Refractive Cataract Surgery in Birmingham, AL

At inVision Ophthalmology Birmingham, we routinely offer the most innovative diagnostic techniques and treatment approaches for cataracts, such as refractive cataract surgery. Defined as a clouding of the natural lens of the eye, cataracts usually begin to develop after 40 years of age. Since cataracts are clouded regions within the actual lens, the lens needs to be taken out and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to control the disease. Refractive cataract surgery is done with cutting-edge technology that can map the surface of the eye and apply a more delicate, scalpel-free incision, drastically decreasing the chances for infection. For patients who also have refractive errors, for example, myopia, hyperopia, and presbyopia, specially designed IOLs are an option that is able to work just like prescription lenses. These specialty intraocular lenses not only eliminate the patient's cataracts but also put an end to their reliance on standard prescription glasses or contacts. Schedule a consultation with our team in Birmingham, AL to discover whether you could be a good candidate for refractive cataract surgery.

Usually about half an hour before laser cataract surgery, someone on our team completely anesthetizes the patient’s eyes with eye drops. Refractive cataract surgery has the same goal as traditional cataract surgery except we use cutting-edge laser technology to determine the perfect incision site, make the incision, and crumble the cataract. The state-of-the-art device plots an extremely detailed map of the eye, which means the lasers can identify the exact position of the cataract. After the cataract is broken apart and taken out, the eye surgeon can replace it with the new intraocular lens. Thanks to its advanced capabilities, refractive cataract surgery technology gives outstanding results with a shorter healing period than traditional surgery. Refractive and traditional cataract surgery are generally very short outpatient treatments, lasting less than 30 minutes.

Will I get 20/20 vision with refractive cataract surgery?

Many patients can achieve 20/20 vision after refractive cataract surgery as long as they don't have any concurrent eye conditions like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or others.

Does refractive cataract surgery hurt?

No, it doesn't. Before we begin, your eyes will be numbed with anesthetic drops. If they feel anything at all, most patients only report a slight sense of pressure.

What are the options for intraocular lenses?

There are three main types of IOLs (intraocular lenses):

• Multifocal IOLs — provide both near and distance vision correction
• Monofocal IOLs — provide either near or distance correction but not both
• Toric IOLs — a monofocal lens that corrects astigmatism

How long do intraocular lenses last?

Intraocular lenses are made from a very durable, medical-grade plastic that will last a lifetime; however, they can be safely removed and replaced if necessary.

How long does refractive cataract surgery take?

The actual surgery itself is very quick, often being completed in about 20 minutes; however, with pre-OP preparation and post-OP recovery, the entire process can take about two hours.

When ignored, cataracts could drastically affect your day-to-day routines and eventually lead to a complete loss of vision. However, through refractive cataract surgery at inVision Ophthalmology Birmingham, you can rid yourself of cataracts and dramatically improve your vision. Our team urges patients whose lives are impacted by cataracts to reach out to our Birmingham, AL office in the near future for a comprehensive exam. We can talk to you about each of your choices and soothe your worries about receiving cataract surgery.