What is a Cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside the eye that prevents our eye from seeing a clear image for objects at distance and/or for reading or close work. Primarily because of the eye’s natural aging process, cataracts begin developing in almost everyone by the sixth decade. The degree of cataract formation determines how an individual’s lifestyle is affected.

Causes, Symptoms & Detection

What causes a cataract?

Most cataracts are associated with a gradual aging change in the natural lens of the eye over a period of years, and periodic eye evaluations can best judge the progression of these changes. At this time, there is no current medical treatment for cataracts although the National Eye Institute (NEI) is funding studies to see whether taking certain vitamins and minerals can prevent or delay cataracts. The decision to remove a cataract surgically is decided on by the patient and eye surgeon together, and it is based upon the degree of cataract change and the effect that the cataract has on the patient’s vision and his/her quality of life.

Common Cataract Symptoms

• Difficulty driving at night
• Trouble distinguishing family and friends from a distance
• Glare or light sensitivity
• Fading of and poor color recognition
• Double or multiple vision

How is a cataract detected?

The detection of a cataract can only be accomplished by a thorough eye examination. An Eye Physician must determine if your vision is being affected by a cataract or other eye disorders which may present similar vision problems. Patients with a family history of eye disorders, medical problems such as diabetes, or previous injuries to the eye are especially prone to vision threatening problems.

Surgical Process

The surgery to remove a cataract is an outpatient procedure performed in a sterile operating room under local anesthesia. The surgery, which takes approximately 30 minutes to perform, involves making a very small incision into the eye allowing the insertion of a fine probe which then breaks the cataract up (ultrasonically) into small pieces that are easily removed from the eye. Although it is a common misconception, lasers are not used to remove cataracts. Lasers are used and are very useful in patients who have already had a cataract removed to open a membrane that develops behind the implant when a patient notice blurring of his/her vision.

Intraocular Lens (IOL)

Next, a man-made intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted into the eye into the same location where the cataract was removed. Implants of different focal distances (mono-focal and multi-focal) are available and chosen for use based on the needs of the patients. They take the place of the thick cataract glasses that were used before the intraocular lens was developed. The IOL is made of silicone or a special surgical plastic material (polymethyl methacrylate) designed to be compatible with the eye tissue. The choice of implants for a patient should be based on the implant style and material that is best suited for each eye as determined by the examination of the eye surgeon and based on the visual needs of the patient.

After Cataract Surgery

Restrictions immediately following cataract surgery are minimal and are primarily designed to prevent an injury to the healing eye and require the short-term use of topical eye drops that promote healing. The healing process is completed in a few weeks and is monitored by your eye physician.

Cost of Cataract Surgery

The cost of cataract surgery is generally covered by standard medical insurance policies, with the exception of copays and deductibles, and allows for the expense of the surgery and the standard IOL used for the surgery.

Success of Cataract Surgery

Advances in cataract surgical techniques over the past decade have made cataract surgery one of the most successful operations performed in the United States. These advances are meeting the challenges of today’s cataract patients who have very active lifestyles and have high expectations for the restoration of their vision.

This brief overview of the current status of cataract surgery is far from complete and may stimulate questions that are best answered by your eye care professional especially as it pertains to your specific eye needs.