Cataract

Dr. Kassels is a board certified general ophthalmologist who performs modern cataract surgery locally. No patching, no shots, no stitches, and no trip to Huntsville, Birmingham, or Nashville! Cataract surgery is one of the most common ophthalmology procedures and one of the most common surgical procedures of performed annually in the US. You can return to your regular eye doctor for your glasses and follow-up. Not sure about surgery yet? Dr. Kassels can offer a second opinion before you proceed with surgery.

The development of cataracts is unavoidable over time. The human crystalline lens is made of continually growing epithelial cells. It lies immediately behind the pupil and is about the size of an m&m candy. The capsule is the cellophane like “shell”, and the cataract is the chocolate inside. Slowly as the crystalline lens grows, it becomes less flexible. By the age of 45 the crystalline lens has lost enough flexibility (like a few other parts!) that reading glasses are needed. This loss of focus at near is known as presbyopia. Over time, as the lens cells become more crowded, the lens becomes hazy, foggy, and/or brown. Even today in this country, some people still go blind from their cataracts. But cataract surgery can restore their vision.


Usually cataract surgery is performed electively: when visual function limits work, leisure, or safe driving. Some patients need to drive for work or to taxi grandchildren. Some patients orchestrate their day to avoid being caught out after sunset. Some patients cannot see scores at games, see their television well, or read comfortably. Some stop hobbies like sewing or woodworking. Some are bothered by dingy, colorless vision. Occasionally cataract surgery is done as a part of managing glaucoma or retinal problems. Conditions like macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, or glaucoma may limit visual function despite cataract surgery.

Cataract surgery removes the clouded lens and replaces it with a prosthetic intraocular lens (IOL). The procedure is done as an outpatient--no hospital admission. An incision less than 3 mm (about one eighth of an inch) is made into the eye with a diamond or steel blade. The capsule is opened. The cataract is softened and aspirated out of the capsule in a process called phacoemulsification. An IOL is inserted into the capsule. The IOL is completely inside the eye and will never be touched again. Generally stitches and patches are not necessary. Most patients have functional vision and a comfortable eye the next day. Modern cataract surgery has evolved such that the vast majority of patients have successful restoration of vision. Most patients become much less dependent on glasses, especially for distance. This technique as described above has been used for the past twenty years, or so. During this time cataract surgery has become extremely common and successful, even taken for granted.

In the operating room, Dr. Kassels uses a Zeiss Lumera operating microscope for superior visualization of the capsule and transparent structures which are less well visualized with older microscopes. He uses the Alcon Centurion phacoemulsification system for cataract extraction. He has access to many brands and types of IOLs. The non-Toric monofocal IOL, covered by insurance, can correct for distance or near vision, but not both. Even the “standard” IOL is continuously improved upon for power accuracy, compatibility in the eye, and visual performance. Private insurance and Medicare cover a standard IOL as an integral part of cataract surgery.  Advanced Technology IOLs or premium IOLs, described below, can provide even more glasses independence.

Presbyopia Correcting IOLs and multi-focal IOLs, allow for good distance and near vision without readers or bifocals. These lenses reduce one’s dependency on reading glasses. Advanced technology lenses are not covered by insurance. Additional out of pocket expenses apply. Not every cataract patient is a candidate. All IOL options have some compromises. Glasses may still be helpful in certain situations.  Individual results cannot be guaranteed.

Astigmatism Correcting (Toric) IOLs can correct pre-existing astigmatism at the time of surgery. The astigmatism correction is incorporated into the IOL. The IOL is carefully rotated to the ideal axis. An Astigmatism Correcting (Toric) IOL corrects astigmatism, but not for simultaneous reading and distance vision. Astigmatism Correcting (Toric) IOL lenses also have out of pocket expenses. Individual results cannot be guaranteed.

cataract


Multifocal Astigmatism Correcting (Toric) IOLs are an option that correct astigmatism and presbyopia  The astigmatism correction is more precise than using laser astigmatism correction with a presbyopia correcting lens. Of course, a  Multifocal Astigmatism Correcting (Multifocal Toric) IOL has the compromises of both the presbyopia correcting and Toric IOL. The new IOLs are exciting, but still not perfect.

All of these advanced technology IOLs have an additional expense. Multiple eye measurements will be performed pre-operatively of different days.  The specialty lens has to be special ordered. Any eye surface problems, such as dry eye or blepharitis, may need to be treated.  Often getting a and thus will add time to the process of cataract surgery.

Traditional phacoemulsification cataract surgery uses diamond or single use steel blades under 3 millimeters (about 1/8 inch). Femtosecond laser can now be used for cataract surgery. The femtosecond laser docks to your eye and a computerized ablation algorithm replaces the incision and a few manual steps. Note that manual instruments are still required to remove the cataract from the eye and implant an IOL. The laser adds a significant cost. If you surf youtube, you will see Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery cases. Most of these infomercials show the surgeon using a blade or instrument for steps that the laser supposedly could do. Some patients, such as those with small pupils, are not candidates for Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery. A recent study showed no improvement in outcomes in Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery versus traditional surgery. For now, Dr. Kassels uses the gold standard: surgical stainless steel.

Alas, we have not found the fountain of youth! We cannot make your eyes like a teenager’s. Cataract surgery does not fix every other eye problem you might have like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or macular degeneration. Like any other surgery, cataract surgery has risks. No guarantees can be made about individual results. Dr. Kassels will discuss your particular symptoms, goals, and risks as part of your cataract evaluation. Together we’ll judge the best time, technique and technology for you.

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Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

Saturday:

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  • "I appreciate every one of you here. You all are just precious."
    M.M., 2017
  • "Everyone here is so nice and helpful and it makes such a difference as a patient. Thank you!"
    D.G. 2017
  • "I'd probably be blind by now if I hadn't met you"
    G.M., 2018
  • "Eveyone here is so nice and helpful and it makes such a difference as a patient. Thank you!"
    D.G, 2017
  • "I really respect the way you've trained your staff. They are all top notch, courteous and respectful."
    P.C., 2017
  • "Dear Friends, Thank you for the good care you took of my husband and me through the years. In Appreciation,"
    M.B.T., 2002
  • "My vision is great. Everything’s bright. I can’t believe it. It didn’t hurt! I’m excited!"
    N.K.P., 2015
  • "I don’t have to wear glasses or anything."
    E.M.B., 2015
  • "My bad eye is now my good eye!"
    P.M.A., 2014
  • "My vision is much brighter. I didn’t know the world was so beautiful!"
    W.J.M.
  • "I can crochet without glasses."
    T.M.
  • "Thank you [all] so much for being so kind and acting in such a professional manner! Thank you for caring. A special thank you to Dr. Kassels"
    C.P., 2015
  • "Dr. Kassels, I want to thank you for the excellent work you did and the nice lady who did the refractive work which provided me with excellent vision. I can read the newspaper again! Again, thanks, and may god bless you both."
    RDP., 2014
  • "Hi Dr. Kassels and Family, Hope you are enjoying your new place and work. We miss you here in B’ham. We haven’t seen Dr. _____ yet, but I’m sure he’s good. But, not as good as you. I know your patients down there will love you as much we do here. Please keep up the good work and let us hear from you some time. Please excuse this writing."
    C. and C. W., 1997