What is a Cataract?
Cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. It can be compared
to a window that is frosted or yellowed.
The amount and pattern of cloudiness within the lens can vary. If the cloudiness
is not near the center of the lens, you may not be aware that a cataract is present.
The are many misconceptions about cataract. Cataract is not:
- a film over the eye;
- caused by overusing the eye;
- spread from one eye to another;
- a cause of irreversible blindness.
What causes cataract?
The most common type of cataract is related to aging of the eye. Causes of cataract
include:
- family history;
- medical problems, such as diabetes;
- injury to the eye;
- medications, especially steroids
- long-term, unprotected exposure to sunlight;
- previous eye surgery;
- unknown factors.
How fast does a cataract develop?
How quickly the cataract develops varies among individuals and may even be different
between the two eyes. Most age-related cataracts progress over a period of years.
Other cataracts, especially in younger people and people with diabetes, may progress
rapidly over a short time. It is not possible to predict exactly how fast cataracts
will develop in any given person.
How is cataract treated?
Surgery is the only way a cataract can be removed. However, if symptoms of cataract
are not bothering you very much, surgery may not be needed. Sometimes a simple change
in your eyeglass prescription may be helpful.
No medications, supplements or exercises have been shown to prevent or cure cataracts.
Protection from excessive sunlight may help slow the progression of cataracts. Sunglasses
that screen out ultraviolet (UV) light rays or regular sunglasses with a clear,
anti-UV coating offer this protection.
How is a cataract detected?
By performing a thorough eye examination, your ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) can detect
the presence of a cataract
A careful evaluation will rule out any other conditions that may be causing blurred
vision or other eye problems. Problems with other parts of the eye can be responsible
for vision loss and may prevent you from having much or any improvement in vision
after cataract surgery. If improvement in your vision in unlikely, cataract removal
may not be recommended. Your ophthalmologist can tell you how much visual improvement
is likely.
When should surgery be done?
Surgery should be considered when cataracts cause enough loss of vision to interfere
with your daily activities.
It is not true that cataracts need to be "ripe" before they can be removed
or that they need to be removed just because they are present.
Based on your symptoms, you and your ophthalmologist should decide together when
surgery is appropriate.
What can I expect from cataract surgery?
Over 1.4 million people in the U.S. have cataract surgery each year, and more than
95% of those surgeries are performed with no complications.
During cataract surgery, which is usually performed under local or topical anethesia
as an outpatient procedure, the cloudy lens is removed from the eye. In most cases,
the focusing power of the natural lens is restored by replacing it with a permanent
intraocular lens implant.
Your ophthalmologist performs this delicate surgery using a microscope, miniature
instaments, and other modern technology
After surgery, you will have to take eyedrops as your opthalmologist directs. Your
surgeon will check your eye several times to make sure it is healing properly.
Cataract surgery is a highly successful procedure. Improved vision is the result
in over 95% of cases, unless there is a problem with the cornea, retina, optic nerve,
or other structures. It is important to understand that complications can occur
during or after the surgery, some severe enough to limit vision. If you experience
even the slightest problem after cataract surgery, your ophthalmologist will want
to hear from you immediately.
In many people who have cataract surgery, the natural capsule that supports the
intraocular lens becomes cloudy. If this occurs, your ophthalmologist can perform
an outpatient laser procedure to open this cloudy capsule, restoring clear vision.