Cataract
What is a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding to the natural lens inside the eye. Cataracts develop as part of the natural aging process of the eye. However, cataract development can be caused by or be speed up by previous eye surgery, injury, certain diseases, and even some medications. Cataract development usually does not harm the eye but causes blurry vision. Cataracts usually progress slowly over a period of years and in early stages stronger eye glasses or brighter light may help. As cataracts progress and the lens becomes more cloudy, patients often experience symptoms such as painless blurry vision, glare and haloes around lights at night, double vision in one eye, need for bright light to read, and fading or yellowing of colors.
How is a cataract detected?
By performing a thorough eye examination, your eye doctor can detect the presence of a cataract.
Careful evaluation will also rule out any other conditions that may be causing blurred vision or other eye problems . Problems with other parts of the eye (such as the cornea, retina, or optic nerve) can be responsible for vision loss and may prevent you from having much or any improvement in vision after surgery. If improvement in your vision is unlikely, cataract removal may not be recommended. Your eye doctor can tell you how much visual improvement is likely.
When should surgery be done?
Cataract surgery should be considered when cataracts cause enough loss of the clarity of your vision to interfere with your daily activities. Based on your symptoms you and your eye doctor should decide together when cataract surgery is appropriate. If it is determined that it is time for surgery your surgeon will do a complete evaluation of your eyes and also do measurements for the artificial lens that will be implanted to replace your natural lens that has become a cataract.
How is a cataract treated?
Surgery is the only way a cataract can be treated. No medications, dietary supplements, or exercises have been shown to prevent or cure cataracts.
Cataract Surgery
How is cataract surgery performed?
Modern cataract surgery is highly successful with over 90% of patients regaining useful sight. Cataract surgery is performed as an outpatient surgery under local or topical anesthesia. Upon arriving to the surgery center, drops will placed in your eye to dilate your pupil and an IV will be place to administer a light sedative. The skin around your eye will be cleansed a sterile drape will be placed. Under a operating microscope the surgeon will make a small incision and insert an ultrasound driven instrument that breaks up the cataract as the pieces are suctioned (aspirated) out of the eye. This technique is called phacoemulsification.
Then a small foldable artificial lens (intraocular lens, or IOL) is placed inside the eye. Today there are options for patients to consider in deciding on which intraocular lens is right for you. The choice of which intraocular lens is appropriate for you depends on several things like the health of your eyes, any other eye conditions you may have, and your desire to decrease your dependency on glasses. To learn more about intraocular lenses click here.
Most incisions done for modern cataract surgery are self sealing and do not require sutures. A patch then may be placed over your eye and you will be able to go home. The patch will then be removed that evening or the next day at your eye doctor's office.
What can I expect after surgery?
Vision is usually blurry the first day after cataract surgery and slowly improves over time. You will be on drops for about a month after surgery to help your eye heal and prevent any post-operative complications.
Post-operative appointments will take place one day, one week, and one month after surgery to ensure proper healing and a successful outcome. You will be given a new eye glass prescription one month after surgery.