Cataract Doctor Los Angeles Cataract Surgeon

Cataract eye doctor Los Angeles cataract surgery,  Dr. Vu is a board certified eye surgeon for cataract surgery in Los Angeles, Pasadena Inland Empire and Orange County. Cataract surgery, laser eye surgery and lasik consultations are free. Call Eye Zone Medical Lasik Center to find out more.

We realize that we cannot answer all of the questions and concerns that you may have about cataract surgery in Los Angeles but we have tried to anticipate many of the questions which have concerned our patients in the past. We look forward to the opportunity to answer specific questions that you might have concerning your cataract surgery and your eyes. Los Angeles cataract surgeon Dr. Linda Vu and her trained assistants are here to help you.

Can DR. VU just change my glasses instead of cataract surgery?

Glasses focus light, they do not improve light transmission. The cataract blocks the light from getting into the eye, causing the vision to be blurry.

Can cataracts be prevented?

Currently there is no medical treatment to reverse cataracts. Once they form, there is only one way to have clear vision again, and that is to physically remove the cataract from the eye.

When should I have the cataract removed?

Each person’s need is different. First, Dr. Vu will measure you for the best possible glasses, and then you decide if the vision is sufficient for your needs. Your job, hobbies, driving needs, and personality will determine how satisfied you are with your vision. If the vision is not adequate for your daily activities, it is likely Dr. Vu will recommend you have the cataract removed.

Do cataracts need to be “ripe” before they are removed?

No, not any more. Years ago patients were encouraged to wait until their cataracts were fully developed (ripe or mature), but the blurry vision makes it hard to function. At that time, surgical techniques were so risky, so treatment was delayed as long as possible. However, with the sophisticated equipment and advanced surgical techniques Dr. Vu uses today, it is easier on the eye when a cataract is removed earlier instead of later.

How long is the CATARACT SURGERY procedure? Is it painful?

The cataract surgery procedure with implantation of an intraocular lens (IOL) takes about 20 minutes; the whole visit to the surgical facility usually takes about 2-4 hours.

During the procedure, the old lens is removed and the new lens implant is inserted through a tiny incision. There is a sensation of pressure on the eye, but little or no pain.

After surgery, more eye drops are applied to prevent infection and decrease inflammation. A protective patch is usually placed over the eye. Once at home, the patient should rest and avoid any strenuous activities. Generally, the patch is removed at home and eye drops are started to speed the recovery. Dr. Vu will examine the eye the next day.

Do you use lasers to remove the cataract?

No. The cataract has to be physically removed. Dr. Vu inserts an ultrasonic probe into the eye through a small incision to break up the cataract into small pieces, then “vacuums” the pieces out.

Can my eye reject the lens implant?

No, since the intraocular lens is not made up of human tissue, your body cannot reject it.

Will the implant need to be replaced in the future?

No, the intraocular lens implant will remain in your eye permanently and will not “wear out.”

Will I need glasses after Cataract surgery?

The process of cataract removal and lOL implantation is intended to restore your focus to normal, minimizing your dependence on glasses. Most people need some form of glasses, if only to read.

What is an ADVANCED technology intraocular lens (IOL)?

Unlike a standard IOL, the advanced technology IOL (intraocular lens) is a new, state-of-the-art lens that can focus on objects near and far, to provide a full range of vision for most patients, significantly reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses after surgery. The Crystalens® is designed to be focused by the eye’s natural muscle; the ReSTOR® and Tecnis Multifocal™ lenses have a special surface design that brings near and distant objects into focus without muscle assistance.

Do advanced technology IOLs provide 20/20 vision for both reading and distance?

Advanced technology IOLs (intraocular lens) were created to provide a fuller range of vision, near to distance. Nearly everyone will find their uncorrected vision significantly better after surgery, but some will not see 20/20 through the full range of vision.

Preexisting eye conditions may prevent full range 20/20 vision. Dr. Vu will advise you of any conditions that may affect the outcome of your individual surgery. She will evaluate your vision care needs and recommend a customized vision plan.

