CATARACT
If you experience a clouding in your vision, it could be cataracts. This is perfectly normal, and in the majority of cases, easily treated with little or no discomfort. As cataract treatment advances Eye Consultants of Texas is advancing with it. Phillips Kirk Labor, MD is a leading Dallas, Fort Worth and Grapevine cataract specialist with expertise in the very latest cataract procedures available today. In fact, he has been the first in Texas or locally to perform procedures using some of the cataract advancements we offer today.
WHAT ARE CATARACTS?
Cataracts form when the naturally clear lens inside of the eye begins to opacify or “fog up.” This occurs as protein builds up on the natural lens. This clear lens is responsible for letting light into the eye and refracting it onto the retina. As a cataract forms on the lens, light is no longer able to get into the eye, resulting in blurry vision. When left to progress, cataract generally cause blindness. Millions of Americans are affected by cataract each day. Luckily, cataract surgery is extremely effective, quick and safe. In many cases, patients experience the best vision of their lives after cataract surgery!
CATARACT SYMPTOMS
Cataracts develop very slowly over a course of years. They may not be noticeable at first. Many people think they just need a new prescription when in reality their blurry vision is a result of cataract development.
Most of the time, our doctors are able to diagnose cataracts before the patients even see a difference in vision (a good reason to attend eye examinations regularly!) If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may be developing cataracts:
- Blurry vision
- Inability to see detail, especially at night
- Seeing halos around lights
- Dull color vision
- Vision loss
CATARACT TREATMENTS
Here at Eye Consultants of Texas, we know that dealing with cataracts can be difficult. But treating them doesn’t have to be. Cataracts are only treatable through surgery, however, we strive to offer only the best and most effective cataract removal methods available. With us, you have options! Before you schedule your cataract surgery, you will meet with a doctor to determine which method of treatment best suits your needs.
What should you expect if you have a cataract consultation at Eye Consultants of Texas? Click here to find out.
NO STITCH, NO PATCH CATARACT SURGERY
With this procedure, anesthesia is applied using a topical gel instead of an injection. Dr. Labor makes a tiny precise incision, then breaks up and gently removes the cataract using ultrasound. Because the incision is so small no stitches are required. You don’t need to wear an eye patch because the eye is numbed topically.
IV FREE CATARACT SURGERY
Dr. Labor was the first Texas eye surgeon to perform an IV Free procedure using the MKO Melt, an amazing new oral sedative. Introduced in 2016, the MKO Melt is designed to eliminate the IV altogether and improve patient comfort. Read More
LASER-ASSISTED CATARACT SURGERY
In our laser-assisted surgery suite, Dr. Labor uses the advanced IntraLase femtosecond laser and Verion Image-Guided System. This has revolutionized cataract surgery by allowing the procedure to be customized with the highest level of precision.
Dr. Labor also uses the ORA System, an update of “ORange” technology we introduced to the Dallas, Fort Worth and Grapevine areas in 2011. It’s the first technology that measures cataract surgery results during the procedure. Not only was Dr. Labor the first DFW surgeon to use this technology, he is considered one of the top ORA surgeons in the U.S.
We also offer FDA-approved Premium Smart Lenses that can further improve your results. These include: Tecnis and ReSTOR multifocal lenses; Crystalens accommodating intraocular lens; TRULIGN Crystalens Toric, STAAR Toric and AcrySof IQ Toric intraocular lenses; and the Nanoflex intraocular lens for “Blended Vision,” where one eye is set to read at a distance and the other eye is set at near. Read More
Our cataract patients see clearly just days after surgery and years after that with far less dependency on glasses. It all starts with a thorough cataract evaluation. This is where we help you decide if you should have the surgery, discuss your surgery and lens options, and tell you everything you need to know. Most importantly, we make sure you’re entirely comfortable long before anything is done.
If you’re experiencing cataract symptoms, it’s easy to schedule your evaluation. Simply call our Grapevine office at 817-410-2030 and we’ll take care of everything.
Panoptix lens
Phillips Kirk Labor, MD at Eye Consultants of Texas in Grapevine is one of the first surgeons in Texas to use Panoptix lens. The biggest advantage of the Pan Optix lens is that it is designed to give the patient excellent vision both near, intermediate, and far away.
Along with the different ranges of clarity you can see with this lens, it also gives patients the ability to eliminate or significantly eliminate the need for glasses or bifocals reading glasses. The Pan Optix lens is made for patients to see in high definition and sharpen their vision of life.
For patients who receive this lens at Eye Consultants of Texas, please keep the following in mind:
- Do not evaluate your vision until you have had surgery in both eyes. It is very difficult for your brain to accept the difference in the vision between your two eyes until they can work together and adjust to your new vision.
- You are likely to see some glare and halos around lights after surgery. This usually improves within a few months.
- Typically, best reading will be achieved in high light conditions. You will likely need reading glasses in dim light.
- Your range of vision should be good and with time will adjust. Have patience.
- You may still need glasses after surgery, but you should need them less for most daily activities.