What Is A Cataract?

A 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. Symptoms of cataracts include: a painless blurring of vision; glare, or light sensitivity; poor night vision; double vision in one eye; needing brighter light to read; fading or yellowing of colors.

What Causes A Cataract?

The most common type of cataract is related to the aging 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 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 also rule out any other conditions that may be causing blurred vision or other eye problems.

How Is A Cataract Treated?

Surgery is the only way a cataract can be removed. No medications, dietary 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 eyeglasses with a clear, anti-UV coating offer this protection.

When Should Cataract Surgery Be Done?

Cataract surgery should be considered when cataracts cause enough loss of vision to interfere with your daily activities. Cataract surgery can be performed when your visual needs require it. You must decide if you can see well enough to do your job, drive safely, and read or watch TV in comfort. Does your vision allow you to perform daily tasks, such as cooking, shopping, doing yard work or taking medications without difficulty?

Based on your symptoms, you and your ophthalmologist at Newsom Eye & Laser Center should decide together when surgery is appropriate.

What Can I Expect From Cataract Surgery?

During cataract surgery, which is usually performed under topical anesthesia 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. (Several lenses are now available that allow you to see distance, near, and intermediate with out the need for glasses after cataract surgery. Be sure to ask for details from your eye physician at Newsom Eye & Laser Center. Additional information on these lenses is also available on this website. Visit Restore,Rezoom, and Crystalens under Vision Services).

Your ophthalmologist performs this delicate surgery using a microscope, miniature instruments and other modern technology. After surgery, you will have to take eye drops as directed. 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 other structures of the eye. It is important to understand that complications can occur during or after the surgery, some severe enough to limit vision. If you experience any problems 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, an outpatient laser procedure can be done to open this cloudy capsule, restoring clear vision.