Surgery
Cataract Surgery
What is a cataract?
The natural crystalline lens, located within the eye, is clear and helps focus light rays onto the retina. Over time, this lens becomes yellowed and cloudy, leaving vision hazy and sometimes causing significant glare. Cataracts are most commonly caused by the natural aging process of the eye. However medical problems like diabetes, eye injuries, medications (i.e. steroids), or excessive exposure to sunlight can stimulate cataract development. Cataracts cannot be fixed with a laser or eye drops. Surgery is the only permanent solution.
When would surgery be indicated?
In most instances, as long as your vision allows you to perform your normal daily activities, nothing needs to be done about a cataract. When your cataract progresses and the resulting blurred vision impairs your daily activities, the only definitive treatment is cataract surgery.
More information about cataract surgery.
Cataract surgery is a very common, out-patient procedure. During surgery, the clouded lens is removed and a clear, artificial lens is implanted called an intraocular lens (IOL). In some cases, glaucoma can be treated during cataract surgery. Your ophthalmologist will help you decide whether you are a candidate for a combined MIGS (micro-invasive glaucoma surgery) during your cataract operation.
What are potential issues from cataract surgery?
Although the incidence of significant complications in cataract surgery is extremely small, there are remote risks of potentially serious complications. These will be thoroughly discussed with your doctor prior to surgery.
Possible issues include:
Infection –
Just like any other surgery, there is a risk of infection. The estimated incidence following cataract surgery is approximately 0.15% which is extremely low. Our doctors prescribe a combination anti-inflammatory/antibiotic eye drops to aid in the reduction of inflammation and to prevent post-operative infection.
Posterior Capsule Opacification –
Cataract surgery is a permanent solution but sometimes after surgery, the posterior capsule behind the IOL may be come cloudy. If this happens, our doctors perform a simple laser procedure to make an opening in it, allowing light to enter, and restoring clear vision.
Cystoid Macular Edema –
Some people, particularly diabetic patients, within 1-6 months after surgery will develop edema or swelling within the macula. This is the area responsible for your central vision. This is a short-term issue typically treated with eye drops and may occur in anywhere between 1-19% of patients.
What restrictions are there after cataract surgery?
There are few restrictions after most cataract operations. We recommend avoiding dirty environments and strenuous physical activities for a week. You may resume most activities including deskwork and driving within a day or two in most cases.
What are your intraocular lens (IOL) options?
IOLs are made of plastic, acrylic or silicone. Some IOLs block ultraviolet light. Palm Harbor Eye Care offers the most advanced technology IOLs which further enhances post-operative visual outcomes. Today’s advanced technology lenses can dramatically reduce or even eliminate your dependence on glasses.
Palm Harbor Eye Care doctors can determine if you have cataracts
Experience the best in eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)
_______________
The skin around the eyes is one of the first places to show signs of aging. As you get older, collagen and elastin break down, creating wrinkles and drooping. The skin also gets thinner over time, which makes dark circles more prominent. Eyelid surgery may also be medically necessary if the skin droops so much that it impairs vision or function of the eyelids.
Palm Harbor Eye and Laser offers eyelid surgery for those who want a more youthful-looking appearance, or who want to improve their vision or function of the eyelids. Our facial surgeon, Alyssa E. Hooper, MD, is exceptionally skilled and takes pride creating natural-looking results.
What is eyelid surgery?
Eyelid surgery is a procedure that removes excess skin from around the eyes, while also tightening the underlying muscles and repositioning fat to reduce puffiness, hollowing and dark circles. This comprehensive approach can:
Restore a more youthful-looking eye
Create smoother contours above and below the eyes
Reduce puffiness and dark circles
Minimize hollowing under the eyes
Elevate drooping eyelids (and improve vision in severe cases)
Eyelid surgery can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both. Addressing both the upper and lower eyelids often creates the more attractive results.
Are you a candidate?
Eyelid surgery is an excellent option for men and women who want their eyes to look more alert and invigorated. This procedure can also be combined with other facial rejuvenation techniques like an eyebrow lift or facelift for more dramatic results.
Others who can benefit from eyelid surgery include individuals who have obstructed vision or impaired eyelid function due to heavy, drooping eyelids. In this case, medically necessary eyelid surgery may be an option. Our team can help support you with insurance approvals.
A natural look
Today's eyelid surgery techniques are more sophisticated than those of the past. The facial plastic surgeons at Palm Harbor Eye and Laser use the most up-to-date methods of eyelid surgery to help you achieve a natural-looking result.
As board-certified facial surgeons, our doctors have received in-depth education and training for facial plastic surgery procedures. Their experience ensures that your results always look natural, never overdone.
Request an appointment
The best way to determine if eyelid surgery is right for you is to request a consultation with one of our facial plastic surgeons. They can evaluate your concerns and facial anatomy to help develop a treatment plan that best meets your needs.
If you are interested in younger-looking eyes, please call 727-785-6777 to request an appointment.
