Cataracts are a common eye condition that can make your vision cloudy or blurry. It happens when the lens in your eye, which is normally transparent, becomes more cloudy. This can make it challenging to see things clearly, especially when there's bright light or at night. Cataracts are very common and can affect your quality of life, but cataract surgery can restore your vision and allow you to experience the world with clarity and sharpness once again.
Only an eye doctor can diagnose whether you have a cataract or another type of vision problem. If you have any of the symptoms below, you should have your eyes checked by a specialist.
Common signs of a cataract include the following:
Diane Chang, M.D., Ph.D., is a board certified comprehensive ophthalmologist who joined the physicians at Maryland Eye Associates in 2015. Dr. Chang is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. In addition to performing cataract surgery, she treats patients with a wide variety of eye conditions, including dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, ocular inflammation, macular degeneration and eye emergencies.
Brad V. Spagnolo, M.D., F.A.C.S., is a comprehensive ophthalmologist at Maryland Eye Associates who specializes in laser assisted cataract surgery and medical cornea. Dr. Spagnolo sees patients for medical eye exams for eye health and vision, cataract evaluation, laser cataract surgery and lens implants, help for dry eyes, corneal diseases and conditions, diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma, and consultation for all other types of eye diseases, problems and surgery. Prior to joining Maryland Eye Associates, Dr. Spagnolo was the Vice President and Director of Refractive Surgery at Baltimore Washington Eye Center, where he established his highly regarded reputation for laser cataract surgery and lens implants, and treating corneal disease.
Jason B. Wanner, D.O., is a glaucoma specialist and board certified ophthalmologist. Dr. Wanner’s practice focuses on glaucoma and cataract management including the most advanced medical and surgical treatments available. He currently sees patients in the Prince Frederick office.
During cataract surgery, your cataract surgeon will remove your natural lens and replace it with an artificial lens, known as an intraocular lens or IOL, to allow you to see clearly once again. There are many IOL options to choose from based on your budget, vision goals and lifestyle.
These lenses are designed to provide patients with improved distance, intermediate, and near vision, reducing the reliance on glasses after surgery. At Maryland Eye Associates, we offer a state-of-the-art trifocal lens, which represents a significant advancement in vision correction. In comparison to traditional monofocal intraocular lenses (IOLs), this modern lens offers an extended depth of focus, resulting in enhanced near and intermediate vision to counteract the effects of presbyopia. Our lens not only expands the range of vision but also enhances both the quality and breadth, ensuring that your vision is not only comprehensive but also sharp and vivid, minimizing the need for additional eyewear.
Toric lenses address moderate to high astigmatism in the lens implant. The focus is usually set for distance. Typically, you will be less dependent on glasses for many distant visual tasks. Near and intermediate vision will still require glasses.
The single-focus lens is effective in clearing vision. If you receive a single-focus lens, the focus is usually set for distance. Typically, you will be less dependent on glasses for many distant visual tasks. Some of that will depend on the amount of astigmatism. Near and intermediate vision will still require glasses.
Our team is proud to continuously bring innovations in eye care to our community in Southern Maryland. In fact, in September 2013, Maryland Eye Associates performed the first laser assisted cataract surgery in our region. You are in good hands with our team and that is why we are known for our dedication to preserving and restoring sight.