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Cataract Surgery for Boerne and San Antonio Residents
Cataracts can hinder the enjoyment of favorite activities and even rob a person of his or her precious eyesight. At Diaz Vision Center, we are dedicated to the health of our patients' eyes. We believe that regular screenings for cataracts and other eye problems, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration, are essential to maintaining ocular health and should be a priority on everyone's list. Dr. Carlos Diaz is a highly qualified ophthalmologist providing cataract screening and surgery for San Antonio-area residents at our Boerne office. We also offer a selection of the most advanced intraocular lens implants so that we can serve every patient's unique needs.
What is a cataract?
A cataract develops when the proteins that make up the eye's natural lens begin to clump together and render the lens cloudy. There are three types of cataracts, each associated with a different part of the lens:
Nuclear Cataract
The most common type of cataract, the nuclear cataract is associated with the natural aging process of the eye. It forms at the center, or nucleus, of the lens. As a nuclear cataract develops, the individual may experience difficulty identifying colors and seeing clearly at a distance. Though often treated with heavy prescription lenses with good results, nuclear cataracts can progress far enough to compromise the quality of a person’s life. In these cases, cataract surgery may be necessary. At our practice in Boerne, north of San Antonio, cataract surgery is performed by Dr. Diaz using the "no-stitch" method.
Cortical Cataract
Commonly found in people with diabetes, a cortical cataract forms in the lens's cortex, the layer of the lens that surrounds the nucleus. Often leading to glare and loss of contrast, a cortical cataract begins at the edges of the cortex, forming "spokes" as it slowly moves toward the center. Though slow-developing, cortical cataracts may lead to problems with seeing things both near and far away. To prevent vision impairment, an ophthalmologist may recommend cataract surgery.
Subcapsular Cataract
A subcapsular cataract forms beneath the capsule, the elastic covering of the lens. Glare and blurred vision are often associated with this type of cataract. Risk factors for subcapsular cataracts include diabetes, a high degree of myopia, retinitis pigmentosa, and steroid use.
Cataract Diagnosis
In the early stages of cataract development, an individual may not experience vision changes or any other related symptoms. It is important, then, to see an eye doctor for annual eye examinations. During a routine examination, an eye doctor can screen for cataracts and other ocular conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
If your ophthalmologist detects a cataract, he or she will monitor its development. Whether or not cataract surgery is the best form of treatment is dependent on several factors. When advising a patient whether to undergo cataract surgery, an ophthalmologist takes into account the type of cataract, the patient's degree of vision impairment, the viability of other treatment options (including heavy prescription lenses), and any other medical conditions the patient has.
Cataract Surgery
When prescription lenses can not restore clear vision to a patient, cataract surgery may be the best solution. Dr. Carlos Diaz performs "no-stitch" cataract surgery at our practice in Boerne. San Antonio-area residents can feel secure placing their precious vision in the hands of our accomplished eye surgeon. Dr. Diaz has extensive education in the field of ocular pathology and a passion for helping others obtain optimal vision.
Before cataract surgery, a topical anesthetic is applied to the eye, which eliminates the risks associated with retro-bulbar injections. Then, Dr. Diaz creates a small (less than 3 millimeters) incision through which he inserts a special instrument that emits ultrasonic vibrations. These vibrations break the cloudy lens into fragments, which are then vacuumed away. A replacement lens, called an intraocular lens implant, is next inserted through the incision and gently unfolded into place. The incision typically heals on its own, requiring no stitches.
After cataract surgery, patients are given prescription eye drops and eye shields to wear. Patients often resume normal activities the day after surgery. Some patients enjoy better vision after cataract surgery than they ever did before, depending far less on glasses or contact lenses.
Learn More about Cataract Diagnosis and Surgery
At our warm, inviting office equipped with the latest in diagnostic ophthalmologic equipment, Dr. Carlos Diaz can confidently diagnose a variety of eye conditions, including cataracts. When cataract surgery represents the best treatment option, Boerne and San Antonio-area patients can trust the skilled and gentle touch of Dr. Carlos Diaz. Questions are always welcome, so please contact Diaz Vision Center today.
For cataract screening and cataract surgery, Boerne and San Antonio-area patients can turn to Dr. Carlos Diaz.
Diaz Vision Center, PA
124 E Bandera Rd, #404
Boerne, TX 78006
Ph. 830-249-8400
Fx. 830-249-8411