CATARACT  

WHAT IS A CATARACT?

A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye.  Looking through a lens that has formed a cataract can be like looking through a frosted or "steamed" window. 

 SYMPTOMS OF CATARACT:

Painless blurring of vision. 

Glare or light sensitivity. 

Double vision in one eye. 

Frequent glasses changes. 

Poor night vision. 

Fading of colors. 

WHAT CAUSES CATARACT?

The most common type of cataract is associated with aging of the eye.  Other causes include family history, diabetes, steroid medication and exposure to sunlight. 

WHEN DOES CATARACT NEED TREATMENT?

This varies with the individual.  It is not possible to predict how quickly a cataract will progress in any given person.  Cataract surgery should be considered when diminished vision interferes with daily activities and pleasures.  Surgery should be performed if the cataract impedes driving or causes risk of falling.  Diabetics require cataract surgery when the cataract interferes with the ophthalmologist's ability to see the retina. 

How is cataract treated?

Surgery is the only treatment to remove a cataract.  Over a million people in the United States have cataract surgery every year.  It is usually performed under local anesthesia and does not require overnight stay in the hospital.  The cloudy lens is removed and in most cases a permanent lens implant is placed in the eye to restore focusing power.   

If the cataract is very mild, a change of glasses or tinted lenses may reduce symptoms until surgery is done. 

LASERS AND CATARACT:

Lasers are not used to remove cataracts.  Laser is used after cataracts are removed, if the natural capsule that supports the lens implant becomes cloudy. 

SUMMARY:

Cataracts are a common cause of poor vision, especially in older people.  They are treatable with a very high success rate. An ophthalmologist can diagnose a cataract and tell you if surgery or other treatment is indicated.