In general, 98 percent of patients are able to pass their driver’s license eye exam, and read newspapers and phone books. All of them could read a computer screen, dashboard instruments, and supermarket price stickers; all female participants could apply makeup. About 80% of patients did not use glasses or contact lenses at all after the procedure.

Is advanced technology IOL implantation covered by insurance?

Most private insurance covers the cataract surgical procedure and the anesthesia, but may cover only a portion of the cost of a new technology IOL (intraocular lens), since it costs more and is considered non-standard.

Can both eyes be done on the same day as my cataract surgery?

No. For the typical patient, most surgeons, including Dr. Vu, prefer not to operate on both eyes at the same time. The normal procedure is to replace the lens that is most clouded first. The interval between surgeries depends on the healing of the first eye and the vision results; one to four weeks is typical.

What is the likelihood of complications, and what might they be?

The standard cataract surgery procedure is performed on more than 3 million eyes each year, and has proven extremely safe. However, there is always a chance of complication with even the most routine surgery.

Most complications, such as minor infections, inflammation, and irritation, are temporary and easily treated. Serious sight-threatening complications, such as serious infection, hemorrhaging, or retinal detachment, are extremely rare. Cataract surgery slightly increases your risk of retinal detachment. Other eye disorders, such as high myopia (nearsightedness), can further increase your risk of retinal detachment after cataract surgery.

Complications are more likely in patients with diabetes and high blood pressure, and those who suffer from chronic inflammation and infections. About 98 percent of cataract surgery patients experience no complications and more than 95 percent achieve improved vision.

As with all surgical procedures, Dr. Vu will perform a thorough examination and provide a complete evaluation of expected results and possible complications. She will help you to make sure cataract surgery is right for you.

How soon does vision improve after cataract surgery?

Distance vision will usually be very good within a few days to a week after surgery. For those patients with an advanced technology IOL, the return of near vision may take longer, as it usually requires more time to adapt to the multifocality of the advanced technology IOL.

For most people there is a period of weeks when your brain is learning to “see” up-close and at a distance with the new lens. This adjustment period is usually complete within 10 to 12 weeks. Also, like all multifocal lenses, some people report halos or glare around lights. Again, for most people this lessens over time. For some, it becomes less troublesome but never completely goes away. Most people report that the ability to see near and far outweighs any visual side effects associated with the lens.

Cataract surgery is intended to correct the cloudy lens, and will not help with vision problems related to other parts of the eye, such as floaters, flashes, or visual field loss.

Will lens implant cataract surgery cause glare, night driving problems, and light sensitivity?

Glare, night driving problems, and light sensitivity can occur with both traditional and advanced technology lens implants. Night vision problems are usually much less severe than before cataract surgery. This is usually temporary and diminishes as the brain and eyes adjust.

Light sensitivity is usually temporary. The crystal-clear material of the advanced technology IOL nearly always permits more light to pass through than the natural cataract lens it replaces. Patients have to adjust to seeing vivid colors and brighter lights than before surgery.

How soon after lens implant cataract surgery will I be able to resume normal activities?

Most patients require only a few days to resume normal activities, with some limitations. Some sensitivity to touch and bright lights should not stop most patients from driving and returning to work.

For several days after surgery, patients should avoid any heavy lifting or straining, which can increase pressure in the eye. Patients should also avoid rubbing or pushing of the eye. Careful showering is permitted, as long as no soap or shampoo touches the eye. Women should not use any makeup around the eye for one week. Public swimming pools, hot tubs, and other potential sources of bacterial contamination should also be avoided for 2-3 weeks.

How often do I need to have my eyes checked after cataract surgery?

Dr. Vu will check your eyes the day after surgery and, depending on your particular case, about one week later, at four weeks, and again, about three to six months later. After that, annual eye exams are recommended, unless a specific problem develops.

Will I need to have cataract surgery again?

After the cloudy lens is removed, it does not grow back and you would not need cataract surgery in the same eye more than once.

However, some patients experience subsequent clouding of the membrane, called the capsule, that holds the lens. This clouding is called an “after-cataract”. An after-cataract can develop months or years later. Dr. Vu may treat this using a technique called YAG laser capsulotomy, in which a laser beam is used to create a hole through the membrane, allowing a clear path for light. It is a quick and painless procedure.