Lasers have excelled as a tool for eye surgery and are used to treat many diseases that may affect different parts of the eye. The laser treatment itself usually takes a short time to perform, and in most cases, the treatment is painless and non-traumatic.

What Is a Cataract?

A cataract is characterized by a clouding of the eye's lens, which impairs vision. The lens is made up mostly of water and protein. A cataract occurs when this protein clumps together and prevents some light from reaching the retina. When first forming, a cataract may affect only a small area of the lens and may not interfere with eyesight. However, as a cataract grows, it can severely impair your vision, and treatment becomes necessary.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Cataract?

The most common symptoms of a cataract are:

Cloudy or blurry vision
Seeing halos around lights
Difficulty adjusting to bright light
Poor night vision
Frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions.

How Is a Cataract Treated?

In the early stages of a cataract, eyeglasses, magnifying lenses, or stronger lighting may be effective in improving vision. When these tactics fail, surgery is usually required. In cataract surgery, the lens of the eye is removed and replaced by an artificial lens. This new lens allows light to pass through to the retina, restoring vision. Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgeries performed in the United States. In fact, more than 1 million procedures are performed each year, and more than 95% of these surgeries are considered successful.

Who Is at Risk for a Cataract?

The most common type of cataract, age-related cataract, affects more than half of all Americans 65 years and older.

What Else Can I Do?

A cataract needs to be removed only when it interferes with your everyday activities such as driving, reading, or watching TV. In most cases, waiting until you are ready to have cataract surgery will not harm your eye. You and your eye doctor can decide together when it is time to remove the cataract.

Lourdes Ophthalmology Surgery / Laser Treatment Center has been designed with you in mind. Lasers for use in eye treatments are conveniently located in a comfortable hospital setting. Every possible effort will be made to make your stay at Lourdes Ophthalmology Surgery / Laser Treatment Center as comfortable as possible.

Lourdes Ophthalmology Surgery / Laser Treatment Center is located on the main floor inside the Atrium. Convenient parking is available in Lot "D". As you turn into the main entrance of the Hospital, proceed past the Emergency Room and Oncology entrances to Parking Lot "D" at the rear of the hospital. The parking area is labeled "Ambulatory Surgery Parking". Please enter the hospital through the Ozanam Entrance at the rear of the hospital. Proceed to elevators 1 & 2 and take them to the Main floor. As you get off the elevators, there is a hallway to the right; follow this hallway to the Atrium located on your left. Please check in with the Secretary in the Ophthalmology Surgery / Laser Treatment Center. The entrance is located across from the gift shop/café.

For further information, consult your doctor or call
Lourdes Ophthalmology Surgery / Laser Treatment Center at (607) 798-5991.