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Currently, we no longer offer general eye care or cataract surgery.
San Diego Cataracts - Cataract Eye Surgery
"Cataract surgery has evolved since the time of our parents and grandparents. The technological innovations have made cataract surgery an outpatient procedure. Our cataract surgery patients are achieving greater levels of vision with increased independence from glasses. It is my goal to combine great technology with old fashioned great care."
Tony Pham, M.D.
Board Certified Diplomat of the American Board Of Ophthalmology
Cataract Sugery For San Diego Patients
Cataract surgery is very different from the time of our parents and grandparents. When our parents had cataract surgery, they had to go to the hospital and spend several days there. Now, cataract surgery is a fully outpatient procedure. In addition, Dr. Pham at the San Diego LASIK Institute practices no stitch, no patch, and no local injection cataract surgery! To learn more about what a cataract is, please click here.
Top Ten Questions About Cataract Surgery
1. What is a cataract?
A cataract is a natural opacification of your lens. When you are born, your lens is clear. As you get older, your lens gets cloudier. This causes increased glare and halo at night. You may also have difficulty driving a car or passing your driver's license. However, people can also get cataracts through other processes besides aging. Diabetes, medical diseases, steroid use, and other conditions can accelerate cataract progression.
2. How do you treat a cataract? Do Lasers work?
The most advanced way to treat a cataract is through a process called phacoemulsification. Phacoemulsification uses very high powered ultrasound energy to break the cataract up into small pieces. Dr. Pham at the San Diego LASIK Institute then uses the device to remove your cataract. After the cataract is removed, a lens is placed in your eye to replace the cataract that had been removed. Unfortunately, lasers do not remove cataracts.
3. Is the procedure painful?
The cataract operation is done in an ambulatory surgery center. Dr. Pham works with an anesthesiologist to make your procedure as minimally invasive as possible.
4. What is the recovery cataract surgery in San Diego like?
The recovery is remarkably fast. Dr. Pham does not put any patch on your eye. You will use drops in your eye for 2-3 weeks to aid in the healing process. Afterwards, we would prefer that you do not perform any heavy lifting or straining and to avoid strenuous exercise for 2 weeks. Otherwise, you can live a normal lifestyle. Reading, watching TV, or walking are all reasonable activities immediately after your surgery.
5. What do I need to do to evaluate my eyes for a cataract?
The only way to know if you truly have a cataract is by having an examination for surgery with Dr. Pham. He will do an eye examination with a slit lamp (microscope). If you are diagnosed with a cataract at the San Diego LASIK Institute, Dr. Pham will do further testing for your eyes. He uses this information to have a surgery plan for you as well as pick the correct lens for your eye.
6. What are the new advancements in cataract surgery?
The newest advancements in cataract surgery in San Diego are the Restor and Rezoom lenses. These lenses are termed "multifocal lenses" because they potentially give you the ability to see distance and near without glasses. Not everyone is a candidate for these lenses. However, for the right patient, the Restor or Rezoom lenses may be an ideal solution.
7. If I wait to have surgery done, will I go blind?
Generally, cataracts will progress as you get older. Often, Dr. Pham will wait until they progress to a point where they interfere with your ability to do your normal activities of daily living. For example, if you have trouble driving or writing checks it may be reasonable at that point to have cataract surgery with the San Diego LASIK institute. While waiting to have surgery does not hurt your eyes, the longer you wait, the more advanced the cataract gets.
8. Do you do both eyes at the same time?
We do surgery for cataract surgery at the San Diego LASIK Institute one eye at a time. This allows you time to heal and recover.
9. What other things do I need to do before surgery?
Dr. Pham at the San Diego LASIK institute recommends that you see your general doctor for pre-operative clearance.
10. Does insurance pay for cataract surgery?
Once your deductible is met, your insurance will pay for your cataract surgery. Medicare is also one of the major payers for cataract surgery. Dr. Pham accepts all of the major insurances, Medicare, and Medical. For cash patients, we strive to offer assistance so that people can benefit from cataract surgery in San Diego.
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