Ophthamology deals with the structure, functions, and diseases of the eye.

Lake Tahoe Surgery Center has brand new, state of the art equipment specifically designed for cataract surgery. We are capable of accommodating several other types of eye surgery, but because there are so many people who suffer from cataracts, this is our area of focus at the present time.

What is a cataract?

The term cataract is used to describe a natural lens which has turned cloudy, usually as part of the natural aging process. Because light cannot pass through a cataract easily, the retina only receives blurred images. The retina is then unable to send clear signals to the brain, which causes vision to be gradually impaired. If cataracts are not removed, blindness can eventually result.

Cataracts develop for a number of reasons, but the most common cause is aging. Age-related cataracts develop as a result of natural changes within the lens. Some cataracts do however, result from the use of certain drugs, exposure to harmful chemicals or excessive amounts of ultraviolet radiation. In some very rare cases, cataracts can result from a congenital defect, usually caused by prenatal factors. Fortunately, almost all cataracts can be successfully removed and vision restored through modern microsurgery on an outpatient basis.

Cataract surgery is a painless experience. People are able to stay awake during their surgeries and can resume their normal activities immediately afterwards. The actual procedure usually does not take more than one and a half hours, and recovery time is rarely more than one hour.

Depending on the patient and physician, cataracts can be done with local, topical anesthesia, or general anesthesia. If they are removed using general anesthesia, recovery time may take longer as the anesthesia must have time to wear off.

If you are one of the millions of cataract sufferers, and would like us to assist you in contacting a member of our medical staff, please click on the "contact us" link of this web page, and we will be happy to assist you in any way possible.