Cataracts cause progressive, painless impairment of vision. The most common type of cataract is age related. In older individuals, the lens of the eye can become cloudy causing a gradual reduction of vision. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light may play a role in the formation of cataracts. Smokers also have a higher risk of developing cataracts than non-smokers. Cataracts can also occur in younger people as a result of injury, certain medications, diabetes, or even congenital cataracts that are present at birth.
Some indications that a cataract may be forming include:
If visual impairment interferes with your ability to read, work, or do the things you enjoy, then you should have a complete eye examination to determine if you have cataracts. Cataract surgery is a relatively painless procedure. It has a very high success rate and more than 90 percent of cataract surgery patients regain useful vision.
The only known treatment for cataracts at this time is surgery. The procedure itself involves microsurgical removal of the cloudy lens through a small incision in the cornea. The cataract is removed under a microscope by a technique known as phacoemulsification, which is an ultrasonic technique that emulsifies the lens material. After the cataract is removed, a new clear, artificial intraocular lens implant (IOL) is placed in the eye. The new clear lens implant allows the patient to achieve improved vision. In most cases, sutures are not required. The surgery is generally performed under local anesthesia in an ambulatory center and lasts under an hour.
Recently, there have been new exciting innovations in FDA approved intraocular lens implantation to treat astigmatism and presbyopia. With these new implants, many patients can often reduce their dependence on glasses for distance and/ or near vision. Your Ophthalmologist can help you determine which intraocular lens implant is right for you.
If you have cataracts or are experiencing symptoms related to cataract, please call us at Draga Eye Care today to schedule a consultation with one of our doctors.
