Cataract
A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. It can be compared to a window that is frosted or fogged with steam. Common symptoms of a cataract include a slow, painless blurring of vision, light sensitivity or increased problems with glare, poor night vision, or fading or yellowing of 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.
Surgery is currently the only way to remove a cataract. 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.
Cataract surgery is done on an outpatient basis in a recognized surgical facility. Topical anesthesia makes the surgery painless. Under an operating microscope, a minute incision is made into the eye. Microsurgical instruments are used to remove the cloudy lens from the eye. Then a permanent intraocular lens implant is placed inside the eye to replace the natural lens which was removed.
Almost two million people have cataract surgery every year in the United States. Cataract surgery is a highly successful procedure that results in improved vision for over 90% of patients. As with any surgical procedure, there is a possibility of complications. These are rare and seldom serious, but they can occur.
Cataract surgery does not correct the need for reading glasses. At Shapiro Eye Care we use multifocal lenses that eliminate or reduce the need for reading glasses
