Published: May 18, 2018
Cataract Surgery
The lens is located behind the iris (colored part of the eye) and its primary job is to focus the light and images entering the eye for the retina. The retina sends the signals to the brain.
How do I know if I have a Cataract?
Cataracts develop slowly and have virtually no pain at first. People with cataracts normally have some of the following complaints:
- Blurry vision
- Faded or dull colors
- Poor night vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Reading glasses or bifocals do not work well
Can Cataracts be prevented?
Unfortunately, cataracts can’t be prevented. Removing and replacing the cataract is the only viable way to restore your vision.
How does a Cataract develop?
Eye injuries, certain diseases, and medications can all be causes of cataracts, or clouding. There are other risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol use, radiation exposure, and heredity. In a majority of cases, however, normal aging is the cause. As we age, proteins in the lens begin to clump together and overtime clouds the lens allowing less light to pass through.
What if I do not treat my Cataract?
Left untreated, cataracts have the potential to cause a complete loss of vision.
How do you treat a Cataract?
The best way to treat a cataract is to remove the old, clouded lens. With technology today, physicians often allow the patient to determine when the time is right to have cataract surgery.
What happens during Cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is a safe and successful surgery that requires a few hours of your time. Your eye is treated with an anesthetic prior to the procedure. A tiny incision is made in your eye, allowing the surgeon to use a tiny instrument to break up the cataract. Once the cataract is removed, a new, artificial lens is inserted through the same incision and permanently positioned.