Cataracts Specialist

What is a cataract?

A cataract is an eye condition that is caused by a cloudy lens. Typically this lens is clear, allowing you to see easily, but when you have a cataract, it’s like looking through a foggy window. Because cataracts typically develop very slowly, most people don’t realize the lens in the eye is affected until their vision becomes dull or blurry.

Common symptoms include:

• Cloudy or blurry vision
• Colors seem faded
• Glare or halos appear around headlights, lamps and in bright sun
• Double vision
• Frequent prescription changes

When a cataract begins to affect your ability to perform day-to-day tasks ,such as reading or driving, you should consider cataract surgery.

When Should Cataracts Be Removed?

Just having a cataract does not mean that you must undergo surgery. Even if your ophthalmologist finds a cataract, you may not need to have it removed for several years. A change in your eyeglass prescription may satisfactorily improve vision for a while. Magnifying lenses or stronger lighting may facilitate daily activities. However, if your cataracts interfere with your everyday activities, such as reading or driving, you should consider surgery.
This is a highly individual matter, as your vision worsen, you will need cataract surgery. Dr Lapsi specializes in cataract surgery and utilizes advanced surgical techniques to get you the best results. 

What are the surgical treatments for cataracts?

Eye surgery is the recommended treatment for cataracts. Cataract surgery is replacing your clouded lens with an intraocular lens (IOL). Currently, there are two ways of performing cataract surgery, we offer both options at Omni Eye Care:

• tradition cataract surgery
• laser assisted cataract surgery.

Phacoemulsification is the name for traditional cataract surgery. Your surgeon manually creates openings in your eye and cataract by hand. The ultrasound waves are used to break up the cloudy lens. Then the surgeon suctions out the broken-up pieces. They replace your lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL)

Laser-assisted cataract surgery uses femtosecond laser designed to improve precision and reproducibility during certain challenging and critical steps of cataract surgery that are currently performed manually. Some of the benefits of laser cataract surgery include:

Video of traditional vs laser-assisted cataract surgery (English and Spanish Videos)

Watch Here

Dr. Lapsi is available to discuss these options based on patient needs and desires. Cataract surgery provides rapid improvement in vision and patient quality of life.

Why should I visit Dr. Lapsi for cataract treatment?

If you suffer from cataracts, you want to get the best cataract treatment. Dr. Lapsi is a board certified, experienced ophthalmologist trained in treating cataracts in the San Gabriel Valley. By going to see Dr. Lapsi, you also benefit from her personalized care. Guided by her mission to provide patient-centric service, Dr. Lapsi will ensure your comfort and overall care is her top priority.

What are my Intraocular Lens Options?

Lens implants, also known as intraocular lenses (IOLs) are the lenses that are used to replace your cloudy natural lens following cataract surgery. Currently, there are multiple options for the lens. Dr. Lapsi and Omni Eye Care team may suggest an IOL that corrects not only your cataract, but also vision issues, such as astigmatism and presbyopia, so you can decrease your dependence on glasses for distance and near.
Monofocal lenses provide clear vision at one distance only, meaning patients must wear glasses to achieve the full range of vision.
Toric IOLs are recommended for people with astigmatism. Astigmatism is a refractive error caused by an uneven curve in your cornea or lens. The toric lens is designed to correct that refractive error to decrease dependence on glasses.
Multifocal lenses are FDA-approved and indicated for patients electing to correct near, intermediate, and distance vision after cataract surgery, giving increased independence from glasses.
There are many different types of intraocular lenses available now, so lenses today are personalized to your eyes. Dr. Lapsi will recommend a lens after a full, dilated ophthalmic examination which includes several factors such as astigmatism, pupil size, anatomical considerations, presence of retinal disease, and your desires.

Please see an Alcon video above for information purposes as it explains the concept clearly.

Please also see our academy recommendations:
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/cataracts-iol-implants

What if I have cataracts in both eyes?

Care is individualized to each patient and each eye. Surgery is performed in one eye at a time. The second eye surgery can be performed usually 4-6 weeks apart.