Cataract

What is the condition?

A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens of the eye, which is found behind the pupil. It is the most common cause of vision loss for people over 40 years of age.

How does it affect the eye?

As a cataract clouds the lens, it makes it hard for light to reach the retina. It starts out small and may not effect vision, but as it grows it can blur your vision. It also causes glare and causes colors to not be as bright as they once were.

What are the symptoms of this condition?

The symptoms differ from one person to the next and some people do not experience any.  There are some common symptoms of this disease which include:

• A change in the glasses prescription
• Colors often appear less bright, as if they are faded or dull
• Sensitivity to light and glare
• Reduced vision that cannot be fixed with spectacles
• Difficulty driving at night

What are the Risk Factors for Developing this Condition?

Some of the risk factors associated with cataracts are:

• Aging
• Smoking
• Too much exposure to the sun
• Long term steroid use
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Previous injuries or surgeries to the eye

How is this condition treated?

In the early stages, a change in prescription glasses is all that’s needed. As the cataract grows, surgery will be required.  During cataract surgery, a tiny cut is made at the side of the cornea and a probe is inserted that emits ultrasound waves that help soften and break the lens, so that it can be suctioned out. A folded lens implant is inserted into the incision. It pops open and is positioned appropriately, thereby replacing your natural lens with an implant lens.