A cataract is an opacity that clouds the natural lens of the eye. This cloudiness blocks some of the light, making vision blurry or hazy.
Cataracts typically occur more frequently with age, however there are many other factors such as family history, diabetes, long term UV exposure, smoking or certain medications like steroids that can cause cataracts. Also, previous eye injuries can be a contributing factor.
Cataract symptoms may include:
• Blurry vision.
• Lights seem too bright or have a “halo” effect.
• Trouble seeing a person or object when the sun is behind them.
• Decreased night vision – sensitivity to glare from headlights.
• Dull or fading colors.
These symptoms come on slowly and patients often adapt to them without realizing how much their vision is compromised.
Early on, a cataract may be treated with stronger glasses, but once the cataract begins to affect daily tasks such as reading and driving, surgery is the only remaining option.
Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is a very common procedure and is performed approximately 2,500,000 a year in the United States. It is one of the safest operations performed on any part of the body with a very low rate of complications. Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure usually taking less than 20 minutes to complete.
During the surgery, the doctor removes the cloudy natural lens and inserts an intraocular lens (IOL), which remains permanently in place to keep the eye in focus. The IOL compensates for the focusing power that the old lens provided. Modern IOLs are designed for various functions and made out of different materials; your doctor will know which is most appropriate for each individual case.
Recovery from Cataract Surgery
The patient usually will return home a half hour after the procedure. Restrictions after surgery are very few. In general, a patient can go about most normal activites the next day. Several follow up appointments will be scheduled to ensure the eye is healing properly and the best results are obtained.
Premium Intraocular Lenses
Our doctors are implanting advanced technology IOLs that can make a patient independent or more independent of glasses than the standard IOL that has been used for many years.
These IOLs fall into two categories:
1. Toric IOLs: These IOLs correct for astigmatism and make it more likely that the patient will be free of glasses for distance vision after surgery.
2. Presbyopia correcting IOLs: These IOLs allow a person to see at a distance and up close without the use of glasses. They enable a person to be independent of glasses or much less dependent upon them for all activities.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of cataract, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule a consultation