Cataracts
 A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. A cataract is not a film over the eye. Overusing the eyes does not cause it and it cannot be spread from one eye to the other. Cataracts do not cause irreversible blindness.
Common 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
 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 most common type of cataract is related to aging of the eye.
What causes cataracts?
- Family history
- Medical problems, such as diabetes
- Injury of the eye
- Medications, especially steroids
- Long-term, unprotected exposure to sunlight
- Previous eye surgery
How is a cataract detected?
 A thorough examination by your eye care professional can detect the presence of a cataract, as well as any other conditions that may be causing blurred vision or other eye problems. Problems with other parts of the eye (e.g. cornea, retina, optic nerve) 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 is unlikely, cataract removal may not be recommended. Your eye care professional can tell you how much visual improvement is likely.
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 gradually 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 a cataract treated?
 Surgery is the only way a cataract can be removed. However, if the symptoms of cataracts are not bothering you very much, surgery may not be needed. Sometimes a simple change in your eyeglass prescription may be helpful.
There are no medications, dietary supplements or exercises that 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. Surgery should be considered when cataracts cause enough loss of vision to interfere with our 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.
When should surgery be done?
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 or, if you can read and watch TV in comfort. Can you see well enough to perform daily tasks, such as cooking, shopping, yard work or taking medications without difficulty? Based on your symptoms, you and your eye doctor should decide together when surgery is appropriate.
What can I expect from cataract surgery?
Your cataract will be removed with an advanced technique called phacoemulsificaiton, or small-incision cataract surgery. Using only a topical anesthetic, a "stair-stepped" incision of about 1/8" is made in the sclera (white part of the eye), or in the clear cornea (just above the area where the cornea meets the sclera). The cataract is then broken into microscopic particles using high-energy sound waves and gently suctioned from the eye. Then, to compensate for the removal of the eye's natural lens, an intra-ocular lens (IOL) is implanted into the eye. After using this special "stair-stepped" incision, the eye remains tightly sealed by the natural outward pressure within your eye.
What complications can occur?
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 surgeon will want to hear from you immediately.
Conclusion
Cataracts are a common cause of decreased vision, particularly for the elderly, but they are treatable. Your family optometrist can tell you whether cataract or some other problem is the cause of your vision loss and can help you decide if cataract surgery is appropriate for you.
|
Award-Winning Web Marketing and SEO Strategies