cataractS

Overview

A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye. In normal vision, light enters the eye, passing through the lens, and is focused on the retina at the back of the eye. The lens is inside the eye behind the pupil (normally the small round black hole in the center of the iris or colored part of the eye. The lens is normally clear and focuses the images that individuals see. When the cataract forms, the lens loses its transparency and becomes cloudy, reducing near and distance vision, and often causing glare or halos with bright lights. Cataracts are most often caused by age, but can also be caused by diseases such as diabetes, medications such as steroids, injury or a birth defect. Cataracts are not caused by too much “close” work.

Age Related Cataracts

Age Related cataracts are the most common type of cataract and occur in the elderly. They are usually in both eyes, although may be worse in one eye. Their cause is unknown. They are more common in smokers, and sunlight exposure may contribute to their development. Most people over 65 years will have some clouding of the lens. They may develop very slowly and never impair vision to the point where surgery is needed. There is no known way to prevent cataracts from progressing. Diet, eye drops or other medications cannot treat or prevent cataracts.

Removal of Cataracts

The only treatment of a cataract is surgical removal by an ophthalmologist. Cataract surgery is recommended when it affects the vision and causes impairment of daily activities such as reading, driving, working and hobbies. Cataract surgery may also be recommended when it is difficult to see behind it to follow diseases of the retina and optic nerve.

We perform cataract surgery as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia with sedation (no injection of anesthesia around the eye). We remove most cataracts by a procedure called phacoemulsification. This uses high-frequency vibrations and suction to break up and remove the cataract allowing a very small opening. This allows us to do “no stitch” cataract surgery. When the cataract is removed, a new lens is needed to focus. In the past, very thick “cataract glasses” or contact lenses were used. Today, most patients have an intraocular lens implant placed in the eye when the cataract is removed. This allows good vision even without glasses. Eye drops are usually prescribed after the surgery to speed healing of the eye. Most patients can resume normal activities the next day.

Symptoms

Do you have any trouble, even with glasses, with any of the following:

1. Reading?
2. Doing handiwork?
3. Driving during the day?
4. Driving at night?
5. Bothered by glare from sun, cars or street lights?
6. TV screen not appearing clear?
7. Judging distance or judging depth perception?
8. Having a fear of falling?
9. Colors look dull
10. Your vision seeming filmy or cloudy?

If you have any of the following, call Vision Surgeons & Consultants, Ltd. at 847-328-2300 or 800-653-EYES for an evaluation at one of our six convenient locations.

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