15925 E. Whittier Blvd. Whittier, CA 90603
1 block East of the Whittwood Town Center
CATARACT AND CATARACT SURGERY













What are common symptoms?
Most everyone will, at some point, develop cataracts.  Cataracts are found to a greater or lesser degree  in up to 65 percent of persons in their sixties and in over 80 percent of persons age 70 and older. 

Common cataract symptoms include:
  • Blurred vision
  • Double vision
  • Less vivid perception of color
  • Sensitivity to light, or glare
  • Decreasing ability to see street signs, drive at night, read or do close-up work
  • Frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions

These symptoms may vary depending on the size and location of the cataract. A cataract on the outer edge  of the lens may hardly be noticed, but if the cataract is located near the center of the lens, it  usually interferes significantly with clear eyesight.
Copyright 2011: Marshburn Eye Center. Eye Doctor Orange County. All rights reserved.
15925 E. Whittier Blvd.  Whittier, CA 90603  (562) 947-8681
(562) 947-8681
Excellence in Eye Care for over 50 years
Cataracts: True or False

Cataracts are tumors.  They can spread and are contagious. FALSE

Normal sunlight exposure will not cause a cataract to develop. TRUE

Cataracts are caused by eye strain.  If you sit too close to your television set or read too much, you  will develop cataracts. FALSE

Cataracts progress differently in each person.  A 45-year-old may have a significant cataract while a  70-year-old may have the beginning of a cataract but still have adequate, functional vision. TRUE

Cataracts can be treated by special diet, vitamins, eye drops or lasers. FALSE

Cataracts need to be “ripe” before they are removed. FALSE

Cataracts can be removed any time that they interfere with visual function. TRUE

What is the treatment for cataracts?
The only safe and successful treatment for cataracts is surgical removal of the clouded lens.  Once the  focusing lens clouds, it must be removed and replaced in order for clear vision to be restored.

When should I have a cataract removed?
The time to consider cataract surgery is when you are no longer satisfied with the quality of your  vision.  Although the mere presence of a cataract is not necessarily an indication for surgery, a  cataract may be removed any time your ability to function normally is impaired by poor vision.   Therefore, if a cataract has caused enough of a loss of sight to interfere with work, hobbies, or  lifestyle, it is probably time to consider removal.   Dr. Marshburn will discuss these issues with his  patients and together they will decide when cataract surgery is desirable.

Are lasers used to remove cataracts?
No, a laser beam cannot remove a cataract.  It must be surgically removed.  However, a laser can be used  following successful cataract surgery to correct a “secondary” cataract.  This condition occurs when the  capsule which surrounds the intraocular lens implant becomes milky or opaque.  Dr. Marshburn then uses a  laser beam to make an opening in the capsule.  This simple procedure takes approximately two minutes to  perform.

How is a cataract removed?
Dr. Marshburn, who has performed over 10,000 cataract procedures, uses the most advanced surgical  technique available to achieve your desire as a patient and his goal as a surgeon:  the quick,  successful and safe restoration of clear vision with no limitations on daily activities.
Dr. Marshburn makes a small (2.5 to 3 mm.) incision through which he removes the cataract (the old,  clouded lens) and then permanently replaces it with a clear intraocular lens that restores focusing to  the eye.

What kinds of lens will be used to replace the cataract?
The technology in lens implant replacement designs over the past decade is unsurpassed in both safety  and options.  These new generation of lenses offer correction for distance, intermediate, and near  vision.  Dr. Marshburn will discuss with you which lens implant would best suit your particular vision  needs and condition.  Lens implants are now available to restore focusing, correct astigmatism, and  allow a “multifocal’ lens option.  Dr. Marshburn uses these new technology implants in fifty percent of  his patients.

Here is a brief description of these state-of-the-art lenses.  Dr. Marshburn will discuss with you if  you are a candidate for one of these lenses:
  • AcrySof Toric:  This lens implant can correct for most levels of astigmatism.  Patients for whom  this lens is indicated have a 97% likelihood of not needing glasses for distance correction.
  • Crystalens:  This is a lens that focuses inside the eye, much like the natural lens, and can improve  the range of focus and reduce dependence on glasses over a standard (non-focusing) lens.  Most patients  will require low-power reading glasses for some tasks.
  • AcrySof ReSTOR: This lens has the highest level of glasses independence because it reliably allows  for both near and distant vision.  Eighty percent of patients with this lens in both eyes do not wear  glasses for any purpose.


What can I expect from the surgical experience?
Once you have decided to have your cataract removed, our office will schedule an appointment for the  procedure at your convenience.  Dr. Marshburn performs cataract surgery at a state-of-the-art outpatient  facility near his office.

On the day of the procedure, anesthetic eye drops will be used prior to surgery to eliminate any  discomfort.  The procedure itself lasts approximately ten minutes, and you will return home the same  day, free to engage in normal activities the next day.

You will visit our office the day following surgery so Dr. Marshburn can examine your eye and check your  vision.

After cataract surgery, what can I expect?
Following their cataract removal, Dr. Marshburn’s patients experience clearer vision, more vivid colors  and renewed enjoyment of everyday activities such as reading, driving, working and hobbies.

Cataract surgery is a highly successful procedure.  Of the 2 million individuals who undergo cataract  surgery every year in the United States, 95% experience a markedly significant improvement in vision.

Will cataract surgery reduce my dependence on glasses or corrective lenses?
New advances in intraocular lens technology have allowed patients who were previously very dependent on  glasses to reduce or, in some cases even eliminate, the need for glasses.
Gina Janssen, our Surgery Coordinator, will provide you with all  of the information you need to know about your surgery and answer any questions you may have about the procedure.
Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist Gabriel Raygoza is trained in performing  specialized testing that helps to identify cataracts.
A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye.  Imagine the eye functioning very much  like a camera:  the lens focuses light on the retina at the back of the eye to produce a sharp image. At  birth, the lens is clear, but as we age it yellows and begins to harden.  When a cataract forms, the  lens becomes cloudy like a frosted window and light cannot clearly be transmitted to the retina.  The  result is impaired vision.

Although most cataracts are caused by normal aging of the eye, there are other causes of cataract  formation.   These include hereditary factors; metabolic conditions (such as diabetes); the use of  corticosteroids; or a past eye injury.
What is a Cataract?

Cataract Surgery in Orange County

Common questions about cataract surgery in Los Angeles  and cataract surgery in Orange County. At Marshburn Eye Center, our Orange  County eye doctors will be sure to answer your questions and help you understand what's best  for your vision.