Category Archives: News

6 Signs You Need to Replace Your Intraocular Lens

Quick answer: A dislocated intraocular lens (IOL) is a rare but serious complication after cataract surgery. Signs include sudden blurred vision, seeing the edge of your lens implant, double vision, halos and glare, headaches or eye pain, and a noticeable … Continue reading

Is a Posterior Capsule Rupture to Blame for My Poor Vision?

Quick answer: A posterior capsule rupture is a rare but serious complication of cataract surgery (1‑3% of cases). It can lead to poor vision by causing corneal edema, macular swelling, glaucoma, retinal detachment, infection, or retained lens fragments. If you … Continue reading

Is Cataract Surgery Possible if You’ve Already Had PRK?

Quick answer: Yes, absolutely. Having had PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) does not prevent you from having cataract surgery later in life. Cataract surgery treats the natural lens, while PRK reshapes the cornea. However, your cataract surgeon will need your pre‑PRK prescription … Continue reading

Can I Have Astigmatism Corrected During Cataract Surgery?

Quick answer: Yes. Toric intraocular lenses (IOLs) are specifically designed to correct astigmatism during cataract surgery. With a toric IOL, you can significantly reduce or eliminate your astigmatism while also removing your cataracts. Premium lenses like the PanOptix trifocal also … Continue reading

How Often Should I See My Eye Doctor If I Have Cataracts?

Quick answer: If you have been diagnosed with cataracts, you should see your eye doctor at least once a year for a comprehensive eye exam. Regular monitoring allows your ophthalmologist to track the progression of your cataracts, adjust your glasses … Continue reading

Am I a Good Candidate for Refractive Lens Exchange?

Quick answer: Refractive lens exchange (RLE) is an excellent option for patients over 45 with moderate to high farsightedness or presbyopia who are not ideal candidates for LASIK. You may qualify if you have thin corneas, stable vision, healthy eyes, … Continue reading

8 Signs You May Need to Consider Having Your Cataracts Removed

Quick answer: You may need cataract surgery if you have trouble driving at night, experience blurred vision that glasses can’t fix, have frequent prescription changes, extreme light sensitivity, faded colors, double vision, a brown/yellow tint to your vision, or “second … Continue reading

Is There a Connection Between Flomax and Having Cataract Surgery?

Quick answer: Yes. Flomax (tamsulosin) can cause intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) during cataract surgery, making the iris floppy and constricted, which complicates the procedure. Even if you stopped taking Flomax years ago, its effects on the iris can last … Continue reading

What are the Advantages of Having Laser Cataract Surgery?

Quick answer: Laser cataract surgery offers greater precision, less energy use, reduced risk of corneal swelling, faster recovery, and the ability to correct astigmatism simultaneously. With advanced technologies like intraoperative aberrometry (ORA), laser cataract surgery provides more accurate lens placement … Continue reading

Is There a Correlation Between Diabetic Retinopathy and Cataracts?

Quick answer: Yes, there is a strong correlation. People with diabetes are two to five times more likely to develop cataracts, and they often appear at an earlier age and progress more rapidly. Diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes that … Continue reading

Attention Patients

Dear Valued Patients of Desert Vision Center,

Dr. Tokuhara is a highly skilled cataract surgeon, specializing in advanced anterior segment surgeries, including complex glaucoma and cataract procedures. He focuses on patients who need surgical intervention or are at risk of severe vision loss.

While Dr. Tokuhara offers comprehensive eye care for his own surgical patients, he does not provide general eye care or post-operative care for patients of other surgeons. When you choose Dr. Tokuhara, he becomes your trusted eye doctor for life.

A Note About Ethical Care

In our community, some providers engage in illegal financial kickbacks, accepting payments for cataract surgery referrals. Desert Vision Center firmly rejects this unethical practice. We follow the highest ethical standards, complying with the Anti-Kickback Statute and Stark Law, ensuring that your care is never influenced by financial incentives.

We believe referrals should always be based on what’s best for the patient not financial gain. If you’re being evaluated for cataract surgery, we encourage you to ask questions and be mindful of these referral arrangements.

Choose the surgeon who prioritizes your vision and your well-being not one chosen for someone else’s profit.

Sincerely,
Desert Vision Center