Many patients seek out the expert cataract surgeons at Eye Care of La Jolla because they are tired of living with dull, cloudy, yellowing, and blurred vision. If you think you have a cataract, or are unsure, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with our cataract experts Dr. David Michelson and Dr. Matthew Kirk. During a thorough comprehensive eye exam, we will assess how advanced your cataracts are and advise you about whether or not surgery is right for you – and not all cataracts need surgery right away.
Our knowledgeable experts can also educate you about the variety of advanced lens options we have available. From toric to multi-focal lenses, we have a lens designed for your unique needs and lifestyle.
Nuclear cataracts occur in the center of the lens
Cortical cataracts occur as wedge-shaped spokes extending from the outside of the lens to the center
Subcapsular cataracts occur at the back of the lens
Blurred or dimmed vision (particularly at night)
Cloudy or yellowing vision
Sensitivity to light and glare
Visual distortions or “ghost images”
Increased nearsightedness
Difficulty reading or driving
Age-related cataracts are the most common, resulting from a natural build-up of proteins in the lens
Congenital cataracts may be present at birth or developed during childhood
Secondary cataracts develop when other health or ophthalmologic conditions (such as diabetes) are present
Traumatic cataracts can develop after an eye injury
The term “cataracts” describes changes that occur to your eye’s natural lens, which is located behind the iris (the colored portion of the eye). The lens helps focus light on the retina, located at the back of the eye. Cataracts form when protein structures that occur normally in the lens begin to clump together, causing the lens to appear whitish or yellowish and preventing light from reaching the retina. The most common risk factor for developing cataracts is older age, and about half of all men and women over 80 years old will develop a cataract in one or both eyes. Other causes of cataract include:
Injury to the eye
Long-term use of corticosteroid medications
Radiation exposure, including cancer treatment
Diabetes
Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most common types of surgery in the United States. Surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, which means you can have your cataract surgery and go home the same day. The procedure uses tiny incisions made in the side of the eye to access the cloudy lens and gently break it apart using special instruments. Then, the fragments are removed using suction, and a new artificial lens (called an intraocular lens or IOL) is implanted. If you have cataracts in both eyes, usually only one eye will be treated at a time.
Schedule Consultation
Advanced diagnostic technology and testing
Extended pre-operative measurements, calculations, planning, and care
Toric lens technology (if necessary for astigmatism)
Post-operative laser enhancements (if necessary)
Extended aftercare for up to 180 days after surgery
Advanced diagnostic technology and testing
Extended pre-operative measurements, calculations, additional monovision testing, planning, and care
Toric lens technology (if necessary for astigmatism)
Post-operative laser enhancements (if necessary)
Extended aftercare for up to 180 days after surgery
Advanced diagnostic technology and testing
Extended pre-operative measurements, calculations, additional monovision testing, planning, and care
Multifocal or accommodating lens technology
IOL technology – the newest lens technology that offers a full range of quality vision and corrects astigmatism
Post-operative laser enhancements (if necessary)
Extended aftercare for up to 180 days after surgery
Once your procedure is complete, a bandage will be placed over your eye and you’ll temporarily stay in recovery for monitoring. Be sure to arrange to have someone drive you home. For a few days after surgery, you may experience mild itching or discomfort. Your doctor will prescribe eye drops to help prevent infection and speed healing. Your eye will be completely healed in about eight weeks.
Schedule ConsultationEye Care of La Jolla is a top-rated ophthalmology practice providing comprehensive medical and surgical eye care as well as routine and preventive ophthalmology services for patients in La Jolla, CA, and throughout the surrounding San Diego area.
9834 Genesee Ave, Ste 200
La Jolla, CA 92037
Hours
Monday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Friday 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
Hours may vary; please contact the office at (858) 457-3050 to confirm.
