Cataracts are the leading cause of visual loss in adults of age 55 and older and the principal cause of blindness worldwide. A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens, which lies behind the iris and the pupil. The lens is mostly made of water and protein. The protein is arranged in a precise way that keeps the lens clear and lets light pass through it. But as we age, some of the protein may clump together and start to cloud. This is a cataract, and over time, it may grow very cloudy, making it hard to see. Everyone develops cataracts with age.
Many people consider poor vision an inevitable fact of aging, but cataract surgery is a simple, relatively painless procedure to restore vision. Cataract surgery involves a microscopic procedure where instruments are placed inside the eye and used to break apart and aspirate the cloudy lens material. After all the cloudy material has been removed, an artificial intraocular lens is placed in order to minimize the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses after surgery.
Dr. Mackey is the only surgeon in the area that has implanted all 3 of the major “multi-focal” or “presbyopia-correcting” intraocular lenses. Dr. Ben Mackey specializes in cataract surgery and has successfully performed over 4,000 procedures. This pain-free 10 minute long procedure is performed at the Cumberland Valley Surgical Center. Most patients can be at home within 2 hours of their arrival to the surgical center with already improved vision. Contact Dr. Ben Mackey for more information.
