Cataracts are a major cause of vision loss worldwide. Almost 20 million people are blind because of this condition. Many people think of cataracts as alarming, assuming that if they get them, they will go blind. The truth is, advanced cataract surgery can restore sight lost due to cataracts in most cases. In the United States, more than 1 million cataract surgeries are performed annually.

Go back to the top

A cataract is a clouding of the transparent part of your eye called the lens. A normally clear lens focuses light onto the retina, which is located in the back of the eye. When the lens becomes cloudy and opaque, light cannot pass through to the retina, resulting in blurry or clouded vision.

Go back to the top

Cataracts are most directly associated with the aging process. As the body ages, the normally transparent lens begins to harden and yellow and becomes cloudy. There is increasing evidence that lifelong exposure to ultraviolet light contributes to the formation of cataracts. Over half of all people aged 65 or older have some degree of cataract development. In addition, eye injuries, certain medications, diabetes, kidney disease and smoking may contribute to the formation of cataracts.

Go back to the top

Since there is presently no medical treatment to prevent cataracts or reverse them once they develop, the only treatment for cataracts is surgical removal. Cataract surgery is recommended when cataracts start to interfere with your enjoyment of everyday activities. Today’s cataract surgery is a marvel of medical technology. Here at St. Paul Eye Clinic, we’ve always been at the forefront of cataract surgery. We were among the first area practices to offer the phacoemulsification procedure, which enables cataracts to be removed through a tiny incision, as well as “no-stitch” cataract surgery with topical anesthesia. We also use the innovative IOL Master system, which is an FDA-approved diagnostic tool that accurately calculates measurements of eye length and surface curvature prior to cataract surgery. This precision helps our board-certified ophthalmologists (eye specialists) determine your individual intraocular lens implant needs, allowing for the most successful outcome possible. To date, we have performed tens of thousands of cataract surgeries.

St Paul Eye Clinic performs the state-of-the-art “no-patch,” “no-injection,” “no-stitch” method of cataract surgery using the Alcon Infinite cataract surgery equipment. With this effective outpatient procedure, your cloudy lens is gently removed through a microscopic-sized incision and a specially selected lens implant is then carefully implanted to restore bright, clear vision. Some patients are candidates for the revolutionary ReSTOR® lens implants which, in many cases, can help patients see clearly at all distances. Also, cataract patients with astigmatism may benefit from a toric lens replacement to improve distance vision without glasses.

Cataract surgery is quick and effective and offers a rapid recovery time of just a few days. You’ll feel confident that your procedure will be performed inside our state-of-the-art, onsite, licensed surgical center in Woodbury, Minnesota. We always put your safety and comfort first.

Go back to the top

Early diagnosis and treatment are paramount to preserving your vision. If you are experiencing blurry vision, dimming, glare or double vision, call and schedule your appointment at the St. Paul Eye Clinic nearest you today. We have several locations in Minnesota and Wisconsin to serve you.

Please visit our Patient Education Library to read more about cataract care.

Go back to the top