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Cataract Surgery in the East Bay and Oakland Area

Apart from performing high-quality LASIK surgery, we also perform cataract surgery at our East Bay and Oakland area offices in San Leandro and Concord. Cataract surgery is a safe and effective vision correction procedure performed to remove the clouded lens of a patient's eye. Cataract surgery is the number one surgical procedure performed on American patients older than 65. In fact, the procedure is performed on more than 14.2 million people each year.

• What are cataracts?
• Type of Cataracts
• Cataract Surgery
• Patient Instructions for Cataract Surgery

 

What are cataracts?

A cataract is a condition in which the natural lens of the eye becomes milky or cloudy. The clear lens of the eye focuses light onto the retina allowing us to see images clearly. When a cataract forms, our ability to focus is hindered and images, regardless of distance, tend to look blurry or out of focus.

Cataracts are caused by the clumping together of protein within the lens. Cataracts often start small and initially do not affect your vision. You will begin to notice changes in vision as the cataract grows. Some visual symptoms of cataracts include haziness, dullness of color, poor vision at night, sensitivity to bright light, and double vision. Cataract surgery, as performed at our offices serving the East Bay and Oakland area, can remedy the various vision problems associated with cataracts.

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Type of Cataracts

There are three types of cataracts, each of which can cause their own unique vision problems.

Nuclear Cataract

A nuclear cataract is caused by the natural aging process. This type of cataract forms in the center of the lens.

Cortical Cataract

A cortical cataract is often found in patients with diabetes. This type of cataract forms on the outer region of the lens and later extends toward the center.

Subcapsular Cataract

A subcapsular cataract is often found in patients with diabetes, retinitis pigmentosa (a degenerative retina disorder), extreme farsightedness, or patients using high doses of steroids. This type of cataract develops at the back of the lens.

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Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure we perform at our Oakland and East Bay area offices in San Leandro and Concord. The traditional procedure is performed under topical or local anesthesia and uses a technique called phacoemulsification. Phacoemulsification involves the use of a special probing device that is introduced into the eye through a 1/8 inch incision. The device emits localized high-frequency waves that break a cataract into tiny pieces. The fragmented cataract is then sucked from the eye using the same probe device.

A more modern procedure -- laser cataract surgery -- is a high-tech option that in many cases may produce better vision than traditional approaches. With the laser approach to cataract surgery, the surgeon creates a precise surgical plan with a sophisticated 3-D image of the eye called an OCT (optical coherence tomography). The goal is to create an incision with a very specific location, depth and length in all planes, and with the OCT image and an advanced femtosecond laswer, it can be performed exactly without the myriad variables associated with traditional surgical incisions. BatraVision Medical Group is proud to be the only practice in the San Francisco Bay Area utilizing the most advanced femtosecond laser and laser-enhancement technologies: the LenSx™ laser and the ORA/OptiPlus™ refractive analysis system.

Once the cataract has been removed, a lens implant (crystalens®, ReSTOR®, ReZoom™, or TECNIS®) will be put in its place. Our surgeons will determine the best lens implant to use based on your expectations, your lifestyle, and the unique nature of your case. Since cataract surgery and the lens implant surgery are both performed through such a small incision, the eyes will heal quite rapidly allowing you to return to normal activities in a relatively short amount of time.

To schedule a consultation for cataract surgery at our East Bay and Oakland area offices in Concord and San Leandro, contact Batra Vision Medical Group today.

For more detailed information on cataracts and their symptoms, cataract surgery, and the lens implant options available to our patients, please select from our video menu shown below.

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Patient Instructions for Cataract Surgery

Below are some general instructions for patients undergoing cataract surgery at our East Bay and Oakland area offices in San Leandro and Concord. You will receive a more detailed set of instructions including important reminder dates and detailed eye drop instructions prior to your surgery.

Pre-Op Instructions

• Eat NOTHING after midnight the night before surgery except a small sip of water to take your medicines the morning of surgery
• You may shampoo your hair two nights before the surgery and wash your face the night before surgery
• Start eye drops four times a day (while awake) one day before surgery. Restart day of surgery
• You MUST have transportation to take you home. You will be unable to drive the rest of the day following surgery
• Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing the day of surgery
• Leave your jewelry at home the day of surgery
• Bring all eye medicines with you to each office visit

Post-Op Instructions

Following Your Procedure

Following cataract surgery, you can expect the treated eye to be sensitive to light for awhile. This is fairly common and is no cause for concern. We recommend that you wear the dark sunglasses included in the surgery pack over your glasses or on their own for at least two weeks after cataract surgery.

You may need to take additional medications following cataract surgery. Dr. Batra or Dr. Farber will discuss any additional medications with you. Continue to take all medication prescribed by other doctors unless specifically told otherwise. A final glasses prescription will be provided two to four weeks after cataract surgery.

A Few Do's and Don'ts After Cataract Surgery

• DO continue taking any prescribed medications when you return home unless instructed otherwise
• DO wear the shield we provide over the operated eye for the first night after surgery
• DO NOT rub, scratch, or press on the operated eye for one week after surgery
• DO NOT wear eye makeup for one week after surgery
• DO NOT allow water, shampoo, or other foreign material to get into the eye during the first week after cataract surgery
• DO NOT engage in contact sports for the first week after surgery

Possible Symptoms During Your Recovery Process

If you experience eye pain or irritation of a significant degree over what you experienced on the first postoperative day or if you notice a sudden change in your vision, contact our office immediately. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at our emergency number: (510) 895-3461.

To schedule an appointment for cataract surgery in the East Bay and Oakland area, contact Batra Vision Medical Group today.

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OUR NEW LOCATION SITE

Batra Vision Medical Group
15051 Hesperian Blvd. Suite A
San Leandro, CA 94578
Phone: (510) 276-1212
Fax: (510) 276-1313

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