The Truth About Cataracts and Cataract Surgery

Having a good quality of life includes being able to see its beauty. But, as we tick through the years our chances for developing cataracts go up.

"Just like our skin and hair ages, so does our lens. In about one third of people it ages or clouds and needs to be replaced," said Dr. Vance Thompson of Vance Thompson Vision.

Having a cataract is the clouding of the lens, affecting vision. And, so, cataracts just grow and blur vision to the point where when someone says, 'my best pair of glasses does not give me the image quality I'm looking for,' I think it's time for cataract surgery," said Dr. Thompson.

It's also time for you to do some research, talk with your doctor about what sort of results you're seeking, and choose the specific surgery best for you.

We've got options for traditional cataract surgery. And, we've got options for people that want to take it to a different level and really maximize their vision with unique qualities and characteristics that we can use from their eyes matching with technology all to function more independent from glasses," said Dr. Alison Tendler.

Vance Thompson Vision is unique to the region.

We provide the world's most sophisticated technology right here," said Dr. Thompson.

Its doctors use lasers to target a patient's unique needs during cataract surgery.

What's great about technology these days is what we're measuring pre-operatively in a room like this is able to be sent up to our laser devices that are doing portions of our cataract surgery," said Dr. Tender. "They're being able to be sent to our microscopes, all trying to integrate the process of cataract surgery and make it seamless for me and make it the best outcome possible for the patient.

For some patients that means going glasses free and choosing a lens replacement during cataract surgery.

For someone who wants to replace both issues, not only the cloudiness, but bring back the reading function there are lens implants that will do that," said Dr. Thompson.

The Center's work doesn't stop with surgery. A nomogram tracks the patient's diagnostics for future surgeries.

"Each patient's results get compiled so the next people have a more precise outcome," said Dr. Tendler.

An outcome that includes loving your vision and knowing that you made an informed decision.