The term "cataract" refers to the clouding of the normally transparent crystalline lens of the eye. This lens is located behind the pupil and focuses light onto the retina in the back of the eye so that we can see clearly.

The word cataract originated from the Greek word for waterfall. In ancient days it was thought that a cataract was formed by opaque material flowing like a waterfall across the eye. Of course, we know now that cataracts are actually formed as a result of aging, injury, ultraviolet light, certain drugs and diseases.

What Is a Cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the normally transparent lens of the eye. As the lens becomes increasingly opaque, light rays entering the eye are prevented from focusing sharply on the retina, the light sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye.

Symptoms include blurred vision, sensitivity to light and glare, distortion, and dimming of colors and vision.

Types of Cataracts

There are mainly three types of cataract. A nuclear cataract occurs in the center of the lens. This type is the most common form of cataract and is associated with the natural aging process.

The cortical cataract begins with spoke-like formation extending from the outside of the lens into the center. When the spokes reach the center, blurring and glare result in loss of vision. Diabetes commonly causes this type of cataract development.

As a subcapsular cataract develops, it starts along the back, inner surface of the lens. Symptoms may not appear until the opacity is well developed. Subcapsular cataracts are often found in patients with diabetes, high myopia, retinitis pigmentosa and in people taking steroids for extended periods of time. Nighttime glare is the most common symptom with this type of cataract.

How are Cataracts Diagnosed?

Cataracts are diagnosed during a thorough examination of the eyes with the pupils medically dilated. Glare testing and contrast sensitivity tests are sometimes used to better assess the visual disability cataracts are causing a person. People with cataracts and blurred vision often find that their everyday activities like driving, reading, watching TV and even walking become increasingly difficult. Cataract surgery can restore the ability to perform these pleasurable activities and improve your quality of life.

How can a Cataract be Treated?

How Successful is Cataract Surgery?

Nearly every patient who undergoes cataract surgery at the ClearView Eye Clinic enjoys permanent vision restoration. Some patients with preexisting eye conditions may not enjoy the full benefits of cataract surgery, but this is usually known preoperatively. Visit our "Patient Satisfaction" page to hear what our patients are saying about Dr. Leach's NO-NEEDLE cataract surgery and their experience at ClearView.

What about pre-existing conditions?

Other eye conditions like macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetes may limit a person's vision after successful cataract surgery. Nevertheless, even when such preexisting problems exist, cataract surgery may be beneficial. If your eyes are healthy, the chances of permanently restoring good vision following cataract surgery are excellent.

How is the surgery done?

All other doctors in the Lewiston & Moscow area use a sharp needle injection to "deaden" the eye in preparation for cataract surgery. Not Dr. Leach. (read below) For the comfort of his patients, Dr. Leach uses his special eyedrop anesthesia to numb the eye, enabling the entire cataract procedure to be painlessly performed without the need for needles or shots.

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What does Dr. Leach say?

"As an eye surgeon, I try to care for every patient like I would want to be treated.

For instance, I would never want to have a long, sharp needle injecting a painful numbing medicine behind my eyeball! But that's what other surgeons in our area do to their cataract patients.

All my cataract patients receive our comfortable EYE DROP ANESTHESIA instead of painful injections for a more comfortable, relaxing experience."

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After the numbing eye drops have been instilled, the reclining patient is relaxed with a pleasant, calming sedative. An "ultra-tiny" microincision is made, allowing Dr. Leach to use delicate ultrasound to gently dissolve and remove the cloudy cataract from your eye. This process is known as "phacoemulsification".

The back portion of the lens capsule is left in place and polished for clarity. Dr. Leach then carefully inserts a small foldable intraocular lens (IOL) through the tiny incision. He unfolds this crystal-clear lens implant and places it where your cataract once was located. Once this is accomplished, your cataract surgery is complete. Because your microincision is self-sealing, no stitches are typically needed. Your surgery usually requires only 8-10 minutes and requires no patching afterwards.

So, NO needles, NO stitches, NO patches, NO pain and NO activity restrictions has made Dr. Leach's "Quick-Vision" cataract surgery the preferred choice of patients and referring physicians alike!

Are there any restrictions after surgery?

After surgery you may return to your normal activities. You may bend, stoop over, go up and down stairs, watch TV, read or work in the garden as usual. You may take showers and shampoo your hair. About the only thing you should not do is rub your eye during the first week after surgery.

These instructions are only for Dr. Leach's Quick-Vision technique of cataract surgery. If you have had or are planning to have cataract surgery with a surgeon other than Dr. Leach, your postoperative restrictions may be much more restrictive. Be sure to check with your surgeon or call the ClearView appointment line to arrange for your second opinion consultation. Just one more reason more people are turning to Dr. Leach for their cataract care.

What about appointments after surgery?

You will typically be seen by one of our doctors a few hours after your surgery. If you were referred by your family eye doctor, an appointment will be made for you in about 7-10 days after your surgery. If you do not have a personal optometrist, one of our doctors will see you on your subsequent visits. If glasses are needed after surgery, an examination for glasses will occur within 3 weeks or so of your procedure.

After their cataract and lens implant procedure, it's not uncommon for Dr. Leach's patients to no longer need glasses for their distance vision, only for reading. Sound too good to be true? It's not. In fact, it happens regularly here at the ClearView Eye Clinic.

Call for your personalized consultation to see if you are a candidate for Dr. Leach's remarkable NO-NEEDLE cataract surgery.

We are available toll free: 1-866-770-2020.