What is a cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. It is often compared to a window that has been frosted. Common symptoms of cataracts include: a painless blurring of vision, glare or light sensitivity, poor night vision, double vision in one eye, needing brighter lights to read, or fading yellowing of colors.

The amount 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. Other causes of cataract include: a strong family history; medical problems, such as diabetes; a previous injury to the eye; different medications, especially steroids; long-term, unprotected exposure to sunlight; and previous eye surgery.

How is a cataract detected?

A thorough eye examination by our doctors can detect the presence of a cataract, as well as any other conditions that may be causing blurred vision.

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 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. Smoking has also been implicated in accelerating cataract formation.

When should surgery be done?

Surgery should be considered when cataracts cause enough loss of vision to interfere with your daily activities.

It is no longer 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 perform 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 our doctors 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 97 - 98% 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.

You will have to take eye drop medications as your ophthalmologist directs. Our doctors 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 97 - 98% 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, our doctors will want to hear from you immediately.