What is a cataract?
Derived from the Greek word for “waterfall,” a cataract is the name for the natural clouding of the normally clear lens in the eye. Cataracts are increasingly common in people over age 50. A majority of Americans will have cataracts by age 75. The development of cataracts is a normal part of the eye getting older, and cataract surgery today is the most frequently performed outpatient surgery in the United States.
According to the CDC, cataracts affect 20.5 million Americans over the age of 40. They are increasingly common in people over age 50. By the year 2020, approximately 30.1 million people will have cataracts. Cataract surgery is the most frequently performed outpatient surgery in the United States, with 3 million performed each year. Of those who undergo cataract surgery, 90% will retain great vision.
Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery, also known as Refractive Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (ReLACS) is the most advanced form of cataract surgery. During laser-assisted cataract surgery, our surgeons utilize the precision of a femtosecond laser to create incisions and soften the cataract so that it can be removed with less ultrasound energy being released in the eye. This makes cataract surgery safer and more precise so that you can enjoy the best vision results possible.