Cataracts are a clouding of the eye lens that reduces vision. They’re not painful, but you may notice you’re experiencing:
- Blurry vision
- Loss of visual details
- Glare when reading or driving
- You need more light to read
- Colors seem dull
- Eyeglass prescriptions change often
- Double vision in one eye.
Many things may cause cataracts. Aging is a primary cause ¾ cataracts are common in older people ¾ but diabetes and other eye diseases also may cause eye-lens clouding. Past eye infections, injuries, and surgery may cause cataracts, as can some medicines (steroids especially), too much ultraviolet light from sunlight or other sources, and genetics ¾ it can be passed down in families.
Lens clouding usually happens slowly over time but it can happen quickly.
Cataract Treatment
Eye Exams
Regular eye exams are always important to ensure vision health. Your optometrist checks for many eye problems during these exams. When checking for cataracts, doctors ask you questions about your health and family history. A vision test will reveal how well you see and regular vision tests help doctors see how quickly your vision may be changing over time. You should bring any glasses or contact lenses to exams with you.
During the examination, special eye drops dilate your pupils so doctors can better see your eyes’ lenses and check for other problems inside your eyes.
Will You Need Surgery?
Because cataracts usually develop slowly, you may not need immediate surgery. You may receive a new prescription for eyeglasses, and you may need more light for detailed tasks, such as reading or sewing.
If cataracts limit your activities, such as driving, reading, and watching events, your doctor may recommend surgery. Surgery is the only way to remove a cataract and restore your vision. The treatment is usually done in outpatient surgery centers, so there are no overnight stays. Doctors remove the clouded lens and replace it with a clear artificial lens. Currently, lasers are not used to remove cataracts.
Only one eye is operated on at a time. Doctors use a special instrument to painlessly break apart the clouded lens in a procedure called phacoemulsification. A small opening allows removal of the damaged lens and placement of the new lens.
Post-Treatment
As your eye heals, your vision will be clearer. Sometimes additional steps help sharpen your vision even more, including new eyeglasses.
In some cases the capsule holding the new lens may become cloudy months or even years after surgery. If that happens, a laser treatment that takes a few minutes in the doctor’s office can remove the condition.
Most people return to their daily activities soon after treatment.
What To Do
Regular eye exams as suggested by your eye doctor are very important to maintain eye health and screen for eye diseases.
If cataracts are limiting your daily tasks, talk to your doctor about treatment to restore your vision.
Call us for information or help
If you would like to talk to your doctor or schedule an examination, call Arizona Eye Care or e-mail or fax us an appointment request form.