WHAT ARE CATARACTS?

Nahndi Bush, M.D. • August 17, 2020

WHAT ARE CATARACTS ?
Dr. Nahndi Bush (Glaucoma Specialists)

Cataracts are a naturally occurring process in the human eye. In normal

development, we are born with a clear lens that focuses images onto the back of

the eye (the retina) like a lens focuses images for your camera. Over time,

ultraviolet light from the sun, by- products of the foods that we eat, and our

environment gradually cause the lens to become cloudier and cloudier. This can

begin to impact vision, usually after the age of 40, and become what we know as

a cataract.

Just having a cataract does not mean that any treatment is required.

Generally, treatment is indicated when the symptoms begin to interfere with your

daily activities and enjoyment of life. Common symptoms of cataracts include

increasing difficulty seeing to drive at night, disabling glare from oncoming car

headlights, and hazy vision in bright sunlight (glare). You may find that reading

and TV viewing are more and more of a struggle, even with updated eyeglasses.

The only treatment for cataracts is surgery. This involves using an

instrument through a microincision at the side of the eye to remove the cloudy

lens material, and replacing it with a tiny prosthetic lens implant, like replacing

the faulty lens of a camera. This usually takes less than 10 to 15 minutes,

requiring only local anesthesia, and can be done in an ambulatory care setting.

This means that you can be home and doing most of your normal activities within

a couple of hours of having your surgery performed. One eye is done one day, and

the other can usually be done anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks later, depending on a

patient’s preference and satisfactory recovery. Most patients are less dependent

on eyeglasses after cataract surgery, and many options are available to further

enhance the result. For example, surgery can be performed with the assistance of

laser (Femtosecond laser with Catalys or LensX technology), which can make

faster recovery possible and reduce astigmatism (irregularities in the shape of the

cornea, the clear front surface of the eye), for sharper vision. Advanced

technology lens implants (ATIOLS) like the Symfony and PanOptix lenses can give

patients the freedom to do more activities without the use of eyeglasses after

surgery. These special options are not covered by health insurance, so it is good

to begin to consider how you feel about eyeglass use before it is time to decide

upon cataract surgery, so that you may know about your possible choices and

invest wisely.

A comprehensive eye exam is the way to know if you have cataracts, so

make sure to schedule one at least annually. If your eye doctor says that you have

cataracts, don’t panic! Pay attention to your daily functioning, and consider

whether your the vision is interfering with the things you want and need to do the

most. If it is, there are outstanding treatment options available to help you

recover your sight, and continue to live your very best life

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