Cataract

169 Riverside Drive, Binghamton, NY 13905
Phone: 607-798-5991

Lasers have excelled as a tool for eye surgery and are used to treat many diseases that may affect different parts of the eye. The laser treatment itself usually takes a short time to perform, and in most cases, the treatment is painless and non-traumatic.

What is a Cataract?

A cataract is characterized by a clouding of the eye's lens, which impairs vision. The lens is made up mostly of water and protein. A cataract occurs when this protein clumps together and prevents some light from reaching the retina. When first forming, a cataract may affect only a small area of the lens and may not interfere with eyesight. However, as a cataract grows, it can severely impair your vision, and treatment becomes necessary.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of a Cataract?

The most common symptoms of a cataract are:

• Cloudy or blurry vision
• Seeing halos around lights
• Difficulty adjusting to bright light
• Poor night vision

• Frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions.

How is a Cataract Treated?

In the early stages of a cataract, eyeglasses, magnifying lenses, or stronger lighting may be effective in improving vision. When these tactics fail, surgery is usually required. In cataract surgery, the lens of the eye is removed and replaced by an artificial lens. This new lens allows light to pass through to the retina, restoring vision. Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgeries performed in the United States. In fact, more than 1 million cataract procedures are performed each year, and more than 95% of cataract surgeries are considered successful.

Who is at Risk for a Cataract?

The most common type of cataract, age-related cataract, affects more than half of all Americans 65 years and older.

What Else Can I Do?

A cataract needs to be removed only when it interferes with your everyday activities such as driving, reading, or watching TV. In most cases, waiting until you are ready to have cataract surgery will not harm your eye. You and your eye doctor can decide together when it is time to remove the cataract.

Lourdes Ophthalmology Surgery / Laser Treatment Center has been designed with you in mind. Lasers for use in skin and eye treatments are conveniently located in a comfortable hospital setting. Every possible effort will be made to make your stay at Lourdes as comfortable as possible.

How to Get There

Lourdes Ophthalmology Surgery / Laser Treatment Center is located on the main floor of the hospital, inside the Atrium.

Convenient parking is available in Lot G.

• Use the West Drive to enter the Lourdes Hospital campus (located at the traffic light at Riverside Drive and Kneeland Avenue). 
• Proceed down the West Drive to the second stop sign. The Ambulatory Care Center and the new Main Entrance to the Hospital will be on your left. 
• Turn right to park in Lot G. 
• Enter through the new Main Entrance. 
• Pass the reception desk then turn left to enter the main hospital.
• Proceed down the hallway to elevators 1 & 2. 
• Take elevators 1 & 2 to the main floor. 
• As you get off the elevator, there is a hallway to the immediate right; follow this hallway to the Atrium located on your left. 
• Please check in with the Secretary in the Ophthalmology Surgery / Laser Treatment Center. The entrance to the Center is located across from the gift shop/café.

For further information, consult your doctor or call Lourdes Ophthalmology Surgery / Laser Treatment Center at 607-798-5991.