Cataract Surgery

At Spectrum Eye Clinic + MedSpa in San Diego, Dr. Jason Moss specializes in cataract treatment with a focus on personalized, advanced care. As a leading eye care provider, Dr. Moss offers state-of-the-art services, including laser-assisted cataract surgery and premium lens implant (IOL) options, ensuring exceptional vision outcomes.

What is a Cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens, which lies behind the iris and the pupil. It is a common condition that often develops with aging, causing blurry vision, faded colors, and sensitivity to light. Cataracts can worsen over time, potentially leading to significant vision loss if untreated. The primary treatment is cataract surgery, where the cloudy lens is replaced with a clear artificial lens (IOL). Early detection and treatment can help preserve and restore vision effectively.

What Causes Cataracts?

Cataracts occur when proteins in the eye’s lens break down and clump together, causing the lens to become cloudy. This cloudiness obstructs light from reaching the retina, resulting in blurry, dim, or yellowed vision. The eye's lens, which is primarily composed of water and protein, normally refracts light onto the retina to create a clear image. As people age, typically starting around age 40, the lens loses its flexibility, transparency, and clarity, which can lead to cataract formation. Although cataracts often do not significantly impact vision until after age 60, various factors can accelerate their development. Excessive UV exposure, smoking, diabetes, eye injuries, prolonged use of corticosteroids, and certain medical conditions can hasten the onset of cataracts. Genetics also play a role in their development. By the age of 80, over 50% of Americans either have a cataract or have undergone cataract surgery. Regular eye exams are essential for early detection and effective management of cataracts.

Symptoms of Cataracts

Cataracts develop gradually and can cause various symptoms that affect vision. Common symptoms include:

  • Vision may seem foggy or blurred, similar to looking through a frosted window.
  • Seeing at night becomes more challenging, and glare from headlights can be particularly bothersome.
  • Bright lights or sunlight may cause discomfort or appear too intense.
  • Lights, especially at night, may have halos or a ring around them.
  • Colors may appear less vibrant, with whites appearing more yellow or dull.
  • You may need to update your prescription more often as your vision changes.
  • Seeing double images, even when one eye is closed, can occur.

How is a Cataract Diagnosed?

The only way to be certain you have a cataract and to determine the best treatment is to see an experienced eye doctor like Dr. Jason Moss at Spectrum Eye Clinic + MedSpa. Dr. Moss may use several tests to diagnose a cataract, including a visual acuity test, a slit-lamp exam (which uses a specialized microscope to examine the eye), and a retinal exam after dilating your pupils. All of these tests are painless and help Dr. Moss accurately assess the presence and severity of a cataract.

Who Gets Cataracts?

While cataracts are most commonly associated with aging, they can occur at any age. Cataracts may develop from eye injuries, and, in rare instances, infants can be born with congenital cataracts. However, they predominantly affect older adults, with over 22 million Americans aged 40 and above experiencing cataracts. By age 80, most individuals will have had a cataract. Routine eye examinations are essential for early detection and timely management of this condition.

Cataract Risk Factors

Several factors can increase the risk of developing cataracts, including:

  • Risk increases with age.
  • Excessive UV exposure
  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Previous eye injuries
  • Prolonged corticosteroid use increases risk.
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Genetic predispositio
  • Conditions like hypertension or obesity.

Treatment for Cataracts

Cataract surgery is the only effective treatment to remove a cataract, but you may not need surgery immediately after diagnosis. In the early stages, many patients manage vision issues with brighter lighting or updated eyeglass prescriptions. However, as cataracts progress, they can significantly impact your quality of life, making it difficult to drive safely or enjoy activities like reading, crafting, or watching TV. When these symptoms begin to interfere, it’s time to discuss cataract surgery with Dr Jason Moss at Spectrum Eye Clinic + MedSpa.

Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery at Spectrum Eye Clinic + MedSpa, led by Dr. Jason Moss, is a precise and patient-focused outpatient procedure designed to restore clear vision by removing cloudy lenses caused by cataracts. Dr. Moss, with his extensive experience and expertise, ensures that every patient receives personalized care throughout the process.

What To Expect From Cataract Surgery

The surgery typically involves a technique called phacoemulsification, which is the traditional method for cataract removal. Dr. Moss creates a small incision in the cornea by hand with a scalpel and then inserts a small instrument through this opening to access the eye’s lens, located behind the pupil in a capsule. After creating a round opening in the capsule, Dr. Moss uses a pen-shaped probe that applies ultrasound waves to break up the cloudy lens. The broken-up lens pieces are then suctioned out, and an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted in its place. The incision is self-sealing and usually does not require stitches, allowing for a quicker recovery.

Cataract Surgery Recovery

As an outpatient procedure, patients do not need to stay in a hospital after surgery, allowing for a quick return to the comfort of home. Dr. Moss uses advanced techniques and state-of-the-art technology to perform the surgery, minimizing recovery time and enhancing outcomes. Patients can expect a thorough consultation, where Dr. Moss will explain the procedure, answer questions, and tailor the surgery to meet individual needs. With Dr. Jason Moss, patients receive exceptional care, ensuring a smooth and successful cataract surgery experience at Spectrum Eye Clinic + MedSpa.

Request a Vision Consultation

Give us a call at: 619.365.5501 or fill out the form below to request a free consultation!