Types of Management
Depending on your eye health needs, below is a list of ocular management programs we can assist you with.
- Cataract surgery co-management
- LASIK & refractive surgery co-management
- Dry Eye management

Understanding Cataracts and Cataract Surgery
What is a Cataract?
A cataract is a condition in which the lens of the eye becomes clouded, disrupting the passage of light to the retina and leading to vision impairment. This clouding occurs due to metabolic changes in the crystalline lens fibers over time, causing a loss of transparency. As a result, clear images cannot be properly focused on the retina, leading to blurred vision.
While cataracts are most commonly associated with aging, they can also develop due to other risk factors such as genetics, trauma, certain medications (like corticosteroids), and conditions such as diabetes. Cataracts can form in different areas of the lens, leading to various types: nuclear cataracts (center of the lens), cortical cataracts (edges of the lens), and posterior subcapsular cataracts (back of the lens).
Identifying Cataracts
During your eye health evaluation, we will carefully examine your lens for signs of cataract formation using a slit-lamp examination and visual acuity tests. If a cataract is detected and it is significantly affecting your vision, your optometrist will refer you to a trusted surgeon for cataract surgery—the only effective treatment for cataracts. In some cases, cataracts may be monitored if they are not yet causing noticeable vision issues, and surgery is recommended when the clouding interferes with daily activities.
Our practice will be with you every step of the way, providing comprehensive pre- and post-operative care to ensure the best possible outcome
Questions
Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery involves removing the clouded natural lens (the crystalline lens) and replacing it with a clear artificial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL). This procedure restores the lens’s transparency and helps improve vision.
The surgery is typically performed by a skilled eye surgeon in a surgical center or hospital. Local anesthesia is used to ensure comfort during the procedure, and most patients experience little to no discomfort. The most common technique for cataract surgery is phacoemulsification, a minimally invasive method that involves a small incision. The surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis, and recovery is usually rapid, with most patients able to resume normal activities within a short time.
There are several types of intraocular lenses that can be implanted during cataract surgery. The most common types include:
- Monofocal lenses, which provide clear vision at a single distance (usually distance vision).
- Multifocal lenses, which allow for both near and distance vision without glasses.
- Toric lenses, which correct astigmatism in addition to cataracts.
The type of IOL chosen will depend on the patient’s visual needs and lifestyle preferences.
Cataract surgery is highly successful, with over 90% of patients experiencing significant improvement in vision. The risk of complications is low, but they can occur in rare instances. Some potential complications include posterior capsule opacification, which can cause blurry vision after surgery, and infection. Most complications can be treated successfully if detected early.
After surgery, patients typically use antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation. Full recovery may take several weeks, and follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor healing.
Before surgery, your eye care provider will perform detailed assessments, including measurements to determine the correct IOL for your eye. Your eyes will likely be dilated to allow for a comprehensive examination of the lens. It is important to follow all pre-surgery instructions, such as avoiding eating or drinking before the procedure and discussing any medications you are currently taking.
After cataract surgery, it’s crucial to follow the post-operative instructions to ensure optimal healing. This may include using protective eye shields, avoiding activities like rubbing the eyes, and refraining from swimming or strenuous exercise during the initial recovery period. It’s also important to attend follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and address any potential issues promptly.
More questions?
At Wink Optometry, we are committed to supporting you throughout the entire cataract surgery process. We provide thorough pre-surgery evaluations, help you choose the best IOL, and guide you through post-surgery care and recovery to ensure the best possible outcome. Your vision is our priority, and we are here to help you see more clearly and comfortably in the years to come.
Contact usUnderstanding LASIK and Refractive Surgery
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is the most commonly performed vision correction procedure for treating refractive errors such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. It involves reshaping the cornea to improve the eye’s ability to focus light onto the retina, resulting in clearer vision.
While LASIK is the most popular option, it is not the only refractive surgery available. Depending on your eye health, lifestyle, and visual needs, alternative procedures like PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) and Cataract Refractive Technology (CRT) may be more suitable for you.
