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Special Lens Help Overcome Cataracts

Carl Orth/SUNCOAST NEWS

Dr. Carey Rowan holds an oversized sample of a new type of lens implant with hinges to help cataract surgery patients see near and far without glasses.

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By Carl  Orth | The Suncoast News

Published: July 2, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY -- The eyes have it, thanks to advances in cataract surgery.

People can see clearly now, near, far and everything in between with a new brand of lens implants that flexes along with the muscles of the eye, according to Dr. Carey T. Rowan, a cataract and laser surgeon.

Cataracts form when the eye's own lens stiffens and hardens with age. Today's microsurgery replaces the eye's lens with an artificial, "intraocular lens."

Nearly all cataract patients see dramatic improvements, but many might still need glasses after the procedure with standard implants, Rowan elaborated.

Crystalens is an "accommodating lens" for both closeup, intermediate and distance vision. Thanks to a flexible hinge, it moves with the eye, more closely mimicking the eye muscle movements of a young adult.

Not everyone is a candidate for the special type of lens, but more than 98 out of 100 patients who get the more advanced lens implant can read the newspaper or a phone book without glasses. Then they can clearly focusing on the clock or TV across the room. Computer monitors and other objects at arm's length are in focus as well.

"It's kind of a smart lens," Leah Madden, a certified ophthalmic assistant, said about the new style of implants.

Rowan has seen many changes since establishing a practice here in 1981. He based his Rowan Eye Center on Grand Boulevard not far from Community Hospital where he examines candidates for cataract surgery. He does operations at Suncoast Specialty Surgery Center. He went through the Cyrstalens certification process to specialize in the procedure.

Decades ago, a cataract operation would mean a lengthy hospital stay of four to five days, Rowan recalled. The patient's head had to be immobilized by sandbags so the retina wasn't disrupted after the procedure.

"It was a real big deal," Rowan remarked.

Today, the outpatient procedure with any type of artificial lens might take an hour to 75 minutes for the entire visit, Rowan marvels.

The actual surgery usually takes about 10 minutes.

Rowan uses no needles and no stitches so the patient recovers faster. It's a self-sealing incision, he said. Avoiding stitches means avoiding the risk of infection. The modern implants of any type are designed specifically to match each patient's eye, Rowan emphasized.

Eye drops immobilize the eye during the operation, Rowan explained. The patient remains awake, able to talk to the doctor and follow his instructions. A slight sedative helps the patient stay calm during the operation. "It takes the edge off."

Sound waves are used to break up obstructions in the eye which then are removed by suction. One patient, Betty Maloy, was suitably impressed.

"Yes, it's a snap," she said in the recovery room after the procedure.

She looks forward to devouring mystery novels by favorite authors such as James Patterson and Nora Roberts.

The Hudson woman also expects improved vision will help with reading e-mails or playing Mah Jongg. Staff at Suncoast Specialty Surgery Center can lavish attention on patients, director Paige Town said.

"We're all pretty much a family," Town commented. A smaller facility results in more individual attention, she added. Many staff members have been working together close to 20 years, unusual in an age when many medical staffs have a lot of turnover.

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