Cataracts are formed when your natural crystalline lens becomes clouded. This discoloration can cause a variety of symptoms, including poor night vision, glare, and even severely reduced vision with or without glasses.

Advancements in modern cataract surgery allow the cloudy lens to be removed and replaced with a new, clear lens. To do this, your doctor will first create a microscopic opening in the cellophane-like bag that holds the natural lens in front of the eye. He’ll then break up the cataract using a machine that generates ultrasonic waves, and remove it through a tiny incision in the cornea.

Once the cataract has been removed, your doctor will fold up the replacement lens – called a lens implant – and use a tube to place it in the front of the eye. The new lens then opens like a flower in the position where your natural lens previously rested.

In a contemporary cataract surgery, the lens is removed using ultrasound technology. However, an advancement that is currently under development involves the use of a femtosecond laser (the type of laser used to make the corneal flap in LASIK surgery) to remove the lens.

Throughout the years Dr. Updegraff has been working with the industry, laser technology has been used to achieve many exciting technological advancements. He remains involved in the development of laser cataract surgery, and has personally examined this technology to determine its capabilities.

No. If both eyes need surgery, they are typically performed one week apart.

You will usually be at the surgery center for about 2 hours, but most surgeries will only take about 10 minutes.

No. We will want a through medical history and record of all medicines taken, but you will not discontinue them unless otherwise directed by the doctor.

No. You will receive a light sedation to help you relax. Dr. Updegraff wants you awake during surgery. Although you will still be awake, most patients will not remember the surgery.

No. Eye drops are used to numb the surface of the eye as well as inside of your eye. Patients feel pressure on the eyelids, cool fluid, and see a ring of lights. It’s better to keep both of your eyes open and it’s okay to blink.

No. We will want a through medical history and record of all medicines taken, but you will not discontinue them unless otherwise directed by the doctor.

Many will feel comfortable to drive, but there are also many who may have an imbalance between their eyes after their first surgery. Those who have an imbalance and reduced depth perception are encouraged to limit driving during the week between surgeries. In addition, caution should be taken while walking up and down stairs and curbs after the first eye if the depth perception is initially reduced.

The most important thing is not to rub your eye. You will need to wear a clear, plastic shield at night for the first week to help protect it. Although the risk of infection is rare, we also ask you to avoid swimming in pools and hot tubs for the first week.

The primary benefit is the precision of the laser incisions which can lead to more accurate outcomes when you choose a high tech lens implant. The second benefit is for astigmatism correction with the laser.

Dr. Updegraff is the only surgeon at Updegraff Vision Precision LASIK and Cataract Center. All surgeries are performed on-site in our state of the art, accredited Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC). This provides the highest level of convenience and safety for patients.