Using the latest techniques and proven innovations in our state-of-the-art facilities, Dr. Stuart Kaufman MD and Dr. Jonathan Kaufman MD are Tampa Bay’s premier cataract surgeons. The skill to perform precise cataract procedures comes from years of training, dedication, and experience.

A cataract is an opacity or clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye.  Cataracts are created by a multitude of different factors including the aging process, metabolic changes, trauma, various forms of radiation, UV light of the sun, diabetes, extremely high eye pressure, and certain drugs like steroids. 

Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss among adults age sixty and older.  They can impair vision which makes performing everyday activities increasingly difficult. 

In simple terms, a cataract is usually part of the normal aging process that changes the natural, clear lens of the eye into a cloudy, opaque structure that inhibits or diminishes the passage of light to the retina. The condition can be compared to a window that is frosted or “fogged” with steam.

There has been a rapid evolution in cataract surgery over the past few years which translates to added patient benefits including improved visual outcomes and faster visual recoveries.

Phacoemulsification is a quick outpatient procedure that corrects vision with little discomfort and a rapid return to normal activities.  After a 2.75mm incision is made, a small probe is inserted into the eye.  This probe uses ultrasonic waves to break up the cataract.  Next, a soft flexible synthetic intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted into the eye.  There are normally no stiches with our advanced technique. 

Kaufman Eye Institute offers premium lifestyle lens options which include the Panoptix multifocal lens, the Vivity lens, the Crystalens, and the ReSTOR multifocal lens.  These intraocular lens provide distant, near, and intermediate vision. For those patients that have astigmatism, we offer procedures like limbal relaxing incisions and lens implant options such as monofocol toric lenses and multifocal toric lens.

In most cases, the incision is so small that the eye heals rapidly with little or no discomfort.  Eye drops are used after cataract surgery. The patient's only restrictions after surgery are no heavy lifting for 1 week, no bending over for 1 week, and no water in the eye for 1 week.  Most patients are able to drive the next day.

Cataract surgery is considered one of the most popular and successful procedures in the country. In fact, a study by the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery recently reported that more than 98 percent of cataract patients had their vision successfully improved following surgery. Many patients report vision that is even better today than before they developed cataracts. Results are permanent; once removed, cataracts will not recur.