Cataracts are the clouding of the normally clear lens
of the eye. In a normal eye, the clear cornea
allows light to enter. The iris controls the amount of light entering
the eye by changing the size of the pupil. The light passes through
a clear lens and is focused by the lens onto the back of the eye, or
the retina, creating a sharp, clear image. Through the natural aging
process, the clear lens gradually clouds and hardens. As the clouding
increases, vision becomes fogged or blurry because the light is not
clearly focused on the retina. Cataracts may
take a number of years to develop and usually form in both eyes, however
not always at the same time. Although they are a natural part of the
aging process and affect millions of Americans every year, cataracts
need to be properly diagnosed and treated.
A thorough eye examination by your ophthalmologist or optometrist can
detect the presence and extent of a cataract, as well as any other conditions
that may be causing blurred vision or discomfort. There are no medications,
dietary supplements, exercises or optical devices that have been shown
to prevent or cure cataracts. Surgery is the only way to correct your
vision and remove the cataract. Southwestern Eye Center has many qualified
eye surgeons who are available to remove cataracts.
Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia
and generally involves two steps: the cloudy lens is removed and it
is usually replaced with a uniquely designed lens called an IOL (intraocular
lens), specifically powered for your eye. During surgery a small incision
is made in the eye. Microsurgical instruments are used to break the
cloudy lens into small pieces and then those pieces are suctioned out.
The posterior or back capsule of the eye is left in place to help support
the IOL. Today's "No Stitch" procedure allows you to go home quickly
and experience improved vision much sooner.
After cataract surgery, you may return almost immediately to all normal
activities. Your ophthalmologist will direct you in the correct use
of your post surgery eye drops. Several postoperative visits are needed
to check on the progress of the eye as it heals. Cataract surgery is
one of the most frequently performed and successful surgeries in the
United States. If you believe cataracts hinder your vision, it is time
to call your ophthalmologist.
New Technology:
Thanks to the advances in IOL technology, a new class
of intraocular lens that accommodates like the eye's natural lens has
received FDA approval. The crystalens is an IOL replacement for cataracts
that allows seamless focusing up close, far away, and at all distance
in-between, giving patients their best possible vision and in most cases
eliminating their need for glasses and contacts for everyday tasks...
a tremendous advantage over traditional IOLs.
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Cataracts