Cataract Surgery: Background

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“So you have a cataract, now what?”

In our daily patient exams, we frequently find ourselves saying “You have a cataract,” followed by “Don’t worry.” We then attempt to reassure you by discussing the benefits versus risks of proceeding with cataract surgery.

The truth is, once you understand what a cataract is, how it will be removed, and how your vision may be improved with the modern day intraocular lens, your concern about your diagnosis could actually turn into excitement.

What Is A Cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside your eye. This lens works in a manner similar to the lens of a camera. It is located behind the colored part of the eye known as the iris. It focuses light images onto a “film” known as the retina. The retina in turn forwards the images to your brain via the optic nerve.

Made mostly of protein and water, the human lens can become clouded. When it does, it is referred to as a cataract. A cataract prevents light images from clearly focusing onto the retina. While eye injuries, certain diseases, and some medications can cause the clouding, in over 90% of cases, the clouding is simply caused by aging.

What Are The Symptoms Of A Cataract?

A cataract can cause sharp images to become blurred, bright colors to become dull, or seeing at night to become more difficult. You may have trouble seeing fine print even with reading glasses or you may experience difficulty driving at night secondary to glare.

Can Cataracts Be Prevented?

Unfortunately, the answer is no. You cannot prevent a cataract. As mentioned above, the development of a cataract is typically due to aging.

Fortunately, removing the cloudy cataract and replacing it with a clear intraocular lens can restore your vision and significantly improve your quality of life. The time to consider cataract surgery is when the quality of your vision begins to put limits on your activities and enjoyment of life.

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