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Improve Your Vision with Cataract Surgery

Trust Wilmington’s cataract experts to deliver exceptional results.

More than 3.5 million cataract surgeries are performed each year in the US, making it one of the most common procedures. And thanks to advancements in the medical field, cataract surgery is now quicker, safer, and more effective than ever before. As you consider undergoing cataract surgery, it’s important to understand the different procedure types available to you. Patients can choose between traditional cataract surgery and the most advanced form of cataract surgery: blade-free laser cataract surgery. Since 1975, our team of board-certified surgeons has helped thousands of patients see clearly following cataract surgery.

7
Board Certified Surgeons
5K
Surgeries Every Year
10+
IOL Lenses to Choose From

What is Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure that is performed by one of our seven board-certified ophthalmic surgeons. Many of these procedures are performed at our new, state-of-the-art surgical facility, Wilmington Eye Surgery Center. Each of our surgeons performs hundreds of cataract procedures every year, delivering exceptional surgical results to thousands of Wilmingtonians and residents in the surrounding communities. We offer traditional and advanced laser-assisted cataract surgery as well as more than 10 different types of intraocular lenses to give you the exact results you want following your procedure.

During cataract surgery, your surgeon will make two small incisions on the side of the cornea, the clear, outermost layer of your eye. After making these incisions, your surgeon will then construct a small circular opening in the membrane around the cataract. This is called a capsulorhexis. Your surgeon will then insert a tiny probe that emits ultrasound waves to soften and break up the clouded lens so that it can be removed by suction, known as phacoemulsification. Once the cataract is removed, an artificial lens, also known as an intraocular lens implant (IOL), will be inserted in the same tiny incision, unfolded, and set into place.

The video below explains the procedure for cataract surgery.

Traditional Cataract Surgery

Traditional cataract surgery is covered by most insurances, including Medicare. In traditional cataract surgery, your surgeon will make incisions into your cornea (the clear and most outer layer of your eye) using a blade. Then, another handheld device called an ultrasonic probe will be used to divide the cataract into small pieces. Once the cataract has been broken up into small, manageable pieces, the cataract is suctioned out of the eye using ultrasonic energy. Traditional cataract surgery will be

performed on one eye at a time, usually 2 weeks apart. This is to minimize risks associated with your procedure and ensure optimal visual outcomes. Once the old, clouded lens has been removed, a new, artificial lens (called an intraocular lens or IOL for short) is implanted into the eye. Sutures are sometimes needed for traditional cataract surgery.

Advantages

  • Covered by insurance
  • Clear vision following procedure
  • Glasses still needed
Make small incision into cornea Make small incision into cornea
Ultrasonic probe to divide cataract into small pieces Ultrasonic probe to divide cataract into small pieces
Cataract is suctioned out with ultrasonic energy Cataract is suctioned out with ultrasonic energy
Artificial lens is implanted Artificial lens is implanted
Improved vision with new intraocular lens implant Improved vision with new intraocular lens implant

Blade-free Laser Cataract Surgery

Wilmington Eye is excited to offer blade-free laser cataract surgery. New technological advances in cataract surgery have made it possible to improve the visual outcome of your cataract surgery and reduce your dependence on glasses or contacts. With blade-free laser cataract surgery, patients can experience higher precision, enhanced predictability, and improved visual outcomes. We can also treat

astigmatism with this new laser, which has shown to reduce a person’s dependence on glasses. Blade-free cataract surgery will be performed on one eye at a time, usually 2 weeks apart. This is to minimize risks associated with your procedure and ensure optimal visual outcomes. If you have been diagnosed with astigmatism or would like to eliminate the need for glasses or contacts, blade-free cataract surgery may be an option for you.

Advantages

  • Clear vision following procedure
  • Corrects astigmatism
  • May reduce or eliminate the need for glasses and contact lenses
  • NOT covered by insurance

Life-Changing Results in Minutes

With blade-less laser cataract surgery, the femtosecond laser automates these challenging steps of cataract surgery in a personalized protocol. Your surgeon combines the femtosecond laser with real-time image-guided features to create small incisions with a higher degree of precision. Your astigmatism can be accurately treated with this technology at the same time the cataract is removed! Femtosecond laser uses light energy to open and soften the cataract in a predictable manner. Whichever technique you choose, most patients are back to their normal activities after the first week. The results are life-changing.

