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What is a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the
eye. It can be compared to a window that is frosted or
yellowed.
There are many misconceptions about cataract. Cataract is
not:
- a film over the eye;
- caused by overusing the eyes;
- spread from one eye to the other;
- a cause of irreversible blindness.
Common symptoms of cataract 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.
What causes cataract?
The most common type of cataract is related to aging of
the eye. Causes of cataract include:
- family history;
- medical problems, such as diabetes;
- injury to the eye;
- medications, especially steroids;
- long-term, unprotected exposure to sunlight;
- previous eye surgery;
- unknown factors.
How is a cataract detected?
A thorough eye examination by your ophthalmologist (Eye
M.D.) 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 (eg, 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
ophthalmologist 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 cataract treated?
Surgery is the only way a cataract can be removed.
However, if symptoms of cataract 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.
When should surgery be done?
Surgery should be considered when cataracts cause enough
loss of vision to interfere with your 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.
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 ophthalmologist
should decide together when surgery is appropriate.
What can I expect from cataract surgery?
Over 1.4 million people have cataract surgery each year in
the United States, and more than 95% of those surgeries are
performed with no complications.
During cataract surgery, which is usually performed under
local or topical anesthesia as an outpatient procedure, the
cloudy lens is removed from the eye. In most cases, the
focusing power of the natural lens is restored by replacing
it with a permanent intraocular lens implant.
Your ophthalmologist performs this delicate surgery using
a microscope, miniature instruments and other modern
technology.
In many people who have cataract surgery, the natural
capsule that supports the intraocular lens becomes cloudy.
Laser surgery is used to open this cloudy capsule, restoring
clear vision.
You will have to take eyedrops as your ophthalmologist
directs. Your surgeon will check your eye several times to
make sure it is healing properly.
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
ophthalmologist 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
ophthalmologist 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.
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