femtosecond laser cataract surgery is the latest innovation in the world of cataract surgery.  The Femtosecond laser is used to cataract surgery to:

• Center an advanced technology lens more precisely reducing adverse side effects.
• Pre-treat the cataract by breaking it up into smaller pieces. This reduces the amount of energy necessary to remove the cataract and reduces trauma to the internal structures of the eye.
• Correct pre-existing astigmatism within certain parameters.

In traditional cataract surgery a scalpel is used to make an incision in the eye to replaced the natural lens and place the artificial one.

Because the femtosecond laser is a new, innovative procedure, most of the time a patient’s insurance will not cover the cost of the operation. Dr. Ernest and his staff understand that surgery can be a physical, emotional and financial hurdle for some patients. Beginning with the

initial consultation and continuing into post-surgery care, Dr. Ernest and his staff are here to help out any way they can.

What should I expect the day of surgery?

• Be prepared to not eat or drink anything approximately twelve hours before surgery.
• Plan to spend at least 4 hours at the surgery center.
• Have a family member or close friend drive you to and from your surgery.