Cataract Surgery in Calgary

Your cataract adversely affects your vision; it is the clouding of the lens in your eye. The majority of cataracts are a result of aging and are highly prevalent in older adults and seniors.

A cataract can take place in one eye or both; however, it is unable to spread from one eye to another.

Over a person’s life, the general wear and tear of the protein contained in your lens changes. The lens of your eye operates similar to a camera lens, as it focuses light onto the retina at the back of your eye, where images are recorded. Mostly, the lens, located behind the iris and pupil, is comprised of water and protein. The protein is organized in a precise manner to ensure the lens of the eye remains clear and allows light to pass through it. As we grow old, some of the protein can clump together, clouding a small portion of the lens—this is a cataract. If the cataract enlarges, it can continue to cloud more of the lens, causing your vision to become blurrier.

• Age
• Diseases such as diabetes
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol use
• Prolonged sun exposure

Initially, new glasses, brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses, and magnifying lenses may alleviate the symptoms of a cataract. However, when these options are ineffective, surgery is the only valid option. Cataract surgery involves the removal of the cloudy lens and the replacement of an artificial lens.

Cataract surgery in Calgary begins with a small incision made on the side of your cornea. A tiny probe is inserted into your eye by your doctor, which emits ultrasound waves to soften and break up the lens so it can be removed by suction. After the removal of the natural lens, it is replaced by an intraocular, which is an artificial lens called IOL. This is a clear, plastic, and permanent lens. It does not require care. The IOL focuses light clearly onto the retina to improve your vision. Patients will not be able to feel or see their new lens.

Cataract surgery is considered one of the safest, most common, and most effective types of surgery in Canada. The vast majority of patients who have received cataract surgery have experienced exceptional visual improvements.

A few tests will be conducted by your doctor to record measurements of the eye. These assist your doctor in determining the most appropriate type of IOL.

Your pupils are first dilated by drops, and the area around your eye is washed and cleansed. This operation takes between 10 to 15 minutes and is pain-free. You may choose to be awake or put under anesthetic for a short period. An anesthetic will be provided to numb the nerves in and around your eye if you wish to remain awake for the procedure. After the procedure, a clear plastic shield is placed over your eye, and the medical team will monitor you for any issues. You will require a driver to return home.

You may experience:

• Itching
• Mild discomfort
• Fluid discharge
• Sensitivity to light and touch

Generally, healing is completed within six to eight weeks. You will visit your doctor for scheduled examinations to assess your progress.

• Infection
• Inflammation
• Bleeding
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Loss of vision
• Double vision
• High or low eye pressure

Above are rare problems that can occur after cataract surgery in Calgary. However, these complications can be treated successfully with prompt medical attention.

Your vision may be blurred for a while after you return to everyday activities following surgery. As your eye heals, it will need time to adjust and focus correctly. Our cataract surgery specialist will inform you when it is appropriate to drive again.

If you have received an IOL, you may notice that colours are brighter as it is a clear lens, unlike your natural lens. After a few months, you will acclimate to your improved colour vision. Once your eye has fully healed, you may require new glasses or contact lenses.

An IOL or intraocular lens is plastic, fabricated especially to replace your natural lens within your eye. This allows the focus of images with your retina, delivering an outstanding vision.

The four types of IOL’s include:

Standard IOL: This lens type offers you clear vision at a specific distance.

TORIC IOL: This lens type is designed to perform all the functions of the standard lens, in addition to correcting astigmatism in your eye.

Multifocal IOL: This lens type has a variety of focusing attributes. It offers clear vision from close, intermediate, and far distances.

Accommodative IOL: This lens type can move within your eye for clear vision at close, intermediate, and far distances.

Your doctor for cataracts will discuss the four types of IOL’s and determine which type suits your needs best.