WHAT IS A CATARACT?
A cataract is a "clouding" of the lens in the eye. Everyone will develop cataracts as part of the natural aging process. How cataracts affect your vision and your quality of life is individual. Cataracts may progress faster in certain individuals, especially if you have a family history, a history of trauma, radiation, diabetes or prior surgery.
HOW DO I KNOW I HAVE A CATARACT?
Most cataracts are found during routing eye examinations by the ophthalmologist. Healthy persons over 40 year old should have their eyes checked approximately every two years. Examinations performed before the lens is completely clouded give valuable information about the back of the eye. If a cataract does develop, the ophthalmologist will have a better idea how much vision can be improved by surgery.
Typical symptoms of a cataract include:
These symptoms can also be signs of other eye problems. If you have any of them, consult an ophthalmologist for an eye examination.
HOW DO I DECIDE TO HAVE SURGERY?
Most people have plenty of time to decide about cataract surgery. Your doctor cannot make the decision for you, but talking with your doctor can help you decide.
Tell your doctor how your cataract affects your vision and your life. Read the statements below, see which ones apply to you, and tell your doctor if:
You may also have other specific problems you want to discuss with your eye doctor.
HOW CAN CATARACTS BE TREATED?
The natural lens of the eye that has been damaged by a cataract is surgically removed and then replaced with a clear artificial lens. During the surgery, a tiny incision is made in the eye and the cataract-damaged natural lens is removed through the incision. An artificial lens is then inserted through the same incision. Most patients have significantly improved vision after the procedure.
CAN A CATARACT REFORM?
A cataract cannot return because the entire lens has been removed. However, in as many as half of all people who have extracapsular surgery or phacoemulsification, the lens capsule (the tissue bag that supports the replacement lens) becomes cloudy. This cloudiness can develop months or years after surgery. It can cause the same vision problems as the original cataract.
The treatment for this condition is a procedure called a YAG laser capsulotomy. The doctor uses a laser to make a small opening in the capsule through which light can pass unimpeded. This surgery is painless and does not require a hospital stay. Most people see well after a YAG capsulotomy though they may notice more floaters.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CATARACT SURGERY?
Cataract surgery restores quality vision for millions of patients each year. Good vision is vital to an enjoyable lifestyle. Numerous research studies show that cataract surgery restores quality-of-life functions including reading, working, moving around, hobbies, safety, self-confidence, independence, daytime and nighttime driving, community and social activities, mental health, and overall life satisfaction.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF CATARACT SURGERY?
Cataract surgery is performed millions of times every year in the United States. In fact, it is the most commonly performed surgery in the U.S. About 98 percent of patients have a complication-free experience that results in improved vision. Nevertheless, cataract surgery has risks and complications. Most complications resolve in a matter of days to months. In rare cases, patients lose some degree of vision permanently as a result of the surgery.
IS IT STILL NECESSARY TO WEAR THICK GLASSES AFTER CATARACT SURGERY?
No. Today, cataract patients who have artificial or intraocular lenses (IOLs) implanted during surgery may only need reading glasses for close vision. Patients who do not receive IOLs wear contact lenses for distance vision and reading glasses for close vision. Some patients choose to wear multifocal contact lenses for all distances.
WHAT KIND OF DOCTOR PERFORMS CATARACT SURGERY?
Medical doctors, M.D.s, or doctors of osteopathic medicine, D.O.s, who, after completing medical school and an internship, have had 3 or more years of special training in eye diseases and surgery, are called "ophthalmologists." Only ophthalmologists who have had special training in eye surgery are allowed to perform cataract surgery.
A number of factors, including presence of a poorly-dilating pupil, mature cataract, floppy iris, scarring, intraocular inflammation, traumatic changes and pseudoexfoliation, convert a routine cataract surgery into a more complex procedure. It is crucial that such operations are performed by eye surgeons who are well-trained and experienced in performing such difficult procedures.
A cataract is a "clouding" of the lens in the eye. Everyone will develop cataracts as part of the natural aging process. How cataracts affect your vision and your quality of life is individual. Cataracts may progress faster in certain individuals, especially if you have a family history, a history of trauma, radiation, diabetes or prior surgery.
HOW DO I KNOW I HAVE A CATARACT?
