What is a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the
eye. The amount and pattern of cloudiness with the lens can vary.
What are some of the symptoms of cataract?
Cataract can cause painless blurring of vision, glare or
light sensitivity, prescription changes in glasses, double vision in one eye,
need for brighter light to read, poor night vision and fading or yellowing of
colors.
What causes a cataract?
Cataract is a normal aging change of the eye. In addition,
cataract can be caused by genetic disorders, medical problems such as diabetes,
medications or injury to the eye.
How is a cataract detected?
A thorough eye examination by your ophthalmologist can detect
the presence and extent of cataract, as well as any other conditions which may
be causing blurred vision.
How is a cataract treated?
In the early stages of cataract development vision may be
improved simply by a change in glasses prescription. In time as the cataract
increases, blurred vision and other symptoms will not be relieved by glasses;
therefore, surgery will become necessary to restore useful vision.
When should surgery be performed?
For the most part, the results of cataract surgery are the
same whenever it is performed. Hence, the patient can decide if and when to have
surgery based on how the cataract affects his or her lifestyle. Cataract surgery
should be considered when the cataract causes enough loss of vision to interfere
with daily activities which are important to the patient. This may be reading,
driving or recreational activities such as golf or tennis.
Occasionally cataract surgery will be necessary to evaluate
and treat other eye conditions, such as diabetic or age-related changes in the
retina. Your ophthalmologist can help you with the decision about surgery under
these circumstances.
How is cataract surgery performed?
Cataract surgery is performed on an outpatient basis with
local anesthesia. The patient is awake but does not feel the procedure. The
procedure usually takes 15 to 20 minutes to perform, but there is additional
preoperative and postoperative time. During the surgery the clouded natural lens
of the eye typically is broken up and suctioned from the eye by a process called
phacoemulsification. The clouded lens is then replaced with an intraocular lens
implant in order to restore vision.
How successful is cataract surgery with lens implantation?
If the rest of the eye is healthy, the chance of obtaining a
significant improvement in vision is approximately 95%. The chance of making
vision worse is remote, in the range of 1%.