About Cataracts

A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. It can be compared to a window that is fogged with steam. Cataracts occur as a normal part of the aging process and are the main cause of poor vision in people over 65 years of age.

• Common symptoms of cataracts include:
• Blurry or hazy vision
• Glare or light sensitivity
• Frequent eyeglass prescription changes
• Double vision in one eye
• Poor night vision
• Decreased color perception

The most common type of cataract is related to the aging of the eye. Other causes of cataracts include:

• Family history
• Medical problems, such as diabetes
• Injury to the eye
• Medications, such as steroids
• Long-term, unprotected exposure to sunlight
• Previous eye surgery

Cataract surgery should be considered when cataracts cause enough loss of vision to interfere with daily activities. When a cataract forms, the lens of the eye becomes thick and cloudy. Light cannot pass through it easily, and vision is blurred. Eventually, if left alone, a cataract will become so dense that finally only light and dark can be detected, and even very strong glasses will not help vision.

During cataract surgery, which is usually performed under local anesthesia as an outpatient procedure, the cloudy lens is removed from the eye. Next, the natural lens is restored by replacing it with an intraocular lens implant. The intraocular implants are permanent, require no maintenance, and produce clear, undistorted vision. Most patients see improved vision quickly after surgery.

Lasers are not used to remove cataracts. In about one-fifth of the people who have cataract surgery and receive an intraocular lens, the natural capsule that supports the intraocular lens may later become cloudy. Laser surgery is then used to open this cloudy capsule, restoring the clear vision permanently.

After cataract surgery, you may return almost immediately to all but strenuous activities. You will have to take eye drops and return for several post-op visits, as directed by the doctor.

Cataract surgery is a highly successful procedure. Improved vision is the result in over 90% of cases. Our ophthalmologists have performed thousands of cataract surgeries and offer exceptional care for those who suffer with cataracts.