WHAT ARE CATARACTS

Cataracts are the most common cause of vision loss in the world, occurring in most people over the age of 70, though 1 in 6 people in the US have some stage of cataracts by 50.

A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which is normally clear. Cataracts are a normal part of the aging process, usually beginning in your fifties and slowly progress with time, then causing vision issues in your 60’s. . Even though cataracts are a normal part of the aging, certain risk factors have been known to increase your chance of getting cataracts sooner.

Risk factors for cataracts?

• Age
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Medications such as steroids
• Genetic factors
• Exposure to radiation and ultraviolet light for long periods
• Eye injuries (traumatic cataracts)

Symptoms of Cataracts

Cataracts can be so gradual and can be in one or both eyes that you won’t immediately know there’s a problem. There is no pain associated with cataracts, and your brain has a remarkable ability to adapt to the diminishing vision.

If you’re over the age of 60 and have noticed some changes in your eyesight, it may be time for cataract surgery when vision problems begin to interfere with your daily life. Any number of symptoms could dictate the need for cataract surgery, including:

• Blurred or double vision
• Glare and halos around lights
• Cloudy, foggy, fuzzy, filmy vision(s)
• Difficulty reading or discerning fine details
• Sensitivity to bright lights
• Difficulty driving at night
• Colors appear faded
• Frequent changes in your eyeglass prescription
• LASIK or previous refractive surgery is no longer working

 

Decreased vision is usually subtle at first. But as a cataract matures, the initially clear lens becomes more yellow or opaque making it harder to see through. Colors, once vivid, become dull. Cataracts may make it more difficult to read, drive, watch TV, and perform normal daily activities. The good news is that cataract surgery is considered one of the safest surgical procedures in the US.

The first step is to schedule a cataract exam (typically covered by your medical insurance). If the cataract is mild, then surgery is not needed. Sometimes, a change in your glasses can help maintain your vision temporarily. Eventually, glasses or contact lenses will no longer improve your eyesight to your satisfaction, then the next step will be to consider cataract surgery.

Cataract surgery is rarely urgent. As long as you are comfortable with your vision and able to perform your normal activities, leaving the cataract alone is acceptable and safe. Your vision most likely will continue to decrease over time. When your vision is not satisfactory for your activities, then you can choose to proceed with cataract surgery. We will discuss your needs in order to determine which Intraocular lens (IOL) is best suited for your lifestyle.

Cataract Surgery – A Plan For Clearer Vision

Cataract surgery is the most common procedure performed in the United States (over 2 million annually). During cataract surgery, Dr. Jay Bansal will remove the cloudy lens of your eye and replace it with an artificial lens called an Intraocular Lens (IOL) in a procedure that typically takes 10-15 minutes and is performed under topical (eyedrop) anesthesia in addition to a relaxing medication that are given by mouth or IV. Cataract surgery is a quick outpatient procedure performed at our Ambulatory Surgery Center and does not require an overnight stay or general anesthesia. Cataract surgery is typically comfortable and often results in much better vision in the first few days after surgery.

Cataract surgery is a relatively safe and effective procedure. A high percentage of patients get significantly improved vision after cataract surgery. The risks of cataract surgery are low but exist. Our doctor’s will discuss this in detail prior to surgery.

 

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