Q:
What is a cataract?
A: A cataract is NOT a film nor a growth on the top of the
eye. A cataract, in simplest terms, is a clouding of the clear
lens INSIDE the eye. When that lens becomes cloudy or opaque,
sharp vision is no longer possible. Cataracts are not contagious.
They can not spread beyond the lens nor harm the eye or any
other parts of the body. Cataracts cannot be prevented nor can
their progress be stopped or reversed. Cataracts usually develop
with age just like gray hair. They are caused by a decrease
in normal protein structures within the eye as you age, and
there is no known way to prevent this from happening. Cataracts
can also possibly be caused by glaucoma, high blood pressure,
kidney disease, diabetes, or trauma to the head.
Because each person's body and system is different, it is difficult
to predict just how quickly your cataract may develop. In some
people, the clouding proceeds at a rate rapid enough to cloud
the eye's vision in only several months. For others, it may
take several years. The second eye may also be affected, but
usually this does not occur at the same time as the first eye.
There may
be a pattern to the cataract's development. Initially you
may notice a gradual decrease in your ability to see things
clearly at a distance. This is followed by problems with reading
and other activities requiring close vision. Eventually, vision
at all distances is greatly impaired. You may feel as though
there is a "skim of fog" over your eye. You
may clean your glasses, but things still look dim. You may also
find that you are more sensitive to bright light or glare, especially
at night. The good news is that with today's modern surgical
techniques and advances in technology, cataract surgery is highly
successful.
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Q:
What is a cataract? (cont.)
Surgery
is the only way to correct vision loss from cataracts. But
don't consider it until the cataract keeps you from doing
the things you like to do. A farmer, a truck driver and a
watchmaker all have different needs.
Basically,
we advise patients to wait until the vision in the afflicted
eye becomes so poor that it interferes with daily routines
- such as driving or reading. So, the choice really comes
down to what you want and when you're ready to have it done.
Your lifestyle, your work habits, your personal well-being
are the true deciding factors when choosing the right time
for cataract surgery.
Q: How is
my cataract repaired?
A: It isn't
repaired, it's removed. The only way to improve your vision
is to remove the clouded lens. As we mentioned, cataracts
can only be removed surgically and CANNOT be removed with
a laser; however, lasers can be used in their treatment after
surgery. While there are several ways of removing the clouded
lens, many patients have their cataracts removed using the
most modern surgical technique called phacoemulsification.
Cataract surgery by phacoemulsification is simply the breaking
up of the cataract with a tiny instrument using sound waves,
and removing the cataract with a gentle suction in the tip.
It is important to understand that the eye itself is never
removed during cataract surgery. The entire procedure is done
on the eye in its normal position.
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