Cataract surgery
The Northwell Health difference
Our cataract surgeons are fellowship trained and board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. They are experienced in performing all types of cataract surgery and in correcting complications caused by previous cataract surgery. Many patients seen for presumed cataracts have other eye conditions that are managed using a multidisciplinary approach with other specialists in the Northwell Health Eye Institute.
When deciding how to treat vision problems, a complete eye examination and thorough evaluation are important. Your doctor can help you decide if you’re a good candidate for cataract surgery based on your vision, symptoms, age, lifestyle and activities, overall health and other factors.
About cataracts
A cataract is a clouding of the crystalline lens of the eye, which is normally clear from birth. Most people develop cataracts as they age, but remain asymptomatic until their 60s or 70s when they begin to affect their vision. Cataracts can be seen in infants, children and adults of any age due to a variety of conditions. If you have cataracts, you may experience symptoms such as blurred vision, increased sensitivity to glare (especially with night driving), double vision, decreased contrast sensitivity, needing more light to read and difficulty with distance vision. If cataracts are affecting your vision and your normal daily activities, you may be a candidate for cataract surgery.
Our surgeons offer the most up-to-date cataract surgery procedures including:
- Laser-assisted cataract surgery (femtosecond laser) with arcuate corneal incisions for astigmatism
- “No stitch” cataract surgery
- Toric lens implantatation for astigmatism
- Presbyopia correction lenses to minimize dependence on spectacles and contact lenses
Cataract surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. The surgery successfully restores vision for most people who undergo the procedure and can often reduce the patient’s need to wear glasses.
Teaching & research
In addition to providing excellent clinical care to all our patients, the physicians who are part of Northwell Health Eye Institute are dedicated to furthering the field of medicine in all disciplines, including ophthalmology.
Many of our physicians regularly participate in the training of residents and fellows. They are actively engaged in research with the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research and publish their findings in peer-reviewed journals. Our physicians are often investigators in clinical trials and can enroll patients who meet certain criteria in appropriate trials, which can help determine the best new treatments for a variety of conditions.