Cataracts

Cataract is clouding of the eye's natural lens. When we look at something, light rays travel into our eye through the pupil and are focused through the lens onto the retina, a layer of light-sensitive cells at the back of the eye. The lens must be clear in order to focus light properly onto the retina. If the lens has become cloudy, this is called a cataract.

 

If your vision has progressively deteriorated and colors are not as bright as they used to be, a cataract may have developed in one or both of your eyes. Cataracts can simulate the effect of looking through a dirty window.  As a cataract slowly begins to develop, you may not notice any changes in your vision initially.  But as the cataract progresses, it may interfere with your daily activities.  After performing a complete eye exam, we can tell you whether a cataract or another problem is the cause of your vision loss.

 

Gradually, as cataracts progress, you may have symptoms such as:

 

• Blurred vision

• Difficulty seeing at night or in low light

• Light and glare sensitivity  

• Seeing halos around lights

• Colors appear dull

• The need for brighter light for reading and other activities

• Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription

• Double vision within one eye

 

 

 

While cataracts are one of the most common causes of vision loss, especially as we age, they are treatable with cataract surgery. During cataract surgery, your eye's cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens implant.

 

A cataract may not need to be removed right away if your lifestyle isn't significantly affected.  In some cases, simply changing your eyeglass prescription may help to improve your vision.  However, once you are diagnosed with a cataract, you should be monitored regularly for any changes in your vision.

 

When a cataract causes bothersome vision problems that interfere with your daily activities, surgery may be recommended to remove the cataract. The procedure, preparation, and recovery will all be discussed in detail prior to the surgery.