A cataract is an opacity that clouds the natural lens inside the eye.  Normally the path of light to the retina (where the light sensors are) is as clear as possible.  When proteins that make up the lens clump together, the resulting cataract blocks some of the light, making vision blurry or hazy.

Cataracts typically occur more frequently in the aging population, however there are many other factors such as family history, diabetes, long term UV exposure, or certain medications like steroids that can cause cataracts.  Also, previous eye injuries can be an attributing factor.

Cataract symptoms may include:

• Blurry vision.
• Lights seem too bright or have a “halo” effect.
• Double vision in one eye.
• Decreased night vision – sensitivity to glare from headlights.
• Dull or fading colors.

Some people actually experience an improvement in their near vision during the beginning stages of a cataract.  Unfortunately, this effect goes away as the disease progresses.  Early on, a cataract may be treated with increased glasses or contact prescription.  Once the cataract begins to interfere with daily tasks such as reading and driving, surgery is the only remaining option.

When Should Cataract Be Removed?

There is a popular misconception that a cataract must be "ripe" or opaque before it is ready for surgery.  This is no longer true with modern surgical techniques.  There is no arbitrary time when a cataract can or cannot be extracted. 

Rather, the decision to operate is elective and should be based on the patient's own visual requirments and lifestyle. For some, even a lttle bit of blur is quite bothersome and interferes with occupational, recreational and other important daily activities.  Reading small print, sewing, night driving, and depth perception may become increasinly difficult.  That patient may elect to have surgery sooner than another patient whose vision may be worse but states, "I see just fine."

While there are rare cataracts that must be removed for the safety of the eye, for the most part, delaying cataract surgery will not alter the ultimate visual prognosis.  However, for those with severe cataract related visual impairments, the decision is usually an easy one, for there is little to lose and a lot to be gained.  For lesser degrees of visual loss, the patient and ophthalmologist together must decide what is most appropriate. 

While the decision to have cataract surgery ultimately rests with the patient, the ophthalmologist plays a critical role in the decision making process.  For any prospective cataract patient, a detailed eye exam and history is needed.

During the eye exam, the ophthalmologist will determine whether a simple change in eye glasses will improve the vision and satisfy the patient's visual requirments.  Just as importantly, the ophthalmologist must also determine whether the cataract alone is accounting for the diminished vision or whether other factors like retinal, corneal, or optic nerve disease are present which might impact the post operative result.

At the end of the exam, in most cases, the opthalmologist should be able to tell the patient whether a cataract is present, how much, if at all, new eye glasses can help, and what the prognosis for improved vision will be if cataract extraction is undertaken.

Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is a very common procedure, and complications (if any) are rare and treatable.  The surgery itself is highly successful in improving the vision of patients about 95% of the time.  Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure usually taking less than 30 minutes to complete.

During the surgery, the doctor removes the cloudy natural lens from the eye while the patient is under a topical anesthesia.  Next, the doctor inserts an intraocular lens (IOL), which remains permanently in place of the removed natural lens.  The IOL compensates for the magnification the old lens provided.

Until recently, patients choosing to have cataract surgery could only receive a monofocal intraocular lens implant.  While this provided good distance vision, the patient still required the use of reading glasses for intermediate and near vision.   Today, there are intraocular lenses available to accomodate near, intermediate, and distance, giving patients a full range of vision.  Your doctor will know which is most appropriate for your individual case.  After the operation the doctor will apply a shield for the eye and provide you with eye drops to use as directed.

Recovery from Cataract Surgery

The patient may return home the day of the procedure.  With proper rest and avoidance of any strenuous activities such as heavy lifting, recovery is usually a matter of days, with only minor discomfort.    The doctor will want to see you the next day for a post-operative visit and a few weeks after your procedure. 

If you are experiencing any symptoms of cataract problems, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule a consultation.