Cataract Surgery for Olympia, Puyallup, University Place / Tacoma, Gig Harbor, Auburn and Federal Way, Washington
Cataract surgery, performed on patients from Puyallup, University Place / Tacoma, Olympia, Gig Harbor, Auburn and Federal Way, Washington at Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, P.C., is designed to remove the crystalline lens from the eye when it is clouded by a cataract and causing vision problems. The lens is typically replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL).
What is a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens of the eye. Cataracts tend to develop gradually, and are most common in older patients. Early cataracts can be present for years, causing only minor problems with vision. Sometimes, however, cataracts advance rapidly. It is difficult to predict how quickly cataracts will cause a noticeable problem that requires surgery. The decision to have cataract surgery is based on how much trouble they are causing in day-to-day vision activities such as reading and driving at night.
Cataracts are currently the leading cause of blindness in the world. More than half of Americans over the age of 65 are affected. There are many factors thought to contribute to the formation of cataracts. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, genetic factors, and diseases such as diabetes and iritis are also associated with an elevated risk of cataracts. The most significant single factor causing cataracts is advancing age. Many patients with vision problems because of cataracts undergo cataract surgery to restore vision.
View a video description of Cataract Formation
Cataract Surgery
Although we use lasers in many forms of eye surgery, cataract surgery is performed with sound waves rather than with lasers though "laser cataract surgery" remains a common misconception. The preferred cataract surgery method today is known as small-incision phacoemulsification (ultrasonic cataract removal). This type of low-stress surgery is the most advanced in the world, and it is used by Cascade eye surgeons on cataract surgery patients from Puyallup, University Place / Tacoma, Olympia, and Federal Way, Washington. In this technique, the lens is divided into small pieces using ultrasonic vibrations so that it can be easily removed.
View a video description of Cataract Surgery
After the cataract is removed with sound waves, an artificial lens (called an intraocular lens or IOL) is placed inside the eye to replace the focusing power of the natural lens. After uncomplicated cataract surgery, a film sometimes develops on the capsule left in place to hold the lens implant. This film is frequently removed with a (YAG) laser months or years after the initial surgery.
At Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, P.C., cataract surgery is performed with microscopic incisions using the most sophisticated techniques available anywhere. Our dedicated cataract surgery center at our Puyallup location provides a low-stress environment for our Olympia, University Place / Tacoma, Gig Harbor and Federal Way, Washington patients. Multifocal lens implants such as ReZoom™ and ReSTOR®, and accommodating lenses such as Crystalens® reduce the need for reading glasses after cataract surgery.
View a video description of ReZoom™ multifocal lens implants
View a video testimonial about ReZoom™ multifocal lens implants
Contact Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, P.C.
Cataract surgery is the most frequently performed vision surgery in the United States. Even for patients with severely impaired vision, modern surgical techniques can restore functional vision in most cases. Contact Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, P.C., to learn more about state-of-the-art cataract surgery offered for our patients from Puyallup, University Place / Tacoma, Olympia, Gig Harbor, Federal Way, and all of Washington.
Contact Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, P.C., to learn more about cataract surgery in the vicinity of Olympia, Puyallup, University Place / Tacoma, and Federal Way, Washington.
1703 S. Meridian
Suite #101
Puyallup, Washington 98371
Phone: 253-848-3000
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5225 Cirque Drive West
Ste #200
University Place, Washington
98467
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2622 Meridian St. South
Puyallup, Washington 98373
Phone: 253-848-3546
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921 Harvey Road, Ste B
Auburn, Washington 98002
Phone: 253-939-7911
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Harbor LASIK / Cascade Eye & Skin
7901 Skansie Ave
Suite #105
Gig Harbor, Washington 98335
Phone: 253-857-4477
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