Cataract Care

A cataract occurs when the natural lens inside the eye becomes cloudy. This usually occurs as a result of the normal aging process.

Normally, light passes through a clear lens and is focused onto the retina. A cataract or cloudy lens blocks the passage of light through the eye, causing distorted or blurred vision.

The most common form of cataract is age-related, usually starting after age 50, but sometimes they can begin at a younger age. Even though a cataract begins to form in your 50's, vision problems may not occur until much later. (90% of people 70 years and older have cataracts.)

Symptoms of cataract include:

• Painless blurring of vision
• Sensitivity to light and glare, especially while driving at night
• Poor night vision
• Frequent changes in your eyeglass prescription
• Needing brighter light to read
• Changes in the way you see colors; or colors seem faded

Once a cataract has formed, the most effective way to restore vision is to surgically remove the cloudy cataract and replace it with a clear plastic lens implant. These clear plastic lenses inserted at the time of cataract surgery are called intraocular lenses. A single vision lens is standard. Click here for information on premium intraocular lenses.

With recent advances in cataract surgery equipment and techniques, vision can be restored safer and faster, allowing patients to resume normal activity within hours after surgery. Using these state of the art techniques, cataract surgery has a success rate greater than 98%.

Our specialists treat all types of cataracts, including:

• Age-Related (the most common)
• Traumatic
• Congenital (present since birth)
• Juvenile
• Medication induced – steroids (cortisone)

The treatment techniques and equipment that Milwaukee Eye Care surgeons use, including new methods of lens implantation and “No Stitch” surgery, are the most advanced in the field.

Cataract Specialists

• Peter S. Foote M.D.
• Aaron C. Holtebeck M.D.
• Kimberly C. Ireland M.D.

To schedule an appointment for a cataract evaluation with Dr. Foote, Dr. Holtebeck or Dr. Ireland, please call Milwaukee Eye Care Associates, S.C. at 414-271-2020

Topical or No Needle Anesthesia

Years ago, cataract surgery was performed under general anesthesia requiring patients to stay in the hospital. Later advances used an injection of local anesthetic near the eye. Although an injection of local anesthetic allows patients to return home the same day and is safer than using general anesthesia, it is not entirely free of risk.

Today, with recent advances in cataract surgery anesthesia, topical (eye drop) anesthetics are used. A patient may be given a sedative to help them relax and keep them comfortable during the procedure.

Advantages of topical anesthesia include:

• No patient anxiety over receiving a deep injection next to the eyeball.
• Visual recovery begins immediately after surgery.
• Eliminates potential complications such as perforation of the eye, hemorrhage, or damage to the optic nerve.
• Removes the chance for a relatively dangerous anesthesia induced allergic reaction.
• Eliminates need for eye patch

No-stitch Self Sealing Incision Surgery

Ultrasound technology (phacoemulsification or "phaco") is used to remove a cataract. Ultrasound is used to gently break up or emulsify the cloudy lens into tiny pieces which can be removed from the eye through a small 1/8 inch opening. This opening is created with a self sealing technique that eliminates the need for stitches in most cases.

Patients are able to return home within a few hours after the procedure.

The quality of vision immediately after surgery varies depending on how advanced and tense the cataract was. Some patients initially have cloudy vision that begins to clear a few days after surgery while others report vision improved almost immediately.

Once healed, patients may find that their vision is better than ever; although, some will need to wear glasses for reading and other activities. Most patients find they are able to return to a normal lifestyle immediately, and enjoy doing things poor cataract vision had restricted them from doing in the past. The presence of other, unrelated eye disease, such as macular degeneration, may limit the quality of vision after surgery.

Some patients, because of their eye structure, health or other factors, may not be good candidates for the new techniques. In these cases patients can have traditional surgery and expect to do well. A complete eye examination and consultation is required to determine each individual's specific needs and potential for improved vision.

Loss of sight from cataracts is usually preventable. With modern technology, cataracts can be removed and good vision restored when a person feels the loss of vision is great enough to interfere with daily activities.

Eye Surgery and Laser Center of WI

The majority of cataract surgery procedures performed by Milwaukee Eye Care surgeons are done at a “state of the art” out-patient eye surgery center. The nursing staff at the Eye Surgery and Laser Center of WI specializes in eye surgery. When general anesthesia is required it is administered by anesthesiologists.