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Ophthalmology

Cataract Surgery

‘It’s not what you look at that matters…. It’s what you see.’
Henry David Thoreau

Sight is our most precious sense. It is our window to interacting with all that is beautiful in the world. It allows for many of the things which make life so special: relaxing with our favorite books; curling up on the couch and watching our favorite movies; or just sitting idly by watching the world ‘go round’! By affecting our quality of life, loss of vision due to age-related cataracts can be devastating.

What are cataracts?

The eye works like a camera, In a camera, light passes through the lens and is focused on the film at the back of the camera to produce a clear image. The eye works in a similar fashion. Light passes through a clear lens and is focused on light-sensitive cells in the retina to produce this clear image.

For various reasons (genetics, age, environment, trauma, certain medications), the lens of the eye can develop ‘cloudy’ patches called ‘cataracts’. Cataracts can develop in one or both eyes and in most cases will continue to grow. For centuries, developing cataracts doomed a person to blindness but today, surgery is a quick and effective way to remove cataracts and restore vision.

How its done?

Cataract surgery is one of the most common and quickest forms of surgery performed today (the procedure usually takes @ 30 minutes to complete). A series of special eye drops freeze the surface of the eye. An ultrasound probe is inserted through a small 2-3mm incision in the cornea to break the cataract into small fragments that are subsequently removed through the same probe. Through the same incision, an intra-ocular lens implant is placed permanently inside the remnants of the lens capsule. Stitches are not usually required.

Why choose us?

The choice of implantable lens is the key to success in cataract surgery. The lens must be customized according to the visual needs of the patient and the over-all condition of the eye. At the WSC, our board-certified ophthalmologists have years of experience and excellence performing this highly technical procedure and will work with you to decide which implantable lens best suits your needs.

Through the years, as our population has aged, the WSC has worked diligently with Manitoba Health to minimize cataract surgery wait-lists. Our team of anesthesiologists, nurses and caregivers have an excellent track-record in treating cataract patients and are devoted to providing you with the highest level of care. We do our best to keep you informed, put you at ease and provide you with a satisfying experience.

Am I a candidate?

Modern techniques do not necessitate waiting for your cataract to ‘mature’. If you are in reasonably good health, cataract surgery can be performed as soon as you feel handicapped in performing routine activities.

Post-operative course

The caliber of vision obtained after successful cataract surgery depends on the health of the retina behind it. However, even if retinal disease prevents a complete restoration of vision, the remaining vision is usually significantly improved by cataract surgery.

After surgery, patients generally experience minimal discomfort that, if required, is easily controlled with oral medication. Eye drops are usually required for several weeks post-operatively. Each patient is typically seen by the ophthalmologist the day after surgery and again several weeks later to ensure all is well with the back of the eye. Most people can resume their regular activities within days after surgery.

Detailed pre- and post-operative instructions will be provided at the WSC.

What do I do?

Our goal is to provide you with the information required to ease the decision-making process.
We strongly encourage you to research the operation thoroughly. Here are some useful links to help you:

If you feel ready to discuss your options with us, we would love to speak with you. To request a consultation, feel free to contact us via this website or call 204-947-6842.