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 Cataracts
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When a doctor tells you that you have a
cataract, and it should be removed, it may e a frightening prospect. But
when you understand what a cataract is, how it will be removed and most of all,
the priceless rewards cataract surgery can bring, you're likely to wish you'd
had the procedure sooner. After all, when the cataract is gone, your
vision can be clearer, brighter and sharper than it's been for a long,
long time. In the U.S., about 50% of those between the ages 65 and 74,
and 70% of those over the age of 75 have a cataract. It is not uncommon
to have questions and concerns. At Collom and Carney Eye Institute, we
strive to answer all of your questions in order to help you better understand
what a cataract is, how it will be removed, and the rewards that cataract
surgery can bring.
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| Today's cataract surgery isn't just
the end of clouded vision. It's the beginning of something wonderful. |
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| A clear, normal-vision image. |
The "clouded" image of a cataract. |
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What is
a Cataract? |
Simply put, a cataract is a
"clouding" of the lens inside the eye. Contrary to what some people
believe, a cataract is not a "film" over the eye, and neither diet nor lasers
will make it go away. A cataract can be compared to a window that is
frosted or yellowed.
Cataracts damage vision by preventing the eye's lens
from focusing properly. The lens, located just behind the iris (the
colored part of your eye), works like the lens of a camera, focusing lights,
colors, and shapes on the retina.
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At birth, the lens is clear. With
aging, the lens starts to become clouded, and light and images get scattered
and distorted. Certain diseases, eye injuries, or even some
medications can cloud this human lens, made mostly of protein and water.
But in 90% of cases, the natural aging process causes clouding. In fact,
most people begin developing cataracts in their early 60's, sometimes earlier.
A cataract can be the reason sharp images become
blurred, and seeing things at night is more difficult. For instance,
oncoming headlights may seem to temporarily blind the person developing
cataracts. It may be why the eyeglasses or contact lenses that used to
help with reading or everyday visual tasks don't seem to be working
anymore. Common symptons of cataracts are:
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Glare of sensitivity to light
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Progressively poor night vision
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Haloes around lights at night
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Loss of depth perception
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Frequesnt changes in eye glass prescriptions
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Brighter light needed to read
Symptoms depend on the cataract's location in the lens
and the amount of clouding. Cataracts are painless and often progress
slowly; so, many years may pass before symptoms are experienced.
Cataracts are classified as one one of three types:
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A nuclear cataract is die to natural aging
changes. This cataract forms in the nucleus, the center of the lens, and
is most commonly seen as it forms.
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A cortical cataract, which forms in the lens cortex,
gradually extends it spokes from the outside of the lens to the
center. Many diabetics develop cortical cataracts.
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A subcapsular cataract begins at the back of the
lens. People with diabetes, high farsightedness, and retinitis pigmentosa
or those taking high doses of steroids may develop a subcapsular cataract.
Unfortunately, cataracts can't be prevented.
The best way to treat a cataract is to remove the old, clouded lens and replace
it with a permanent intraocular lens implant (IOL). This can restore
vision and in may ways, significantly improve the quality of life. The
time tohave cataracts removed is when the quality of vision begins to put
limits on activities and enjoyment of lufe.
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