Cataract Surgery & Lens Implantation

Cataracts are no longer something you have to live with, thanks to innovative intraocular lenses (IOLs) and advances in surgical techniques. For patients in San Diego, cataract surgery is safer and more effective than ever, with results that may help you see better than you have in years.

To learn more about state of the art cataract surgery, request a consultation online or call the UC San Diego Shiley Eye Center at (858) 822-2566.

About Cataract Surgery & Innovative Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)

Modern cataract surgery involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with a small, artificial IOL. At Shiley Eye Center, Dr. Schanzlin and his team offer cataract surgery patients in San Diego the latest in IOL technology, including:

• Crystalens®: An accommodating intraocular lens that addresses age-related presbyopia – the loss of near vision – in addition to cataract correction. Crystalens shifts position with the action of eye muscles and movement, allowing patients to see clearly at a range of distances without glasses or contact lenses.
• AcrySof® ReSTOR®: A multifocal IOL that – unlike standard IOLs – can correct the effects of presbyopia, allowing patients to see near, far, and in between without glasses. This lens combines diffractive and refractive technologies to improve the quality and clarity of vision at a range of distances.

Standard or traditional IOLs may be used if the patient has no need or desire to be free from corrective lenses. These monofocal IOLs do an excellent job of restoring vision at one distance – either near or far – with most patients usually requiring glasses for either distance or close vision.

The Procedure

Dr. Schanzlin or one of the other accomplished surgeons at the UC San Diego Shiley Eye Center will make a tiny incision at or near the cornea. Through this incision, ultrasound is used to gently break up the clouded lens, which will be suctioned out and replaced by the small, pliable IOL. The incision is so small that it requires no sutures, and the entire, painless procedure takes less than an hour.

Patients typically experience little to no discomfort after their procedure. Special precautions such as medicated eye drops and a protective shield will be used to prevent injury or infection. Most patients can return to light activities 24 hours after surgery, but will be given specific guidelines by their surgeon. Cataract surgery on the second eye typically takes place a few weeks later, and after full recovery, patients experience clear vision that may be better than it has been in years.