Two advanced procedures in cataract surgery are currently available at Dearborn County Hospital.  The procedures, a surgical lens removal process and the implantation of a foldable intraocular lens which filters out potentially harmful high frequency blue light, are performed at DCH by Board Certified Ophthalmologist Dr. Ira Younger.

In a normal eye, light passes through the lens and gets focused on the retina.  To help produce a sharp image, the lens must remain clear.

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens that commonly occurs with aging. In its early stages, a cataract may not cause a vision problem as cloudiness may affect only a small part of the lens.  Over time, however, the cataract may grow larger.   As this clouding spreads across the lens, the individual’s vision becomes more impaired, making it increasingly difficult to see.  Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial lens. 

At Dearborn County Hospital, Dr. Younger performs cataract surgery using the advanced cataract removal technology of the Infiniti Vision System.  Utilizing this system, Dr. Younger chooses the more appropriate of two different methods to remove the cataract, based on the individual patient’s situation.

• Industry leading, advanced ultrasound phacoemulsification is one option with the Infiniti Vision System.  With this method, a metal probe vibrating at ultrasound frequency is used to soften and break up the lens.  The Infiniti Vision System features an improved ultrasound handpiece that makes it easier for surgeons to hold and control.

• A second method uses both ultrasound and oscillation to help break up the cataract faster, and in some cases, may allow the surgeon greater control of lens tissue than traditional ultrasound.

The second advance, Alcon’s AcrySofâ Natural, is the world’s first foldable intraocular lens (IOL) that is specifically designed to filter out high energy wavelengths of the blue light spectrum in cataract patients receiving lens implants. 

Until the availability of the AcrySof Natural Lens, IOLs were less effective than the eye’s natural ability to filter the potentially harmful blue light.  The AcrySof Natural IOL approximates the natural blue light filtering capability of the human lens.

 “Many researchers believe that high frequency blue light may lead to retinal damage,” explained Dr. Younger.  “The AcrySof Natural IOL filters this potentially dangerous blue light without negative visual consequences. 

“Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a degeneration of the macula, the eye’s most light-sensitive region of the retina.  The disease impacts central vision and may limit the ability to read, drive and perform other activities that require fine, sharp vision.  Research suggests blue light may be one of the risk factors in causing the progression of AMD,” he added.

“Through the utilization of this blue light filtering lens and Infiniti cataract removal system, patients undergoing cataract surgery at Dearborn County Hospital can receive the benefits of this advanced technology right here in Southeastern Indiana,” stated Dr. Younger.

For more information on blue light filtering lens implants and the Infiniti cataract removal system, please contact the Dearborn County Hospital Professional Building office of Dr. Younger at 812-539-1888 or toll free at 888-557-2020.