The lens is behind the pupil and helps focus what we see. The focused image then falls on the retina. A cataract occurs when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. It is not a growth, but a haziness in the lens itself. If the lens is not clear, the vision is blurred.

As the cataract matures, the retina receives less and less light. This means your vision becomes increasingly distorted and blurred.

With today's modern medical technology, your cataract can be treated effectively and safely with microsurgery. Cataract surgery is one of the most successful surgical procedures performed today. Over 95% of call cataract procedures result in better vision.

What is No-Needle, No-Stitch Cataract Removal?

“No Needle, No-Stitch” cataract surgery is a method by which the cataract is removed and a new intraocular lens is implanted through a self-sealing incision with no need for stitches. With new advances in cataract removal, only a tiny incision is necessary to remove the cataract. The eye then seals itself because of the way the incision was made. “ No-Needle,” cataract surgery is now performed without the need for injections. By placing anesthetic drops in the eye prior to surgery, the operation causes minimal sensation. The good news is that your eye does not have to be patched after surgery. You’ll start seeing immediately.

Replacement Lenses (IOL)

The treatment for your cataract is to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear, artificial lens. This lens is called an intraocular lens or IOL. IOL's come in two types - nonfoldable and foldable.

Nonfoldable lenses are made of plastic and foldable lenses are made of silicone or acryclic. With the recent advances in foldable IOL's, lenses can be implanted through the same small incision used to remove the cataract. Dr. Gayton uses acrylic lenses, since they have been shown to have the least likelihood of needing additional procedures. Dr. Gayton has these lenses in his own eyes.