What are cataracts?

Simply, a cataract is when the entire lens in the eye becomes clouded and vision is diminished. Cataracts occur when the lens yellows with age or when proteins in our eyes clump together clouding over an area of the eye. As cataracts progress, light coming into the eye through the lens is blocked and interferes with our vision. The lens is the clear part of the eye that helps to focus light rays precisely onto the retina so that the images we see are clear and sharp. If the lens is cloudy or blocked, our vision is out of focus. A cataract is not a ‘film’ over the eye but rather a permanent clouding or yellowing of the lens. Cataracts can occur in one eye or both and cannot spread from one eye to the other. Cataracts cannot be prevented nor can they be ‘cured’ with diet or laser treatments; they are a natural part of aging.


What happens with a cataract?

In an eye with a cataract, the lens, one of the main components for our focusing ability, becomes less transparent. Light entering the eye through the lens is now scattered and diffused and does not focus precisely onto the retina as in a normal eye. The result is blurred, dulled, or yellowed vision; it is like looking through a window that is frosted or yellowed. Cataracts tend to grow slowly progressing over a period of years and this growth rate may be different for each eye. Cataract development varies with each individual.


What causes cataracts?

While the most common type of cataract is age-related, other causes include: family history; medical problems, such as diabetes; injury to the eye; medications, especially steroids; radiation; long-term, unprotected exposure to sunlight; previous eye surgery; and other unknown factors. Age-related cataracts generally develop after the age of 50 and are the major cause of decreased vision among the elderly.


Signs and Symptoms of Cataracts

Cataracts are painless. The primary sign of cataracts is blurred vision. Other signs and symptoms may include reduced sharpness of vision, fading or yellowing of colors, needing brighter light to read, glare or light sensitivity, double vision in one eye, and poor night vision.

*Note: if you are experiencing eye pain, seek immediate treatment with an eye care physician.


Diagnosis and Treatment of Cataracts

Cataracts are detected through a comprehensive eye exam that includes:

1. A visual acuity test to measure how you see at various distances
2. A dilated eye exam that widens the pupils allowing for a close-up examination of the of the inside of the eye
3. Tonometry to measure the pressure inside the eye.

Cataracts in the early stages may be improved with eyeglasses, brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses, and magnifying lens or other aids. Advanced cataracts, when the loss vision interferes with your daily activities, require surgery.

At OPI, both Dr. Gregory Riffle and Dr. Gregory Eippert specialize in cataracts. They will work closely with you to asses your needs, provide you with information and answer your questions, and determine the best surgery option including IOLs (intraocular lenses) as necessary. Regular and complete eye exams with your OPI doctor are highly recommended to provide a documented record of your eye care history including general eye health and specific concerns such as cataracts.

Cataract surgery is performed on an outpatient basis under local or topical anesthesia and involves pre-op, post-op and follow-up care. If you have cataracts in both eyes, each eye will be operated on separately with approximately 4 to 8 weeks between each surgery. Notably, cataracts surgery is the most commonly performed surgery in the United States with over 2 million people having the procedure each year. With the OPI team, you can be assured of exceptional care by qualified doctors using the latest procedures and technology.

While cataracts are a given in the aging process, the treatment of this condition has made amazing advancements and the results are better than ever. Make an appointment today to talk with your OPI doctor about eye care and options for treating cataracts.

For additional information about cataracts, refer to these websites:

www.allaboutvision.com
www.nei.nih.gov
www.docshop.com