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Overview
Most people have some clouding of their eye’s natural crystalline lens after the age of 60. This clouding is more commonly referred to as a cataract. About 50% of Americans in the age group of 65 – 74 have at least one cataract, and about 70% of those age 75 and over have cataract(s). Simply stated, when the eye’s lens becomes cloudy, light cannot be properly focused on the retina; thus, vision decreases. The only “cure” for poor vision due to a cataract is to remove the lens and implant a new, man-made lens called an intraocular lens (IOL).
Many people with cataracts may experience symptoms such as:
- Cloudy, fuzzy, foggy vision
- Difficulty in seeing to drive, especially at night
- Trouble seeing to do close work
- Problems seeing television
- Bothersome glare
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- Colors that seem dull, faded, not as bright
- Frequent changes and a stronger glasses' prescription
- Haloes around lights
- A milky white spot or cloudy spot visually apparent in the center of the eye
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Diagnosing a Cataract
Most cataracts develop as part of the aging process, but may be present at birth (congenital) or result from an injury, systemic disease (diabetes), or steroid use. Using specialized equipment, cataracts as well as, other eye diseases, are diagnosed during a complete eye examination by your eye doctor. The mere presence of a cataract does not indicate the need for surgery. Some cataracts may be slow growing, and vision may be corrected by stronger glasses for a period of time. Some cataracts develop more rapidly that others and your eye doctor can monitor changes in vision and cataracts with periodic eye examinations.
No Stitch Cataract Surgery
The physicians at Alexandria Eye and Laser Center perform cataract surgery without any needles. There is no need for IV sedation, stitches, or an eye patch after surgery. Patients are able to resume most normal activities immediately after surgery. Astigmatism correction may also be accomplished at the time of cataract removal.
ReSTOR® IOL
ReSTOR IOL® (intraocular lens implant) is the latest technological advancement used during cataract surgery. ReSTOR® offers never-before-available visual results and was approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) earlier this year. With the new ReSTOR® lens, many patients will not need glasses after cataract surgery. This new lens technology provides excellent near and distance vision, as well as very good intermediate vision. To learn more or to request a consultation by email, click below.
TORIC IOL
There are several options your surgeon may choose to treat astigmatism, such as LASIK, astigmatic keratotomy (AK), or limbal relaxing incisions (LRI). However, if you are planning to have surgery to remove a cataract, you now have an additional option…an implantable lens that makes it possible to treat the cataract and correct the corneal astigmatism. Your eye doctor will recommend the option that is best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How is a cataract detected?
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How fast does a cataract develop? |
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A thorough eye examination by your eye doctor can detect the presence and extent of a cataract, as well as any other conditions that may be causing blurred vision or discomfort.
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How quickly the cataract develops varies among individuals, and may vary even between the two eyes. Most cataracts associated with aging progress gradually over a period of years. It is not possible to predict exactly how fast cataracts will develop in any given person. |
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How are cataracts treated? |
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When should surgery be done? |
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Surgery is the only way your ophthalmologist can remove the cataract. However, if symptoms from a cataract are mild, a change of glasses may be all that is needed to function more comfortably.
There are no medications, dietary supplements, exercises or optical devices that have been shown to prevent or cure cataracts.
Protection from excessive sunlight may help prevent or slow the progression of cataracts. Sunglasses that screen ultraviolet (UV) light rays or regular eyeglasses with a clear, anti-UV coating offer this protection. |
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Cataract surgery should be considered when cataracts cause enough loss of vision to interfere with daily activities.
It is not true that cataracts need to be “ripe” before they can be removed. Cataract surgery can be performed when your visual needs require it. You must decide if you can see to do your job and drive safely, if you can read and watch TV in comfort. Can you perform daily tasks, such as cooking, shopping, yard work or taking medications without difficulty?
Based on your symptoms, you and your ophthalmologist should decide together when surgery is appropriate. |
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