Cataract Surgery Can Be Life Changing for Those Experiencing Vision Issues

South Central Eye & Laser Center | 1020 Adams Street in Laurel

Community member, Patricia Buckley, was experiencing blurry vision with difficulty seeing up close and far away. Ms. Buckley decided to consult with Sarah Queck, MD, Ophthalmologist at South Central Eye & Laser Center in Laurel. Dr. Queck found Ms. Buckley was farsighted in one eye and nearsighted in another eye. After weighing various options for correction, Dr. Queck and Ms. Buckley decided cataract surgery would be the most effective form of treatment.

Sarah Queck, MD Ophthalmologist South Central Eye & Laser Center

“Cataracts are a medical condition in which the lens of the eye becomes progressively opaque, resulting in blurred vision. Patients may have a fear of going blind from cataract surgery, but my goal is to eliminate that fear,” Dr. Queck stated. “Today, we offer blade-free lasers and procedures that last just a few minutes. With cataract surgery, patients are able to go home the same day. Cataract surgery is a highly successful procedure with improved vision in more than 95 percent of cases.”

Signs and symptoms of cataracts can vary from any type of blurry vision, problems driving at night, problems with contrast sensitivity or colors that do not seem as bright anymore, or trouble seeing in low-light settings. “In most patients, the most common type of cataracts is due to aging,” said Dr. Queck. “I recommend anyone in their 50s to 60s just to get a basic eye exam and have your cataracts checked.”

The technology in cataract surgery is constantly advancing. “Every few months there are new advances in lens implants and equipment,” said Dr. Queck. “In Laurel, our procedures are performed at Laurel Surgery and Endoscopy Center. We stay up-to-date with all technology, we offer the latest implants and cataract techniques.”

By using the LenSx system, incisions are precise and are able to correct corneal stigmatism at the same time. Recovery from cataract surgery is quick with many patients able to return to normal activities in the first week. Laser surgery provides clearer vision in the first day.

Ms. Buckley experienced minimal downtime after the surgery and complete improvement in her vision. “At first I was still nervous about the surgery, but Dr. Queck reassured me that the procedure would be painless and she put me at ease.” Ms. Buckley stated she experienced no pain. “After the surgery that day, I went home. I was told to relax and not do anything strenuous and by that night, my vision was starting to clear up. I could actually watch TV without it being blurry. I was driving the next day. I drove myself to my appointment.”

“After cataract surgery, patients frequently express their delight in freedom from glasses and enhanced vision,” said Dr. Queck. “Whenever I can see that in their post-operative visits, it is a really great feeling. With Ms. Buckley, performing the cataract surgery, removing her cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear lens allowed her to have crystal-clear vision. It enhanced her life, her hobbies and her work.”

Cataracts are a common cause of decreased vision, particularly for the elderly, but they are treatable. To determine whether cataracts or some other problem is the cause of your vision loss, contact South Central Eye & Laser Center in Laurel to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sarah Queck or Dr. Judith L. Bradley. The physicians can help you decide if cataract surgery is appropriate for you.

For more information about cataract surgery or South Central Eye & Laser Center, call 601-426-9454, visit scrmc.com or stop by the center at 1020 Adams Street in Laurel.