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Frequent
comments heard by people developing cataracts:
"Glare bothers me at night."
"Colors aren't as bright as they used to be."
"I feel as though there is a film over my vision."
What is a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the
eye. This prevents light from passing through and vision is
blurred. Most cataracts are due to the normal aging process
and develop at a different rate. Certain medical conditions,
like diabetes or heart problems, may also cause early development.
Misconceptions
about cataracts include:
•
Caused by overusing the eyes
• A cancer of the eye
• Can be spread from one eye to the other
• Removed by using a laser
How
do I know if I have cataracts and if I need surgery?
A thorough eye exam can detect the development of cataracts
as well other conditions that can prohibit the vision. At
a certain point, because of the opacification of the lens,
it is no longer possible to improve vision with eyeglasses
alone. At that point your doctor may suggest cataract surgery.
Also, if you notice difficulty with daily activities like
reading, driving, shopping, sewing or watching television,
surgery may restore your vision and allow you to participate
in these activities more comfortably.
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About
1.4 million people have cataract surgery
every year in the United States.
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How
is a cataract treated?
Once a cataract is determined to be the cause of vision problems
and surgery is deemed necessary, special measurements are
taken and a member of the staff will explain the procedure
to you and discuss all of your instructions regarding the
surgery.
The
surgery is done with microsurgical instruments under the high
magnification of an operating microscope. Our doctors perform
the most advanced cataract surgery available, implanting a
method known as phacoemulsification. The surgery is performed
on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. The surgery
typically requires no shots, no stitches and no patches.
Following
surgery, you will be able to return to most daily activities
with minimal restriction. You will need to use eye drops for
a short time and several follow-up visits will be scheduled
to monitor your progress.
For
more information click
here.
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