Award-Winning San Diego Eye Surgeon

Cataract Surgery

Discover advanced cataract surgery with intraocular lens options and femtosecond laser technology at Alvarado Eye Associates in San Diego. Expert care by Dr. Lee Katzman.
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Dr. Lee Katzman is a premier eye surgeon in San Diego, renowned for his expertise and dedication to patient care. With years of experience and a commitment to using the latest technologies, Dr. Katzman ensures every patient receives the highest standard of treatment.

His personalized approach, combined with state-of-the-art surgical techniques, makes him a leading cataract surgeon in the region. Dr. Katzman and his team have complete access to advanced safety protocols and the latest technologies. This allows them to provide a superior level of care, ensuring your surgery is performed in a secure, technologically advanced environment.

What is a cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which lies behind the iris and the pupil. This clouding can lead to blurry vision, difficulty seeing at night, sensitivity to light, and even a yellowish tint to your vision. Over time, cataracts can interfere significantly with daily activities, making tasks like reading, driving, and recognizing faces challenging.

How Are Cataracts Treated?

Cataracts are typically treated through surgery, where the clouded natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear, artificial lens. Dr. Lee Katzman uses advanced laser technology, specifically femtosecond lasers, to ensure precision and enhance the safety and effectiveness of the procedure. This advanced approach provides better visual outcomes and a quicker recovery compared to traditional methods.

Steps Before Having Surgery

Before your cataract surgery, there are several important steps to ensure you receive the best care and achieve optimal results:

  • Comprehensive Exam: Dr. Katzman will conduct a thorough eye examination to assess the severity of your cataracts and evaluate your overall eye health.
  • Detailed Measurements: Using advanced diagnostic tools, precise measurements of your eyes will be taken to plan your surgery and customize your treatment.
  • Your Decision: Based on your vision goals and lifestyle needs, Dr. Katzman will discuss the best options for lens implants, helping you make an informed decision.
Vision Options

Lifestyle Lenses

Dr. Katzman offers a variety of lifestyle lenses to cater to your specific vision needs. These advanced lenses provide enhanced vision correction, often reducing or eliminating the need for glasses. Dr. Katzman is committed to offering the most up-to-date lenses at all times, whereas most other non-refractive surgeons in San Diego may only offer a few technologies, at best. Staying cutting-edge means he will always offer you the best available technology.

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Multifocal/Full Range of Vision Lenses

(PanOptix or Odyssey Lens): These lenses provide clear vision at all distances, allowing you to see near, intermediate, and far without glasses.

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Extended Depth of Field Lenses

(Vivity or Eyehance Lenses): These lenses offer an extended range of vision, reducing the need for reading glasses while maintaining excellent distance vision.

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Light Adjustable Lenses

(RxSight Light Adjustable Lens): These innovative lenses can be adjusted post-surgery to fine-tune your vision precisely and to your needs, often with a large range of vision better than the extended depth lenses listed above.

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Toric Lenses

Specifically designed to correct astigmatism, providing sharp distance or near vision depending on your preference.

Standard Monofocal Lenses

Ideal for patients who prefer or are comfortable wearing glasses, these lenses offer clear vision at a single focal point (usually distance).

Multifocal / Full Range of Vision Lenses
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Extended Depth of Field Lenses
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Light Adjustable Lenses
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Toric Lenses
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Standard Monofocal Lenses
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The Day of Surgery

You’ve received your diagnosis, completed your measurements, and chosen the best lifestyle lens to suit your vision goals. Now, you’re ready for surgery!

Most patients have similar cataracts in both eyes, but surgeries are typically performed on one eye at a time, with the second eye being treated 1-2 weeks later. This approach allows you to rely on your untreated eye during the initial healing process of the first eye, ensuring you can continue your daily activities with minimal disruption.

  • The Procedure: The actual surgery is brief, typically lasting only 10-15 minutes per eye. However, expect to spend 2.5 to 3 hours at our surgical center to accommodate preparation and recovery. Here’s what to anticipate:
  • Preparation: Upon arrival, you’ll have a few forms to sign at the front desk. You will then be brought to the preoperative area and dilating drops will be administered to the operative eye. It may take up to 45 minutes for your eyes to dilate to the level required for safe cataract surgery. Nurses will check your vital signs and place an intravenous line (known as an IV) in your arm. You may be offered an antianxiety medication by mouth while waiting.
  • Operative Suite: You’ll then be moved to the operative suite where IV sedation by an anesthesiologist ensures you’ll be relaxed. Through the procedure, you might see various lights, colors, shapes and shadows, which many patients actually enjoy; but rest assured, you’ll remain comfortable throughout.

The Advantages of Femtosecond Lasers

Dr. Katzman utilizes advanced femtosecond lasers to enhance the precision and safety of cataract surgery. He uses two different branded lasers, the Lensar ALLY and the Alcon LENSX, both of which are state-of-the-art machines. These lasers offer several key benefits. The Lensar Ally and Alcon LENSX are renowned laser systems that enhance the accuracy and safety of cataract surgery. The Lensar Ally is known for its advanced imaging and precise, computer-guided incisions and lens fragmentations, which lead to more predictable outcomes and faster recovery. Similarly, the Alcon LENSX offers exceptional precision throughout the procedure, from creating incisions to fragmenting the cataract, ensuring optimal lens placement and reducing the risk of complications. Together, these systems significantly improve visual outcomes and patient recovery.

Using femtosecond lasers, Dr. Katzman can perform highly precise, computer-guided incisions and lens fragmentations. This advanced technology not only enhances surgical outcomes but also minimizes risks, ensuring a safer, faster, and more predictable procedure. By choosing laser cataract surgery, you’re opting for the best in modern eye care, tailored specifically to your needs. Dr. Katzman would personally recommend use of a femtosecond laser on his own family or even his own eyes!

