| What are cataracts? |
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A cataract is a clouding of the lens inside of the eye. The lens is the part of the eye that helps focus the lights and images that we see onto the retina for processing. As the lens becomes cloudy our vision can be affected because it is more difficult for all of the light entering the eye to reach the retina. There are many different types of cataracts however most are classified “age related.” In fact, by age 80 more than half of Americans will have developed cataracts or have already undergone cataract surgery. |
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Normal Vision |
Vision Through a Cataract |
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| What causes cataracts to form? |
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The lens in your eye is made up of water and many proteins. As we age, these proteins clump together and form cloudy patches within the lens. These patches continue to grow and take up more room causing the lens to become hard, large, and difficult to see through. A cataract-free lens is clear in color however with the development of cataracts the lens can take on a more yellow or brown tint. These changes can also affect your color vision causing blue colors to appear less saturated than they once appeared. |
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| Can I stop a cataract from forming? |
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There is no definitive way to stop the development of a cataract. There are some ways however to slow the progression of certain types of cataracts including: |
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- Wearing sunglasses when outside or driving
- Following a good nutrition plan
- Quitting smoking
- Incorporating green leafy vegetables, fruits, and other food with good antioxidant properties into your diet
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| How do I know that I have a cataract? |
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The best way to determine that you are starting to develop cataracts is to have a yearly eye health examination. Our doctors can assess the lens in your eye and determine when a cataract is forming and what type of cataract it is. Some cataracts progress more quickly than others and should be monitored more closely to determine when cataract surgery is the best course of treatment. |
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Some of the symptoms of a cataract may include: |
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- Cloudy or hazy vision
- Glare, especially while driving at night
- Difficulty reading even with your current reading glasses
- Frequent changes in prescription or an increase in myopia
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| How do you treat cataracts? |
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Early cataracts may require new glasses or contact lens prescriptions, brighter lighting, or sunglasses with anti-reflective coatings. However, these treatments may not completely correct your eyesight to 20/20 vision.
Once the above mentioned treatments are no longer of significant benefit and everyday activities are affected or nighttime vision becomes difficult, cataract surgery may be an option.
When both eyes have developed cataracts, the worse affected eye is typically chosen to undergo cataract surgery first followed by the other eye four to six weeks later.
There are two different types of cataract surgeries that are still in use today |
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1. Phacoemulsification-
This is the most commonly practiced technique used in cataract surgery today. During phacoemulsification the surgeon makes a small incision in the cornea and inserts a probe that emits ultrasound wavelengths to break up the cataract. After the cataract has been broken into small enough pieces it is removed using a small suction tool.
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2. Extracapsular Extraction-
This technique uses a larger incision in the cornea so that the lens can be removed in one piece. The remnants are of the lens are then removed using suction as in phacoemulsification.
Once the lens has been removed an artificial lens will be implanted in its place. These lenses are called intraocular lenses and are also referred to as IOLs. There are many different types of IOLs on the market today. Our doctors can explain the differences between these lenses and determine which lens will be the best option for you.
The following are types of IOLs currently used:
- Standard monofocal lenses-these lenses provide clear vision at one distance only. Most patients choose to correct their distance vision with these lenses and use reading glasses for near tasks. Occasionally surgeons will implant one lens in the dominant eye for distance and one lens in the non-dominant eye for near giving the patient both distance and near vision without having to completely depend on glasses. This is called monovision.
- Multifocal lenses-these lenses theoretically correct distance, intermediate, and near vision all within the same lens. The goal of these lens implants is to decrease the need for glasses at any given distance. Examples of these lenses include: ReZoom and ReStor
- Accommodative lenses-these lenses are designed to move in response to the position of your eye muscles similar to how the actual physiological lens moves in your eye. The goal, as in ultifocal IOLs, is to help patients obtain comfortable distance, intermediate, and near vision.
• Crystalens
• Toric lenses-these lenses are designed for patients with astigmatism and can reduce the need for distance glasses following the surgery.
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| What are the risks involved with cataract surgery? |
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With any surgery there are risks. For cataract surgery these risks can include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Slight increased risk of retinal detachment
Ask our doctors about other, more rare but possible, risks and side effects that can be associated with cataract surgery
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| What should I expect after cataract surgery? |
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You will be expected to use several different types of eyedrops for up to one month following the surgery to decrease the chances of developing an infection and to increase your comfort level. You will also need to wear an eye shield at first to keep you from rubbing your eyes.
The first week after surgery you may experience slight irritation and hazy or doubled vision. These symptoms will decrease as your eye begins to heal.
Although a considerable increase in vision may be noted within the first week, complete healing can take up to eight weeks. You will be required to return for one day, one week, one month, three month, six month, and one year follow up examinations after surgery to ensure correct and complete healing.
While intraocular lens implants can significantly enhance your vision, you may still need to wear glasses to obtain the sharpest distance or near vision possible following surgery.
If you have questions regarding cataracts please call The Eye Gallery and we will be happy to help you. |