Refractive surgeries such as LASIK and PRK are designed to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. These surgeries are highly effective for people who are generally in good health, have stable vision prescriptions, and are looking to achieve clear vision without corrective lenses.
Evaluating Your Candidacy for Refractive Surgery
During your eye health evaluation, we will assess your eyes and discuss your visual goals to determine if you are a suitable candidate for LASIK, PRK, or Cataract Refractive Technology (CRT). The pre-operative evaluation includes:
- Counseling on refractive surgery options: We will review the benefits and risks of LASIK, PRK, and CRT to determine the best solution for your specific needs.
- Eye dominance testing: This test helps us understand how your eyes work together to guide the choice of the best surgery.
- A review of your eye health and refractive stability: We’ll assess the consistency of your prescription and examine the overall health of your eyes.
- A medical evaluation of the cornea to ensure the cornea is healthy and thick enough to undergo LASIK or PRK.
If LASIK or another procedure is appropriate for you, we will schedule a pre-surgery consultation with a trusted surgeon. Our team will be with you every step of the way, guiding you through the process to achieve the best possible results.
Questions
LASIK Eye Surgery
LASIK surgery involves the use of a precise laser to reshape the cornea, which improves how light enters the eye and is focused on the retina. This is a minimally invasive procedure typically performed on an outpatient basis using local anesthesia to ensure comfort.
- Nearsighted (myopic) individuals: LASIK flattens the cornea to reduce the focusing power and allows light to focus correctly on the retina.
- Farsighted (hyperopic) individuals: LASIK steepens the cornea to help focus light properly on the retina.
- Astigmatism: LASIK smooths out an irregularly shaped cornea to allow light to focus evenly on the retina.
- Minimal discomfort: Most patients report little to no pain during or after the procedure.
- Fast results: Many patients experience clear vision as soon as the very next day.
- Short recovery time: Most people can return to their daily activities within 24 to 48 hours.
- Long-term results: LASIK typically provides lasting improvements in vision, though some patients may require enhancement surgery later in life.
Pre-Surgery Care Before undergoing LASIK, PRK, or CRT, we will conduct a comprehensive pre-operative evaluation. This includes:
- Detailed eye measurements and testing
- Counseling on the procedure and what to expect
- A discussion of your visual goals
- A review of your medical history to ensure there are no contraindications
Once we determine you are a suitable candidate, we will schedule your surgery and provide instructions on how to prepare, such as avoiding wearing contact lenses for a period before the procedure.
Post-Surgery Care After your surgery, our team will provide ongoing post-operative management, which includes:
- Multiple follow-up visits to monitor the healing process and assess the improvement in vision
- Use of prescribed eye drops to reduce inflammation and prevent infection
- Protective eye shields to avoid accidental rubbing or pressure on the eyes
- Guidance on resuming daily activities and avoiding things like swimming or strenuous exercise during recovery
We will also monitor your vision and corneal healing and assess any additional needs, such as reading glasses, sunglasses, or enhancement laser procedures.
LASIK surgery has a high success rate, with over 95% of patients achieving 20/25 vision or better, which is suitable for most daily activities. Most patients experience little to no discomfort, and the results are often seen very quickly—sometimes as soon as the day after the procedure.
Recovery is typically quick, with many patients returning to normal activities within 24 hours. However, some temporary side effects such as dry eyes, glare, or halos around lights may occur but generally resolve within a few weeks to months.
More questions?
At Wink Optometry, we are committed to helping you achieve the best possible vision through LASIK and other refractive surgeries. Whether you choose LASIK, PRK, or Cataract Refractive Technology, our team will guide you through every step of the process. From thorough pre-surgery evaluations and careful decision-making to post-operative care and recovery, we ensure that you have the best chance for lasting, clear vision. Your vision is our priority, and we are here to help you see clearly and comfortably in the years to come.
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