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Aspen Valley Hospital
0401 Castle Creek Road
Aspen, CO 81611
A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside the eye due to alteration in the protein structure of the lens. This distorts or blocks light from being able to enter the eye and focus light on the retina. Images become fuzzy, headlights start to become bothersome at night, and life generally becomes less colorful.
Age is a large factor in the development of cataracts. Around 40 years of age, the protein cells in the lens of the eye start to break down. By age 60, a physician can usually tell the lens is starting to cloud, and cataracts are forming. Regardless of how active one is, cataracts can still form, and vision quality can deteriorate.
The only effective treatment for cataracts is surgery. However, this is only necessary once cataract symptoms become bothersome. Sometimes a new eyeglass prescription can help, but surgery should be considered when your daily life becomes impaired.
Cataract surgery is usually an outpatient procedure, performed under local or topical anesthesia. The cloudy lens is broken up and removed through a tiny incision at the edge of the cornea and an intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted to replace your eye’s natural lens.
Most cataract surgical procedures are performed without complications and result in immediate improvement in vision. You will apply eye drops for several weeks following surgery to reduce the possibility of infection and/or inflammation of the eye. You may need eyeglasses to obtain your clearest vision following surgery.
In a small number of cases, the natural capsule supporting the IOL can become cloudy after cataract surgery. When this happens, a posterior capsultomy laser surgery opens the capsule and restores clear vision.
The Alco Centurion Phaco Machine provides superior performance through its engineering. This machine helps to enhance the operating room experience for both the surgeon and the patient. It also enhances the surgeon’s control for the most efficient cataract removal, which eases the process and increases the safety of the surgery.
The improved ergonomic design of the Luxor Ophthalmic Microscope helps to provide superior visualization of the eye, an expanded visual field for Dr. Murphy, increased depth of focus and excellent visual detail and contrast. All of this contributes to us being able to provide the highest quality service to you, our patient.
Rather than traveling many miles from home, choose someone you know and trust to work with you to get your vision back to normal and restore your health. Aspen Valley Hospital and our ophthalmology team are here for you – and to take you step-by-step through your journey to clearer vision and a healthier you. Take comfort in knowing any questions you have will be answered with the expertise you expect from our Hospital and your ophthalmology team.
Waiting is no longer an issue. Before you know it, you’ll start to see the details you’ve been missing.
Most importantly, it is up to you, the patient, to be ready for the next step in improving your vision and regaining focus for a brighter life. There will never be pressure from the AVH team to proceed without everyone being on the same page. We are your hospital, when cataract surgery is your decision.
To start your journey to clearer vision, call 970.544.1560.
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