Midwest Eye Care Institute

Cataract Surgery

A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear crystalline lens, which is situated inside the eye. Cataracts are caused by a chemical change of unknown origin in the eye, and cause blurred or distorted vision. They cannot be prevented from forming, but early detection through regular eye exams can help maintain the clearest vision possible.

People at risk for developing cataracts are over 55 years old, have had eye injuries or disease, have a family history of cataracts, smoke cigarettes or use certain medications. There is no pain associated with the condition, but there are several symptoms that indicate failing vision due to cataracts. These include blurred vision, sensitivity of glare, feeling a “film” over the eye, and temporary improvement in near vision.

Dr. Conlon performs cataract surgery using a technique called phacoemulsification. The procedure is often referred to as "small incision", "no needle"," no stitch", cataract surgery. The eye is numbed at the beginning of the procedure with a gel that contains freezing, and then a small incision is made, to make room for insertion of the ultrasound probe into the eye.  The ultrasound probe breaks up the cataract into small pieces and it is removed from the eye.

Dr. Conlon uses a specialized type of cataract extraction technique called “phacoflip”, and has been actively involved in developing and teaching this technique since 1996.

Custom Cataract Surgery

Custom cataract surgery refers to the concept of tailoring the choice of intraocular lens implant at the time of cataract surgery to your own unique visual needs. Indeed, technology has allowed cataract patients to be the newest group to benefit from a refractive procedure.

A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens of the eye. The treatment is surgical removal of the cataract, and replacement of the lens with an intraocular lens implant (IOL). A standard IOL has a single focal point, usually at far distance; so reading glasses are required for close work. Additionally, if a patient has astigmatism, glasses may be required to improve the distance vision.

In the past patients undergoing cataract surgery did not have a significant choice about the intraocular lens used to replace their cataract, and lenses of one focal length (mono-focal) were most commonly used. Mono-focal implants allowed patients to see clearly in the distance, but vision was blurry at near and glasses were required for close vision.

Advances in technology pertaining to intraocular lens design have lead to the development of multi-focal implants (presbyopia-correcting IOL), which allow individuals to see at both near and distance. In addition, toric implants (astigmatism-correcting IOL) have also been developed. Both types of these intraocular lenses have recently become available to residents of Saskatchewan.

Thus, custom cataract surgery is similar to standard cataract surgery, plus custom cataract surgery addresses your needs for glasses. First you near vision is corrected by use of a multifocal implant (presbyopia-correcting IOL) and secondly custom cataract surgery corrects astigmatism to improve your distance vision.

Please feel free to discuss this option with Dr. Conlon or one of his staff, to see if you are a candidate for this exciting new technology.