Computer scans dimensions of ocular structure Computer scans dimensions of ocular structure
The femtosecond laser creates openings, breaks the lens into small pieces, and corrects any astigmatism The femtosecond laser creates openings, breaks the lens into small pieces, and corrects any astigmatism
Ultrasonic probe removes the old lens Ultrasonic probe removes the old lens
Artificial lens is implanted Artificial lens is implanted
Improved vision with new intraocular lens implant Improved vision with new intraocular lens implant

How Cataract Surgery Helped David

One team of board-certified ophthalmic surgeons can help determine which cataract procedure is right for you. To find out more about cataract surgery, contact us today to schedule a cataract consultation.

Schedule A Cataract Evaluation

Cataract Surgery FAQs

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What our cataract patients have to say

01/06
  • "Dr. Leone listens to the patient and answers all questions in a clear, concise and easy to understand manner. Literally, every Wilmington Eye team member that I came in contact with conveyed that my comfort and care during my cataract procedure were their top priority. Highly recommend Dr. Leone and Wilmington Eye."
    Robert T.
  • "Chris Covington recently removed cataracts from both eyes and it was a remarkably easy process from the patients viewpoint (ME). My vision is now close to 20/20 in both eyes and I can see the colors and clear whites so much better than before surgery. It's a beautiful world out there! Thank you Wilmington Eye - great work!"
    Tim F.
  • "Had cataracts removed and lens inserted by Dr. Polomsky. He was very professional and attentive to all my concerns during the procedures. He made the procedure go smoothly!"
    Bill L.
  • "Dr. Leone’s medical knowledge, comforting care and attention to detail are unequalled. As a cataract surgery patient my experience exceeded my already high expectations. Dr. Leone has the unique and rare ability to combine compassionate care with extensive eye care experience. Thank you Dr. Leone!"
    Robert T.
  • "Dr. Watson is an excellent eye surgeon. She performed a very successful cataract surgery on my left eye. My vision is now 20/20. I told her she is a miracle worker. I can't say enough about how confident I felt having her as my surgeon. I would highly recommend Dr. Watson."
    Pat M.
  • "Great doctor and staff! The doctor really seems to care about the patient. Surgery went great, very successful. I couldn't be more pleased. Even their business office is outstanding. Very professional and knowledgeable. They know what they are doing. I would highly recommend Wilmington Eye!!!!!"
    Dave H.
  • "Dr Leone did a great job on my cataract surgery, the nurses are kind and caring and Ashley is great at managing all the details."
    Linda C.
  • "Outstanding experience. Dr Jenkins was very informative about my upcoming cataract surgery and aided me in my choice of several options. Everyone was very professional and made the experience a nice one. KUDDOS TO ALL!"
    Jim C
  • "This post is for the great eye care given to my mom Barbara McClammy who had cataract surgery. She is recuperating well and is extremely happy with the wonderful care given by Dr. Watson, Dr. Muncy, and their wonderful staff. ❤ Special thanks to the staff at Wilmington Surgcare 👏👏"
    Cynthia E.
  • "Couldn’t ask for anything more. Everyone was so kind and professional. Dr Jenkins was terrific I felt at ease about my cataract surgery. my whole experience was painless and easy recoup. Had my left eye done. Art in two weeks. I must add they have a great selection of eyeglass frames , I haven’t been able to find since I moved here 9 yrs ago."
    JoAnne H.
  • "Dr. van der Vaart performed cataract surgery on both of my eyes. The results exceeded my expectations. I knew I had vision issues but I didn't realize how bad my eyes had gotten. My night driving vision is greatly improved along with much better color perception. Thank you Dr. van der Vaart"
    Woody D.
  • "Dr. Leone and staff did an awesome job on both my eyes for cataract surgery. Would def recommend anyone to see them. I’ve been to both offices wilm and Southport everyone is so kind. Thank you for all y’all have done for me I can see 100% now"
    Kendra B.
  • "Had first cataract surgery. Just outstanding service from complete staff and surgery and follow up with Dr. Leone. Looking forward to second eye surgery in two weeks. Highly recommend Dr. Leone and the entire staff at Wilmington Eye."
    Dino A.
  • "Dr. Leone and associates are exceptionally amazing! My results of the cataract surgery are better than I ever imagined. I previously had RK and Dr. Leone was still able to restore my vision to 20/25 after the procedure. The entire staff is knowledgeable and friendly."
    Kim A.
  • "With my first eye, I noticed the next day the vibrant colors! I didn’t realize that my vision had gotten so bad. It’s only been a week out from my second eye and my vision is 100%! I’m a retired nurse so I’ve witnessed cataract surgery a long time ago and I knew that it was kind of a big deal. But this was the easiest thing I have ever been through."
    Anonymous

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