ABOUT CATARACT (for FAQs, click here)
Cataract formation is part of the natural aging process of the eye. Cataracts are the most common cause of reduced vision over the age of 40, throughout the world. The natural lens inside the eye becomes cloudy or opaque from exposure to ultraviolet light (sunlight) and aging. Cataracts can affect visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and color appreciation. They may also cause bothersome symptoms such as glare and halos.
Fortunately, cataracts can be removed and a clear artificial lens can be inserted in its place.
Cataracts are the most common cause of blindness in the world. Over 20 million Americans over 40 years of age have cataracts. Cataract extraction is thought to be one of the most effective procedures ever devised in all of medicine. There are close to 1.5 million cataract extractions done in America each year because it is such a successful procedure.
There are different types of cataract and they can affect your vision in different ways but they all are caused by a clouding of the lens inside your eye. The lens is normally clear so light is transmitted without disruption to the retina at the back of the eye. This produces a clear image. When the lens becomes cloudy or opaque, light is not transmitted as readily and this causes a blurred image.
People with cataract compare it to looking through a dirty window. Depending on the type of cataract, a person may have difficulty with distance vision, near vision or both. Glare in the bright sun or at night, especially when looking at oncoming headlights, is another common symptom.
Cataract formation usually begins at age 50, but may not become bothersome until much later. It is considered a normal part of the aging process although there are medical conditions that can accelerate cataract formation. Sunlight (ultraviolet light) has also been shown to accelerate cataract formation. The amount that someone’s vision is affected by cataract depends on the size, shape and location of the cataract. Some people may have symptoms very early, and others may not notice the cataract for many years.
There is no known method to prevent cataract formation. Avoiding excessive sunlight may slow the progression.
Cataracts are easily diagnosed with a comprehensive examination by your Eye MD. There are other preventable and treatable eye conditions that are screened for during the regular eye examination as well.
Spectacles or contact lenses are the first option for vision correction. If the vision cannot be improved with spectacles or contact lenses, cataract extraction is often the best option. Cataract surgery is done on an outpatient basis. There is very little disruption in daily living before and after the procedure as local anesthesia is used. Recovery time is very short. There are no restrictions on activity after the procedure. This is a significant advancement from previous years where there were severe limitations on activity for as long as two weeks. State-of-the-art cataract surgery uses very small incisions that do no even require sutures in the majority of cases.