eye

Blurred or clouded vision can make it difficult to read, watch television, or simply go about your daily activities. Our doctors perform cataract surgery to treat this condition so you can see clearly again. During cataract surgery, we will remove your cloudy lens and replace it with an intraocular lens (IOL) to restore your vision. To find out if cataract surgery is right for you, contact us to schedule a consultation at our Olathe, Leawood, or Brookside offices. Our experienced cataract surgeons include Dr. Milton Grin, Dr. Jeff Wongs, Dr. Brian Heiniger, and Dr. Barbara Wolock.

Causes of Cataracts

Cataracts result from an accumulation of proteins in your eye’s lens, causing it to cloud and obscure your vision. This buildup of cells is often the result of aging, and one in five Americans over 40 years old suffers from cataracts. You are at a higher risk for developing glaucoma if you:

  • Have a family history of the disease
  • Are over 60 years old
  • Have a thin central cornea
  • Take certain corticosteroid medications
  • Are of certain ethnic background including African American, Russian, Inuit, Japanese, and Hispanic

If you believe you may have cataracts, one of our ophthalmologists or optometrists can perform an eye exam to properly diagnose your condition.

Learn More

Preparing for Surgery

If a cataract has progressed to the point it is lowering your quality of life, we may recommend surgery to restore your vision. Before your procedure, you and your surgeon will determine which type of IOL will be best suited to replace your damaged lens. We offer standard monofocal IOLs, as well as premium multifocal and toric IOLs. If you choose a monofocal lens, like the TECNIS® Monofocal IOL, you may need to wear glasses after your surgery, since each lens will only be able to focus on one distance. Premium lenses can correct existing vision errors, like nearsightedness or farsightedness, while removing your cataracts. We often recommend the TECNIS® Multifocal IOL or AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® for these types of patients. Alcon’s AcrySof® IQToric IOL can correct astigmatism. We use an advanced IOLMaster® machine to take precise measurements of your eye and determine which type of IOL is best for you.

The Procedure

Our doctors perform cataract surgery at Olathe Medical Center, as well as other outstanding facilities, which all offer an excellent nursing staff that delivers personalized care. On the day of your surgery, we will administer numbing eye drops and intravenous (IV) sedation so that you remain comfortable. Next, your surgeon will make a small incision on the surface of your cornea and insert a tiny instrument into your eye. This tool uses ultrasound waves to break the cloudy lens into fragments and gently suction it out of the eye. For patients with astigmatism who are not candidates for a toric IOL, the surgeon may also make limbal relaxing incisions. Once your doctor has placed your lens, the incision will be closed. The entire procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes to complete.

Reclaim Your Vision with Cataract Surgery

Cataracts can distort your vision to a degree that driving becomes dangerous, glasses or contacts no longer correct your eyesight, and/or seeing during the daytime is uncomfortable due to glare. Poor vision can also increase your fall risk and limit your independence. Cataract surgery has been shown to reduce mortality from all causes. Stop letting blurred vision get in the way of your daily life. Contact us today to learn more about how cataract surgery can benefit you

Contact Us