Cataract Surgery Detroit
Cataracts are, simply put, cloudiness in the lens of the eye. Many people mistakenly think that they are a growth over the surface of the eye. In fact, cataracts are not visible unless they are VERY advanced. Even then, they are often not visible unless viewed with the special equipment available in an eye doctor's office. There are several varieties of cataracts, and they can cause different symptoms. The three most common types are nuclear cataracts, cortical cataracts, and posterior subacapsular cataracts (PSC's). During surgery, the natural lens and the cataract are removed, and replaced with an artificial lens implant. Two types of lens implants are available, standard and advanced technology lenses. Click on the tabs at the top of the page to learn more about your options for reducing or eliminating the need for reading glasses. Dr. William Goldstein employs both the Crystalens and the ReStor lens to accomplish this goal.
Nuclear Cataracts
- Typically found in older patients
- Hardening of the lens
- Green/Yellow discoloration of the lens>
- Slower growing
Cortical Cataracts
- Typically found in younger or older patients
- Bubbles, dots and/or spokes
- Whitish discoloration of the lens
- Faster growing
PSC Cataracts
- Typically found in younger patients
- Sugar or salt crystal appearance
- Found in patients with diabetes or those on steroids
- Faster growing
Symptoms of Cataracts
The earliest symptoms of cataract are often a change in glasses prescription. Some patients have an increase in their near vision later in life, and this is referred to as "second sight". All cataracts eventually cause a decrease in vision, but cortical and PSC cataracts may also cause significant glare symptoms. In fact, glare and difficulty with night driving or driving with daytime glare can be the reason that surgery is performed, even if the vision when reading the eyechart is very good.
Timing of Surgery
The modern thinking on timing of surgery has to do with impairment of activities of daily living (ADL's). The concept of cataracts 'ripening' has fallen by the wayside; this term implies that the surgeon decides when surgery is appropriate. Currently, the surgeon aids the patient in the decision-making process, helping them to determine to what extent that their ADL's are affected by decreased vision.
How is the surgery done?
Cataract surgery simply involves removal of the natural lens of the eye with the cataract, and insertion of an artificial lens implant at the time of surgery. The lens implant is placed within the natural membrane that contained the human lens. This gives excellent support for the lens, and provides a natural focal point as well. Two types of lens implants are available, standard and advanced technology lenses. Click on the tabs at the top of the page to learn more about your options for reducing or eliminating the need for reading glasses. Dr. Goldstein employs both the Crystalens and the ReStor lens to accomplish this goal.
Outpatient surgery
- 15 minute procedure
- Pain Free, stitch-free and patch-free
Topical Anesthetic
- Mild sedation
- No injections/needles near the eye
Easy lens insertion
- Foldable lens
- Small incision (1/8th inch!)
- Advanced technology lenses available to reduce or eliminate the need for reading glasses
Quick Recovery
- Painless
- Patients can drive the next day without glasses
Dr. Goldstein will be glad to answer any questions you have about Cataract Surgery. Free evaluations are available to discuss the details of this procedure, and to determine your candidacy for surgery. To have your questions answered regarding surgery call Dr. Goldstein's office at (586) 323-2020 or (toll free) (888) 347-2020 to arrange an appointment, or set up your appointment now online.
