Cataracts are a major cause of vision loss worldwide; almost 20 million people are blind because of the condition. Many people think of cataracts as alarming, assuming that if they get them, they will become blind. However, advanced cataract surgery can restore lost sight in most cases. In the United States, more than one million cataract surgeries are performed annually.

 

 

A cataract is a clouding of a transparent part of your eye called the lens. A normally clear lens focuses light onto the retina, which is located in the back of the eye. When the lens becomes cloudy and opaque, light cannot pass through to the retina, resulting in blurry or cloudy vision.

 

 

 

The aging process is most directly associated with cataracts. As the body ages, the normally transparent lens begins to harden and becomes cloudy. There is increasing evidence that lifelong exposure to ultraviolet light contributes to the formation of cataracts. Over half of all people aged 65 or older have some degree of cataract development. In addition, eye injuries, certain medications, diabetes, kidney disease, smoking and high blood pressure may contribute to cataract formation.

 

 

 

Presently, there is no medical treatment to prevent cataracts or reverse them once they develop. The only treatment for cataracts is their surgical removal, and today’s cataract surgery is a marvel of medical technology. Dr. Philip Y. Paden has always been at the forefront of cataract surgery. Since 1986, he has been performing the modern phacoemulsification procedure, which enables cataracts to be removed through a tiny incision. Dr. Philip Paden began his career working with Dr. John T. Weisel and Dr. John A. Retzlaff, who were part of the renowned ophthalmology group that developed the Sanders-Retzlaff-Kraff (SRK) formulas. SRK formulas calculate intraocular lens power for cataract surgery, which helps ensure the best postoperative results. Dr. Paden was also the first ophthalmologist in southern Oregon to offer the ZEISS® IOL Master®. This diagnostic tool provides fast, accurate measurements of eye length and surface curvature necessary for cataract surgery without ever touching the eye.

Dr. Paden performs the state-of-the-art “no-stitch,” no-patch,” “no-injection” method of cataract surgery. With this safe and effective outpatient procedure, your cloudy lens is gently removed through a microscopic-sized incision and a specially selected lens implant is then carefully implanted to restore bright, clear vision. Some patients are candidates for the revolutionary AcrySof® IQ® or ReSTOR® lens implants which, in many cases, can help patients see clearly at all distances without glasses or contact lenses. Cataract surgery is quick, safe and effective and offers a rapid recovery time of just a day or two. Finally, you’ll feel confident knowing that Dr. Paden has performed over 9,000 cataract surgeries.

Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preserving your vision. If you are experiencing blurry vision, dimming, glare or double vision or to learn more please visit our Patient Education Library or call Paden Eye Care Center today at (541) 776-9026. To request an  Appointment Online please click here.

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