What is a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. It can be compared to a window that is frosted or yellow. The amount and pattern of cloudiness within the lens can vary. If cloudiness is not near the center of the lens, you may not be aware that a cataract is present. A cataract, also known as the “crystalline lens” are typically found in middle age to older people and can be attributed to normal aging.
Common symptoms of a cataract include:
- A painless blurring of vision
- Glare with night driving or bright sunlight
- Light sensitivity
- Poor night vision
- Double vision in one eye
- Needing brighter light to read
- Fading or yellowing of colors
How Are Cataracts Treated
When a cataract becomes too cloudy, a person will no longer see clearly and cataract surgery becomes necessary. Fortunately, this is very safe and has become one of the most common surgical procedures in the United States.
In most cases, cataract surgery is done under local anesthesia. Fortunately, it is typically painless, sutureless (no stitches), done in 15-20 minutes typically, and you are able to return home within a few hours in most cases.
The actual surgical procedure to remove cataracts includes both removal of the cloudy cataract lens and replacement with an artificial lens (cataract lens implant) to restore vision. Artificial lenses are called IOL’s (intraocular lenses).
Standard Cataract Surgery is a procedure in which your ophthalmologist performs this delicate surgery using a microscope, miniature instruments and other modern technology.
Have Questions or Need to Get Checked for Cataracts?
Call our office today and schedule an appointment at (480) 839-0206 or email: [email protected].
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