Many who seek care for cloudy vision discover that they have cataracts and worry that they have a unique condition or a disease. This is not the case. Cataracts are a natural part of the aging process. As all of us develop wrinkles so to do we all develop cataracts. Cataracts usually develop through a very gradual process of normal aging but can occasionally develop rapidly. Cataracts are quite common, especially after the age of 65. Within the eye the lens enables light to be focused on to the back of the eye (the retina) so that images appear clear and undistorted. With cataracts the lens thickens and becomes cloudy distorting our vision. This condition warrants treatment when symptoms impact daily life. Early signs of a developing cataracts include blurred vision, the need for brighter light for reading and other near tasks, and experiencing increased glare at night, especially with driving. When these symptoms progress to the point of interfering with tasks we need or want to do, it may be time for cataract removal.
Fortunately, cataract surgery is one of the most succesful surgical procedures performed in the United States. The technology involved in the surgery is quite sophisticated, involving theuse of lasers to remove a cloudy cataract in order to replace it with a clear new intraocular lens. This procedure can almost miraculously restore clear vision once again. The implanted lens placed in the eye following cataract removal is chosen based on each patient’s needs, desire for spectacle independence and the existing size and shape of the eye. Dr. Ratchford & Dr. Chin offer a variety of options including traditional intraocular lens replacement, correction for astigmatism with toric lenses, and a variety of multifocal lenses uniquely designed to reduce dependence on glasses. They will explain and discuss the lens options available to you specifically given the overall health of your eye. Both doctors perform outpatient cataract surgery at the state-of-the-art Hartford Hospital Eye Surgery Center In Newington where they have access to state of the art technology in the field.
At the Ratchford Eye Center we offer comprehensive eye care in a practice where we focus on each patient as a unique individual. We take the time to get to know each person who walks through our doors. Our compassionate nursing staff and expert surigcal team have years of experience with eye procedures and are dedicated to providing you with the best possible care. In addition, the Ratchford Eye Center offers a range of options for vision correction following cataract surgery.