LASER VISION
LASIK - Laser Eye Surgery Charleston
Because we aim to please our patients, LASIK at Seltzer Laser Center is affordable. We offer advanced technology and one of the most experienced LASIK surgeons in Charleston or South Carolina. Cataract Surgery
Clear Corneal Cataract Surgery is an out-patient procedure which only lasts from 10-20 minutes. Cataract surgery is routinely performed using a small incision phaecoemulsification technique. Before it is performed, the pupil is dilated and then the surface of the eye is given antibiotic medicine and a topical anesthetic. Under a surgical microscope, a small (2.5- 3 mm) incision is then made into the edge of the cornea, which creates a corneal flap through which the cataract is removed.
To remove the lens, an instrument called a phacoemulsifier is used. It is an ultrasonic probe which pulses 40,000 times a second to gently pulverize the cataract into microscopic pieces which are simultaneously vacuumed out of the eye through the incision. After the cataract is removed, a soft, permanent intraocular lens is folded up and injected into the original incision. At this point, the intraocular lens is unfolded, positioned and the procedure is over. This lens cannot be felt by the patient in any way.
Once all of the cataract material has been removed, and assuming that the lens capsule which was opened at the beginning of the surgery remains strong enough to support the lens implant, a folded intraocular lens specifically chosen by the surgeon to suit your individual needs is then inserted through the original incision and maneuvered into the lens capsule and then centered. The lens will remain inside your eye in this location without moving. Intraocular lenses cannot be felt or sensed in any way by the patient. . Due to the diminutive size of the incision, no stitches are needed, it will self-heal within the first week post-surgery. Most patients experience noticeably better vision within 24 hours of the procedure. After surgery, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops are necessary for a few weeks. Patients are asked to avoid strenuous activity for about 1 week post-surgery and refrain from rubbing the eye for approximately 1 month.
Cataract Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of eye drops will I be using?
For a week before surgery you will use an antibiotic eye drop. After surgery you will use an anti-inflammatory eye drop for four weeks. You will be given a schedule for application of the drops on the day of your procedure.
When can I take a shower & wash my hair?
If you're careful to protect your eyes, you may shower and wash your hair 24 hours after the procedure.
When can I wear eye makeup?
One week post-surgery
How long will I be at the surgery center?
Plan to be at the clinic for about 2 hours, although you'll only be in the operating room for about 20 minutes and in surgery for 10 minutes.
Will I feel any discomfort during the procedure?
Before cataract surgery is performed, the pupil is dilated and then the surface of the eye is given antibiotic medicine and a topical anesthetic to numb the eye.
Are there any restrictions for after the procedure?
24 hours post-surgery: No heavy lifting (anything over 15 lbs), avoid driving & drinking alcoholic beverages.
1 week post-surgery: avoid strenuous activity
1 month post-surgery: avoid rubbing your eyes
How soon after surgery can I drive?
Your doctor will examine your eyes the day after surgery and determine when you can drive.
When will I receive new eyeglasses?
Your new prescription will be determined at your follow-up appointment, about 3 weeks post-surgery.
When will I be able to see the results?
After the effects of the eye drops wear off, you will be able to see the results. This usually takes about 24 hours.
What do I need to do before surgery?
Within 30 days prior to surgery you need a preoperative physical examination with your primary care physician. You are not required to stop taking any medication.
FDA Clinical Trials Show 80% of Patients Are Spectacle FREE After Surgery.
The AcrySof ReSTOR lens is a foldable IOL that represents breakthrough technology because of its unique, patented optic design, which allows patients to experience the highest level of freedom from glasses ever achieved in IOL clinical trials.
The AcrySof ReSTOR IOL uses a combination of three complementary technologies: apodization, diffraction and refraction to allow patients to experience a full range of high-quality vision without the need for reading glasses or bifocals. This range of vision without glasses is achieved through the optical properties of the IOL.
The benefit for patients is a high level of spectacle freedom. Alcon has patented the application of apodization technology to an IOL, making the AcrySof ReSTOR lens the first and only apodized diffractive IOL.
During U.S. clinical trials, the results with ReSTOR were remarkable:
- 80% of patients reported that after lens implant surgery with ReSTOR lenses, they no longer needed glasses or contact lenses to see clearly at all distances.
- 94% said they could drive and read the paper without contacts or glasses.
- Nearly 94% were so satisfied that they would have the procedure again.
