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 A cataract is a cloudy area in the normally clear lens inside the eye. Most cataracts are caused by aging or inherited changes in the lens and cause blurred or distorted vision. They cannot be prevented from forming, but early detection through regular eye exams can help maintain the clearest vision possible.
People at risk for developing cataracts are over 55 years old, have had eye injuries or disease, have a family history of cataracts, smoke cigarettes or use certain medications. There is no pain associated with the condition, but there are several symptoms that indicate failing vision due to cataracts. These include:
- Blurred/hazy vision
- Trouble seeing in dim light
- Glare around lights
- A “film” over the eye(s)
- A temporary improvement in near vision
Vision loss from cataracts can often be corrected with prescription glasses and contact lenses. For people who are significantly affected by cataracts, intraocular surgery may be the preferred method of treatment. During cataract removal, the most common surgical procedure in the country, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one, called an intraocular lens or IOL. Commonly, a sutureless or “no stitch” technique is used for this surgery, which usually takes 15 minutes. The patient can usually return to normal activity within a few days of the procedure.
Recently, new-technology IOLs have become available that are somewhat like bifocal glasses in that they have blended lenses with different points of focus together in one implant. Thus, patients with these new technology IOL implants can see better at distance and at near with an overall decreased need for glasses.
Meet our cataract and lens implant surgeons:
Thomas L. Beardsley, M.D.
William L. Haynes, M.D.
Edward K. Isbey, III, M.D.
Brian E. Smith, M.D.
Damien C. Macaluso, M.D.
For additional information visit The National Eye Institute (NEI) http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/
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