Doctor offers three cataract implants to fit person's needs
by JILL SCHMELZER East Aurora Editor

Judith Whitehead has her vision checked by Dr. Charles Niles at his office at 5658 Main St.

Cataracts and astigmatism cloud and blur vision.

Up until this point, people with cataracts could have surgery to correct only their distance vision, and people with astigmatism could only correct the problem with glasses or contacts.

Nowadays, new technology allows for people with cataracts and astigmatism to correct both near and far visions.

Williamsville ophthalmologist Dr. Charles Niles, whose office is at 5658 Main St. next to Marinaccio's Restaurant, offers those surgeries. And depending upon a person's lifestyle, he or she could choose which implant to receive.

A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside the eye, which is located behind the iris or colored part of the eye, according to Niles.

To extract the cataract and replace it with a clear lens implant, the doctor uses sound waves. It is an outpatient procedure, so people can resume everyday activities within a day or two.

The ReSTOR and ReZoom implants act as multi-focal lenses.

The ReSTOR implant corrects distance and near vision, and the implant adjusts itself inside the eye. The brain then determines how to focus, said Niles.

The ReZoom implant corrects distance and intermediate distance vision, Judith Whitehead said, noting this is for computer work.

"People choose depending on their lifestyle," Niles' assistant added.

Previously, people needed to wear glasses for near-sighted vision even after cataract surgery. Now, although the implants could still have limitations, according to Niles, the new technology helps with convenience. For instance, reading a price tag or menus because some near-sighted vision can be restored.

On the other hand, others that have the surgery regain full function after the implant.

"It all depends on the individual," Niles said.

People with astigmatism can have a Toric implant installed correcting distance vision.

An astigmatism is an irregular shaped eye, which causes blurred vision.

For more information, call 632-3545.