About Cataracts

Over fifty percent of people over the age of 60, and quite a few younger than that, suffer from cataracts.  In fact, cataracts are so common it is said that everyone will develop a cataract if they live long enough.

A cataract is a progressive clouding of the eye's natural lens that interferes with light passing through to the retina.  Sufferers usually describe the condition as being similar to looking through a waterfall, or a piece of wax paper, with gradual blurring or dimming of vision.

Reading may become more difficult and driving a car can actually become dangerous.  Cataract sufferers may also be troubled by a bothersome glare, halos around lights, or even double vision.  And as the cataract becomes worse, frequent changes in eye-glass prescriptions may become necessary.

Currently there is no medical treatment to reverse or prevent the development of cataracts.  Once they form, there is only one way to achieve clear vision again, and that is to physically remove the cataract from the eye.

Cataract Surgery

In your parents' or grandparents' day, cataract surgery was condidered risky, required a lengthy hospital stay and was usually postponed for as long as possible.  Today, cataract surgery is performed on an out-patient basis and takes only a few minutes.  Patients can then go home and rest in comfort and avoid the inconvenience and expense of staying in a hospital.

Self-Sealing Incisions

Your cataract will be removed with an advanced technique called phacoemulsification, or small-incision cataract surgery.  Using only a topical anesthetic, a "star-stepped" incision of about 1/8" is made in the sclera (white part of the eye), or in the clear cornea (just above the area where the cornea meets the sclera).  The cataract is then broken into microscopic particles using high energy sound waves and gently suctioned from the eye.  Then, to compensate for the removal of the eye's natural lens, an intra-ocular lens(IOL) is implanted into the eye. After using this special "stair-stepped" incision, the eye remains tightly sealed by the natural outward pressure within your eye.

Successful Cataract Surgery

Everyone heals somewhat differently, but many cataract patients report improvement in their vision almost immediately after the procedure.  Most patients return to their normal work and lifestyle routines within a day or two.

According to a survey conducted by the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, more than 98% of cataract patients had their vision successfully improved after surgery.  Many patients experience vision that is actually better than before they developed cataracts.  Once removed, cataracts will not grow back.  However, some patients may experience clouding of a thin tissue called the capsule or "bag" that holds the IOL.  In most cases a laser is used to painlessly open the clouded capsule and restore clear vision.