The Stats

Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 55. Since cataracts develop as a factor of age, the incidence continues to increase as our population lives longer.

What Are Cataracts?

A cataract represents a clouding of the natural crystalline lens of the eye. They usually start to develop around age 60 and progressively worsen as time goes on. Everyone will develop cataracts eventually if they live long enough. Common symptoms of cataracts include: blurred vision, glaring around lights, dulling of colors, and, needing more light to read. Fortunately, cataract surgery can ‘fix’ the problem.

Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is one of the most performed and successful surgeries in the U.S. Each year, about 3 million cataract surgeries take place. The procedure involves removing the natural cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear, synthetic intraocular lens (IOL) implant.

What Are PREMIUM IOLs?

IOL implant technology is finally catching up with visual demands. There are now more options to correct vision than ever before. This results in better visual outcomes which reduce and sometimes eliminate a person’s dependency on glasses. Specifically, the ReSTOR® and Crystalens implants are relatively new IOLs that help people see better at distance and near, often without glasses. There is also a toric IOL that promotes better vision by reducing or eliminating astigmatism. Which IOL implant(s) is appropriate for a patient is determined after carefully considering many factors: pre-operative measurements of the eye, current specific visual demands, and future visual goals.

Dr. Leif Hertzog has performed and taught cataract surgery for over 25 years, having done approximately 11,000 of these surgeries. He is a recognized expert in the field, specializing in the placement of Premium IOLs.