Cataracts
What is a Cataract?
Your eye's natural lens functions much like the lens of a camera focusing on both close and distant objects. Over time, the lens becomes less transparent and your vision may start to appear cloudy. This clouding of the lens is called a cataract and is part of the natural aging process. People with advanced cataracts often describe their vision as looking at the world through a piece of wax paper.
Vision changes caused by cataracts generally develop so slowly that you won’t notice them until they are serious enough to affect your normal lifestyle, or until after you have cataract surgery to restore your best vision.
Changes or symptoms commonly associated with cataracts are:
- Light from the sun or a lamp seems too bright and causes glare, which can make driving at night more difficult
- Colors may not appear as bright as they once were
- Foggy, blurry, or dim vision
- Difficulty seeing distant objects
- Trouble reading street signs or words on TV
- Needing more light to read
What Causes Cataracts?
Nearly everyone develops cataracts as they grow older. More than 50% of people over the age of 60—and quite a few who are younger than that—suffer from cataracts.
- Age, natural aging process
- Birth defect
- Cigarette smoking
- Accidents or injuries
- Exposure to ultraviolet light
- Environmental factors, such as disease, toxic chemicals, and certain medications
What Happens During Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure, meaning you will return home that same day. Be sure to bring a driver with you to take you home after the procedure. After checking in on the day of your procedure, our team will talk you through what to expect and answer any last minutes questions. You will be given medicine to ensure you remain comfortable and relaxed throughout the process. Next, your surgeon will remove the clouded lens and implant a clear artificial lens in its place. The procedure is performed in as little as fifteen minutes. Shortly after, our team will explain your at-home-car instructions and send you home with your driver. Your eye heals naturally, and vision starts to improve immediately following surgery, with complete recovery in a few days.
Take the Cataract Quiz and request a consultation to find out if cataract surgery is the best way to restore your best possible vision.