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About Cataracts

What is a Cataract?

If you’re reading this, you or someone you love has likely been diagnosed with a cataract.  We know this can be a scary time in your life, but, as you begin to consider your options, keep in mind that cataract surgery is one of the safest, most common surgical procedures.  And afterwards, most patients report better vision than they’ve had in years.

Cataracts are more common than you think.  According to the National Eye Institute, more than 20 million Americans have a developing cataract.  Still, even though cataracts are quite prevalent, many people don’t know what they are, or why they affect vision.   You may not notice a difference in your vision as the progression of cataracts is very slow, but your vision may seem cloudy, like looking through a foggy window. If you think you may have a cataract, please review this section of our website and contact us to schedule a consultation.

As we age, proteins in the lens begin to clump together, forming opaque clusters. Over time, these protein clumps will eventually cloud the lens, allowing significantly less light to pass through. The small amount of light that does make it to the retina is diffused or scattered, leaving vision defocused. These clusters can also change the coloration of the normally clear lens, tinting it to a brownish shade that affects color perception

What Causes Cataracts?

Although the majority of catracts develop on their own, as part of the natural aging process, there are certain risk factors that can contribute to catracts developing earlier, or at an accelerated rate.

Risk factors include:

• Trauma to the eye, including injury, burns or surgery
• Toxins, including regular use of tobacco, alcohol or corticosteroids
• Exposure to radiation, X-rays or ultraviolet (UV) light
• Certain diseases, including diabetes, hypothyroidism and glaucoma
• Heredity can also play a factor in determining when cataracts will begin to form in your lenses

What are the Symptoms of Cataracts?

Common symptoms of a cataract include a slow, painless blurring of vision, light sensitivity or increased problems with glare, poor night vision, or faded or dull colors. Cataracts are a normal part of the aging process, but can also be caused by medical problems such as diabetes and long-term use of medications like oral steroids. Left untreated, cataracts have the potential to cause a complete loss of vision. Thankfully, treating cataracts now involves a safe, relatively simple surgery—an amazing procedure than can literally change the way you see the world.

When Cataracts Become a Problem

If your symptoms are mild, a change of glasses may be all that is needed to improve your vision. Cataract surgery should be considered when changes to your vision begin to interfere with your daily activities. You must decide whether you can see well enough to drive safely, read or watch TV comfortably, or perform daily tasks like cooking, shopping or taking your medications without difficulty.

Just remember that, left untreated, cataracts will eventually cause a complete loss of vision, so sooner may be better than later.

Cataract Surgery Choices

The only truly effective cataract treatment is to remove the clouded lens through surgery.

Today, there are a different types of intraocular lenses (IOLs) , each with their own unique features and advancements. You and Dr. Shapiro will work together to decide which type of IOL is best suited for your needs.

Would you like the chance to be glasses-free after surgery, or are you fine with wearing glasses? Do you have an astigmatism? Is cost an issue? These are the sort of questions you’ll need to consider as you begin thinking about IOL options.

The Surgery: Quick but Complex

The typical cataract surgery procedure lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and is done on an outpatient basis in a recognized surgical facility. To ensure you feel no pain during your procedure your eye will be anesthetized with topical drops. Under an operating microscope, a minute incision is made into your cornea. Dr. Shapiro will use a probe the size of a pen tip to break apart and suction out the old lens. Then a permanent intraocular lens implant (IOL) is placed inside the eye to replace the natural lens which was removed. Typically the IOL is rolled up into the tip of an injector tool, so it can be inserted through the same tiny incision. Once injected, the IOL unfolds perfectly into place.

Because of the small surgical incision, you probably won’t require stitches—your eye should heal itself naturally. You will have a protective patch placed over your eye.

And that’s it! All you have to do now is rest up, and get ready to enjoy the benefits of improved vision—often even better than before the cataract developed!

Once the Surgery is Completed

After the procedure, Dr. Shapiro will apply some antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops and place a protective patch over your eye. For the first hour or so, you may feel slightly groggy from the local anesthetic—this will pass.

Before you leave, you will receive instructions for caring for your eye. A loved one or caregiver should be on-hand to drive you home, so you can rest up.

Dr. Shapiro will have you return to the office, usually the same day of your procedure, just to make sure your eye is healing properly. Additional check-ups are usually scheduled for two weeks, then two weeks later, and then three months after the procedure.

Make sure you stick to your instructions, avoiding strenuous activities and administering your medications as prescribed. Be careful not to rub or place pressure on your eyes.

During the first week, you may experience some mild aftereffects from your procedure, including itching, discharge and vision fluctuations. These are normal and tend to subside quickly. Sensitivity to light can be common; sunglasses help. Although complications are generally uncommon, contact Dr. Shapiro immediately if you experience severe pain, swelling, redness, bleeding, loss of vision or double vision. These problems are usually treatable if dealt with right away.

A Whole New Perspective

The day after cataract surgery, most patients find they can resume many everyday activities—watching TV, reading, even some light chores. Then, after just two to three days with your new IOL in place, you’ll be ready to drive, go back to work, and much, much more.

After the procedure, colors may seem more vibrant, your vision clearer, more in focus. Restored vision often motivates patients to pick up the tasks and hobbies that their cataracts once prevented them from doing—you might even be inspired to take up some new ones. And why not? Cataract surgery doesn’t just improve your vision—it opens up a whole world of possibilities.