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Cataract Solutions

Cutting-Edge Treatment for Cataracts in Tucson

Arizona Eye Consultants is known for managing and treating complex eye problems, and cataracts are no exception. Our board-certified ophthalmologists offer a complete spectrum of care for cataract patients in Tucson—from diagnosis to surgery. We emphasize the role of patient education in vision health. Our ophthalmologists strive to optimize each appointment so that you leave our office feeling fully informed and empowered to make the healthcare decision that is best for you.

Understanding Cataracts: Causes and Symptoms

Your eyes each have a lens, which is responsible for refracting the light to enable vision. A healthy lens is clear, allowing for light penetration. However, sometimes the lens can develop a cloudy area, which is known as a cataract. This occurs when the proteins in the lens begin to deteriorate. Most often, cataract formation is due to the natural aging process. Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood that you may develop cataracts, such as having diabetes or spending a lot of time in the sun without UV-blocking sunglasses.

Cataracts most often develop slowly, although rapid development can occur in some patients. Some of the signs and symptoms of cataracts include the following:
  • Cloudy, blurry, or dimmed vision
  • Having worsening problems seeing at night, such as while driving
  • Sensitivity to light, especially glare
  • The appearance of “halos” around light sources
  • Fading of colors
  • Needing brighter lights for activities like reading
Patients with cataracts may also need frequent changes to their vision prescription. If you’re visiting us on a regular basis for routine eye exams, we’ll be able to detect the signs of cataracts early.
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What Is the Treatment for Cataracts?

There is only one treatment for cataracts: surgery. Our board-certified ophthalmologists have extensive experience performing cataract surgery. We understand that the decision to have any surgery, even one performed on a frequent basis, is a major issue. We encourage you to ask any questions you may have about the procedure so you can make an informed decision.

During cataract surgery, our ophthalmologist will remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The IOL is a permanent implant. There are two main categories of IOLs: standard and premium. The standard lens is covered by insurance. It will correct your vision, but only for distance or near vision—not both. You’ll need to wear corrective eyewear for either distance or near vision.

The premium lens is not covered by insurance. There are two types:
  • Toric IOL – This IOL corrects astigmatism, providing clear vision at one range.
  • Multifocal IOL – This premium lens provides excellent distance vision, and it also offers good mid-range vision and some near vision.
In most cases, there is no urgent need to have the surgery right away. However, you may need to make a decision sooner, rather than later if your vision is impaired to the point at which it affects your daily activities and your enjoyment of life.

When you decide that you’re ready to undergo treatment for cataracts, you’ll work with our Surgery Department to prepare. Our helpful staff will walk you through the paperwork and answer your questions. Our ophthalmologists perform cataract surgery at two facilities: Carondelet Foothills Surgery Center and Camp Lowell Surgery Center. Expect a call from one of these surgery centers one week prior to your scheduled procedure. Please ensure that you’ve filled out all of the paperwork beforehand, and that you carefully follow the pre-surgical instructions that the Surgery Department will provide to you.
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An optometrist in surgical gear performing a procedure with a laser

Schedule an Appointment With Our Ophthalmologists Today

We always welcome new patients here at Arizona Eye Consultants, and we have five conveniently located offices to serve you. Whether you’ve been referred for an examination by another doctor or you’ve noticed possible signs of cataracts on your own, we’ll get you in as soon as possible for an appointment. Contact our friendly team today and look forward to a brighter tomorrow!
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