WaveTec Vision

What is a cataract?

The eye's natural crystalline lens is the clear part of the eye that helps focus incoming light rays on the retina to form an image, which is then transmitted to the brain. The crystalline lens is made primarily of water and protein, allowing the structure to change shape to focus on near and distant objects.

A cataract is a painless clouding of the eye's lens. Since a cataract affects the clarity of the lens, it prohibits the light from passing through the lens easily. This causes the retina to receive blurred or distorted images. Because the brain cannot receive clear images of objects, vision gradually becomes impaired. As a cataract progresses, the possibility of cataract eye surgery should be strongly considered, as a cataract, if left untreated, could lead to blindness. In fact, cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 55.

What are cataract symptoms?

Although the most common cause of cataracts stems from the aging process, others may develop a cataract for different reasons and need eye surgery. People at risk for cataracts include adults over 55, people with diabetes, anyone who has suffered an eye injury, people with a family history of cataracts, smokers, heavy drinkers, and steroid users. Those at risk should see their eye doctor to discuss the possible need for cataract eye surgery if they develop any of the following symptoms:

• Blurred or cloudy vision (almost appears that you are looking through clouded glass)
• Temporary improved nearsightedness (reading and close-up vision may improve as eye's lens changes shape)
• Increased sensitivity to light and glare (halos may appear around lights)
• Poor night vision
• Spots in your vision
• Seeing distorted images
• Changed perception of colors (colors may seem faded or you may have difficulty distinguishing colors)
• Double vision (this symptom may clear as cataract size increases)
• Frequent changes to eyeglasses or contacts prescription
• Changes in eye pupil color

The above symptoms may indicate a need for cataract eye surgery or they may signal other serious vision problems. If you suffer from any of the symptoms, you should contact your ophthalmologist.

Cataracts usually mature over time in density and color. You need to continue to visit your eye doctor regularly to monitor the cataract's progression. In addition to the eye examinations, be sure to inform your doctor if your vision becomes impaired to the point where it is dangerous to drive or everyday tasks are difficult to accomplish.

What are the benefits of cataract eye surgery?

With the advances in cataract eye surgery, patients no longer have to wait until a cataract "ripens" or accelerates to a certain point before it can be removed. Cloudy and blurred vision can now be corrected at an earlier stage without repercussions.

Modern cataract eye surgery has a high success rate. In most instances of cataract eye surgery, patients with otherwise healthy eyes have improved vision after the lens replacement procedure.

Many patients' vision improves so dramatically after cataract eye surgery that they are able to pass the vision test to get a driver's license. After the removal of a cataract, patients tend to have a decreased dependence on corrective eyewear and are able once again to see colors vividly.

Discuss Your Cataract Eye Surgery Options with an Ophthalmologist:   It is important to schedule an eye exam with an ophthalmologist if you believe your sight is being affected by cataracts or another vision problem.

ORange^®

ORange takes cataract surgery a step further ~ ORange is a new technology that assists eye surgeons during surgical procedures on the human eye.  ORange can analyze imperfections in the way light passes through the eye.  Allowing the surgeon to analyze these optical aberrations can enhance his or her ability to help surgically make the eye focus properly. ORange can measure these optical imperfections to a higher degree that was not possible with conventional measuring instruments. 

ORange is unique in its ability to measure the optical aberrations in the eye during a surgical procedure such as cataract surgery.  Prior to this new technology, ophthalmic surgeons were unable to asses the quality of vision during cataract surgery, and would often wait until days after the surgery to determine the optical accuracy of the surgical results.

ORange works by directing a beam of low intensity laser light into the eye during the surgical procedure.  The laser light reflects off of the patient’s retina, and sensors in the ORange instrument analyze the reflected wave of light exiting the eye.  This real time analysis measures all of the eye’s unique optical characteristics, and gives the surgeon an accurate measurement of the eye’s focusing capabilities. 

Using this revolutionary technology, eye surgeons can evaluate the optical conditions in the eye throughout the surgical procedure and make surgical decisions at the precise moment that can best effect visual outcomes.  The measurement occurs when and where it matters most– during the surgical procedure – not afterwards.  ORange can assist surgeons in more accurately determining factors such as astigmatism correction and intraocular lens implant accuracy.

The end result is more precise surgical outcomes.  This new technology can help doctor and patients achieve better results, and most importantly, an improved quality of vision.