Cataracts

Cataracts

Definition of a cataract, when to consider surgery, lens options, risks, benefits, and much more…

What is a cataract?

A cataract is the natural clouding of the normally clear lens over time. They can make things look hazy, blurry, and less colorful. Think of it like a car windshield. When that windshield is dirty it is harder to see through it when driving. That is what it’s like when you have a cataract.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms can include:

  • blurry vision

  • seeing double

  • light sensitivity

  • trouble seeing at night

  • seeing bright colors as yellow or faded

What can cause cataracts?

  • Aging is the most common factor when it comes to cataracts. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, around age 40 is when the natural proteins in the lens of your eye start to break down.

  • medical problems such as diabetes

  • smoking

  • eye injuries

  • spending time in the sun without correct eye protection

How are cataracts diagnosed?

  • checking visual acuity

  • performing a refraction to see if glasses help correct your vision

  • slit lamp exam

  • full dilated exam

You may ask, “Once I’m told I have a cataract, what should I do?”. This is to be discussed with Dr. Bhasin on how you would like to move forward. If the cataract is bothering you, cataract surgery becomes an option and will be discussed at your visit. If the symptoms are not affecting you, then we don’t have to remove the cataract.

A Little on Cataract Surgery

Risks, benefits, and more…

Risks of Cataract Surgery

Risks include but are not limited to:

  • Need for glasses at distance, near, and/or intermediate ranges. Cannot guarantee glasses free results with any lens.

  • High eye pressure

  • Eyelid drooping

  • Red eyes

  • Swelling inside the eye and rebound swelling after discontinuation of surgery drops.

  • Infection inside the eye.

  • Shadows or lights in your peripheral vision.

  • Scar tissue. If this interferes with your vision, a laser can be used to break up the scar tissue.

  • New floaters or an increased awareness of old floaters.

  • Wound leak

  • Inability to place the lens of your choice due to instability of internal eye structures.

  • The need for additional procedures to correct any of the above issues.

Benefits

  • Improved vision

  • Better night vision

  • Improved quality of life

  • Better eye health

Lens Options

  • Standard Distance - need for glasses at distance and near

  • Multifocal - reduced dependence on glasses at distance and intermediate. May still need glasses to read.

  • Toric - reduced dependence on glasses at distance. Will definitely need glasses for intermediate and up close.

  • Monovision Near (2nd eye only) - reduced dependence on glasses at all distances, but may still need glasses when desiring to use both eyes together.

What is a secondary cataract?

A secondary cataract is when your vision becomes cloudy a few weeks, months, or years after your cataract surgery. This type of cataract is not unusual. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, a secondary cataract can also be called “scar tissue”, although it is not the same scar as you get on your skin because it happens after your eye has healed.

Arpita Bhasin