In the United States, approximately 1 million people have cataract surgery every year. In most cases, the development of a cataract is a normal part of the aging process and is caused by a simple clouding of the lens of your eye. This clouding blurs the vision. Blurred vision due to cataract may significantly limit your ability to perform a variety of activities that are important to you.
Glaucoma, on the other hand, is a potentially serious problem that must be controlled to prevent permanent loss of vision. It is a common problem that develops when the fluid pressure within the eye reaches a level that is too high for the health of the optic nerve. Medications and laser treatments may control the pressure in many patients, but surgery is often required.
Fortunately, most of the visual problems caused by cataract and glaucoma can be corrected through surgery. The extraordinary developments in modern technology and training have made the surgery quite simple for patients. Both components of the operation, cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation and glaucoma surgery are combined into a single outpatient procedure that does not require an overnight hospital stay.
Dr. Shingleton performs his surgeries at the Boston Eye Surgery & Laser Center. This state-of-the-art facility was specifically designed to provide the highest level of patient care, comfort and convenience. The latest technology in microsurgical instrumentation, operating microscopes and lasers are available to Dr. Shingleton, enabling him to provide the highest level of care. Just as important, our specially trained staff of board certified anesthesiologists, nurses and professional staff are committed to meeting all your needs. As a result, surgery by Dr. Shingleton causes very little or no discomfort at all. You are able to return home afterwards with very few restrictions.
Extraordinary, innovative techniques allow Dr. Shingleton to combine cataract and glaucoma surgery in a single procedure, including placement of an intraocular lens. In most cases, patients do not require thick glasses or contact lenses to achieve their best vision postoperatively. Many patients find they see remarkably well within days of the operation. Best vision after combined cataract and glaucoma surgery is achieved approximately six to eight weeks following surgery. Normal physical activities are resumed very soon after the operation. In addition, many patients require fewer glaucoma medications for intraocular pressure control once the eye has healed. Most of our patients experience a significant improvement in vision and enhanced control of glaucoma after their combined cataract and glaucoma operation.
Our goal is to provide patients with the safest and most successful combined cataract and glaucoma surgery possible. Please click if you would like to schedule an appointment or receive additional information about Dr. Shingleton's practice.
