August 2014
health & wellness • Sponsored Section
Cataracts and advancements in cataract surgery A cataract is a common condition in which the normally clear lens of the eye becomes increasingly cloudy. Compared to vision with a clear lens, your vision with a cataract my look fuzzy, colors might be muted, and you may experience difficulty reading signs while driving at night. The symptoms of cataracts are progressive and cannot be corrected with glasses or contacts. When symptoms become bothersome or limit your daily activities, it is time to consider treatment. Treatment for cataracts involves removal of the cataract and replacement with an artificial lens. During your cataract procedure, your vision will be restored with the implantation of the intraocular lens (IOL) of your choice. The decision as to which type of IOL you want is an important one, because it will affect how you will see for the rest of your life. IOLs are available with optics that provide a wide range of visual clarity and focusing capabilities. The goal is to give you the best overall quality of postoperative vision with the lens that is best suited for your eye. Monofocal IOLs provide a single zone of clear focus and are usually targeted to provide clear distance vision when pa-
tients do not have astigmatism. Toric Monofocal IOLs or Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery can be used for patients that have astigmatism. Multifocal and Accommodating IOLs can potentially provide a more broad range of vision: near, intermediate, and distance, often with minimal, if any, need for glasses or contact lenses. Patients with astigmatism that want a more broad range of vision can also have it corrected when choosing one of these lenses. Which lens is right for you depends on your ocular health, occupational needs, and lifestyle interests. Many of the steps of cataract surgery that are traditionally performed using handheld instruments can now be completed using the precision of a laser. Although traditional cataract surgery continues to be very successful, laserassisted cataract surgery has many added benefits over tradition cataract surgery. 3D Imaging – Like a fingerprint, every eye has a unique size and shape. Prior to treatment, the laser system images your eye and makes precise 3D maps of relevant structures. This enables the surgeon to create a tailored treatment plan that is uniquely customized for your eye.
Laser Precision – The surgeon can use the laser to create precise incisions, including a circular opening in the lens capsule kaufman to access and remove the cataract. The improved accuracy of the incision helps the surgeon place the new artificial lens where intended. Gentle Approach – The surgeon can use the laser to soften the hard cataract. Softening of the lens with the laser potentially enables the surgeon to more gently remove the cataract and reduce the amount of energy used inside the eye. This may result in less inflammation, and quicker recovery of post-surgical vision. If you have been diagnosed with cataracts and are becoming limited in your day to day activities due to the impairment of your vision, today’s advancements in technology and surgical technique have made it the perfect time to consider cataract surgery. Matthew B. Kaufman, MD is the Director of Cataract and Refractive Surgery for North Georgia Eye Clinic, Cumming, GA.
Like us on facebook facebook.com/AppenMediaGroup
northfulton.com 5
Better care can mean better quality of life.
DaVita® now has a dialysis center y in your neighborhood. Modalities: Hemodialysis Pertoneal Dialysis In-Center Self-Care Dialysis
MCFARLAND DIALYSIS 6225 Atlanta Highway, Suite 117 Alpharetta, Georgia 30004 Call us at 770-569-1275 to schedule a tour of the dialysis center and find out how Davita’s personalized approach to kidney care can improve your quality of life. DaVita.com
© 2014 DaVita Healthcare Partners Inc. All rights reserved. 05743-01-FMKT-C2.MOD DN Ad