What Will Vision Be Like After Cataract Surgery?

Right After Surgery

Immediately after your cataract surgery, you will be taken to a recovery area where you can rest. Here’s what to expect:

  • Initial Recovery: You might feel a bit groggy from the sedation, but this will wear off quickly. Your eye will be covered with a protective shield to prevent accidental touching and to shield it from bright light.
  • Vision: Your vision may be blurry initially, which is completely normal. This blurriness is due to your eye adjusting to the new lens and the effects of the surgery itself. You also may see a red hue for an hour or so, as you spent 10 minutes during surgery staring at a very bright light. Rest assured, this will resolve.
  • Comfort: You might experience mild discomfort or a gritty sensation in the treated eye, but this typically subsides within a few hours. Dr. Katzman will prescribe eye drops to help reduce inflammation and prevent infection.
  • Activity: You’ll be advised to rest for the remainder of the day. It’s very important that after surgery you eat a light meal and then sleep for 3-4 hours. If you can’t sleep, lay on your couch and keep the eye closed for 4 full hours. This is when the eye will be at its most uncomfortable. After this 3-4 hours you will notice considerable improvement in comfort. Avoid rubbing your eye and strenuous activities. You can usually resume light activities within a day, but it’s important to follow the specific post-operative instructions provided.

Weeks After Surgery

In the weeks following your surgery, your vision will continue to improve as your eye heals. Here’s what you can expect during this period:

  • Improved Vision: Most patients notice significant improvement in their vision within the first few days. Colors will appear brighter, and your overall visual clarity will be enhanced.
  • Follow-up Appointments: Dr. Katzman will schedule several follow-up visits to monitor your healing process and ensure your eye is adjusting well to the new lens. These appointments are crucial for achieving the best outcome.
  • Eye Care: Continue using the prescribed eye drops as directed. They are essential for reducing inflammation and preventing infection. Avoid strenuous activities and protect your eye from dust, wind, and bright sunlight.
  • Activity Resumption: Gradually, you can return to your normal activities, including work and exercise. However, avoid heavy lifting and bending-over for 2 weeks to prevent pressure on your healing eye. Avoid lifting over 40 pounds in the first 2 weeks. You are allowed to bend, just try to keep your eyes above your waist-level as a general rule. As a general rule, its usually ok to return to most exercise including tennis and golf after 2 weeks.
  • Long-term Vision: Depending on the type of lifestyle lens you chose, you might find that you don’t need glasses for most activities. Multifocal and extended depth of field lenses provide a broad range of vision, while monofocal lenses might still require you to use glasses for certain tasks.

By following Dr. Katzman’s post-operative care instructions and attending all follow-up appointments, you’ll ensure a smooth recovery and enjoy the full benefits of your enhanced vision.

Board-Certified, Fellowship Trained

Why Dr. Lee R. Katzman is the Premier Surgeon in San Diego

Dr. Lee Katzman is renowned for his expertise and dedication to patient care. With years of experience and a commitment to using the latest technologies, Dr. Katzman ensures every patient receives the highest standard of treatment. His personalized approach, combined with state-of-the-art surgical techniques, makes him a leading cataract surgeon in San Diego.

At Alvarado Eye Associates, where Dr. Katzman is a main surgeon, they have complete access to advanced safety protocols and the latest technologies. This allows Dr. Katzman to provide a superior level of care, ensuring your surgery is performed in a secure, technologically advanced environment.

Enhanced Vision & Quality of Life

Patients who undergo cataract surgery can expect significant improvements in their vision. Removing the clouded lens and replacing it with an advanced intraocular lens can restore clarity and brightness, allowing patients to see the world in vivid detail again. This transformation in vision helps patients regain their independence and confidence, enhancing their ability to perform daily activities easily. Whether reading, driving, or enjoying hobbies previously hindered by poor vision, patients often experience newfound freedom and capability.

Moreover, enhanced vision can significantly impact social interactions and professional performance, as patients are no longer limited by visual impairments. Engaging more fully in conversations, recognizing faces, and easily navigating various environments contribute to a higher quality of life. Overall, cataract surgery with Dr. Katzman restores vision and revitalizes the patient’s overall well-being and enjoyment of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cataract surgery painful?

Cataract surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia, making it virtually painless. Patients may experience mild discomfort during recovery.

How long does cataract surgery take?

The procedure usually takes 10-15 minutes, but you should plan to spend a few hours at the surgical center for preparation and post-operative care.

What are intraocular lenses (IOLs)?

IOLs are artificial lenses implanted during cataract surgery to replace the clouded natural lens. They come in various types, including monofocal, multifocal, and toric lenses. Everyone must receive an IOL, however the patient will decide which one.

What is femtosecond laser cataract surgery?

Femtosecond laser cataract surgery uses a laser to create precise incisions and soften the cataract, allowing for a more accurate and less invasive procedure than traditional methods.

How soon will I see improvements in my vision?

Most patients notice significant improvements in their vision within 48hours, with full recovery typically occurring within a few weeks.

Take the Next Step Toward Clearer Vision

At Alvarado Eye Associates, the surgeons are dedicated to providing the highest quality care for your vision needs. Under the expert care of Dr. Lee Katzman, our team ensures that every patient receives personalized attention and the most advanced treatment options available. If cataracts affect your vision, cataract surgery with intraocular lens options and femtosecond laser technology may be the solution.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Katzman today to learn more about how cataract surgery can restore your vision and enhance your quality of life. Contact Alvarado Eye Associates in San Diego to take the first step toward clearer, brighter vision.