Most cataracts are found during routing eye examinations by the ophthalmologist. Healthy persons over 40 year old should have their eyes checked approximately every two years. Examinations performed before the lens is completely clouded give valuable information about the back of the eye. If a cataract does develop, the ophthalmologist will have a better idea how much vision can be improved by surgery.
Typical symptoms of a cataract include:
- Cloudy, fuzzy, foggy, or filmy vision.
- Changes in the perception of colors.
- Problems driving at night because headlights seem too bright.
- Problems with glare from lamps or the sun.
- Frequent changes in your eyeglass prescription.
- Double vision.
These symptoms can also be signs of other eye problems. If you have any of them, consult an ophthalmologist for an eye examination.
HOW DO I DECIDE TO HAVE SURGERY?
Most people have plenty of time to decide about cataract surgery. Your doctor cannot make the decision for you, but talking with your doctor can help you decide.
Tell your doctor how your cataract affects your vision and your life. Read the statements below, see which ones apply to you, and tell your doctor if:
- I need to drive, but there is too much glare from the sun or headlights.I do not see well enough to do my best at work.
- I do not see well enough to do the things I need to do at home.
- I do not see well enough to do things I like to do (for example, read, watch TV, sew, hike, play cards, and go out with friends).
- I am afraid I will bump into something or fall.
- Because of my cataract, I am not as independent as I would like to be.
- I cannot see well enough with my glasses.
- My eyesight bothers me a lot.
You may also have other specific problems you want to discuss with your eye doctor.
HOW CAN CATARACTS BE TREATED?
The natural lens of the eye that has been damaged by a cataract is surgically removed and then replaced with a clear artificial lens. During the surgery, a tiny incision is made in the eye and the cataract-damaged natural lens is removed through the incision. An artificial lens is then inserted through the same incision. Most patients have significantly improved vision after the procedure.
CAN A CATARACT REFORM?
A cataract cannot return because the entire lens has been removed. However, in as many as half of all people who have extracapsular surgery or phacoemulsification, the lens capsule (the tissue bag that supports the replacement lens) becomes cloudy. This cloudiness can develop months or years after surgery. It can cause the same vision problems as the original cataract.
The treatment for this condition is a procedure called a YAG laser capsulotomy. The doctor uses a laser to make a small opening in the capsule through which light can pass unimpeded. This surgery is painless and does not require a hospital stay. Most people see well after a YAG capsulotomy though they may notice more floaters.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CATARACT SURGERY?
Cataract surgery restores quality vision for millions of patients each year. Good vision is vital to an enjoyable lifestyle. Numerous research studies show that cataract surgery restores quality-of-life functions including reading, working, moving around, hobbies, safety, self-confidence, independence, daytime and nighttime driving, community and social activities, mental health, and overall life satisfaction.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF CATARACT SURGERY?
Cataract surgery is performed millions of times every year in the United States. In fact, it is the most commonly performed surgery in the U.S. About 98 percent of patients have a complication-free experience that results in improved vision. Nevertheless, cataract surgery has risks and complications. Most complications resolve in a matter of days to months. In rare cases, patients lose some degree of vision permanently as a result of the surgery.
IS IT STILL NECESSARY TO WEAR THICK GLASSES AFTER CATARACT SURGERY?
No. Today, cataract patients who have artificial or intraocular lenses (IOLs) implanted during surgery may only need reading glasses for close vision. Patients who do not receive IOLs wear contact lenses for distance vision and reading glasses for close vision. Some patients choose to wear multifocal contact lenses for all distances.
WHAT KIND OF DOCTOR PERFORMS CATARACT SURGERY?
Medical doctors, M.D.s, or doctors of osteopathic medicine, D.O.s, who, after completing medical school and an internship, have had 3 or more years of special training in eye diseases and surgery, are called "ophthalmologists." Only ophthalmologists who have had special training in eye surgery are allowed to perform cataract surgery.
A number of factors, including presence of a poorly-dilating pupil, mature cataract, floppy iris, scarring, intraocular inflammation, traumatic changes and pseudoexfoliation, convert a routine cataract surgery into a more complex procedure. It is crucial that such operations are performed by eye surgeons who are well-trained and experienced in performing such difficult procedures.