Cataracts

What is a Cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside the eye that prevents you 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 before they reach the age of 60.

Causes, Symptoms & Detection
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.

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.

Surgery to correct cataracts
Cataract removal surgery is an outpatient procedure performed in a sterile operating room under local anesthesia. It takes approximately 30 minutes to perform and 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. Next, a man-made intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted into the same location where the cataract was removed. The IOL is made of silicone or a special surgical plastic material designed to be compatible with the eye tissue. The cost of cataract surgery is generally covered by standard medical insurance policies, with the exception of co-pays and deductibles.