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Cataracts What is a cataract? First of all, a cataract is not:
Rather, a cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. The lens is the primary focusing mechanism of the eye. As we age, this crystal clear lens becomes cloudy and yellow and loses its elasticity, or ability to change focus. When this occurs, it is called a cataract. Causes The most common type of cataract is related to aging of the eye. Other causes may include family history, medical problems (such as diabetes), injury to the eye, medications (such as steroids), long term un-protected exposure to sunlight, and previous eye surgery. Symptoms The symptoms of a cataract include blurry vision, glare or light sensitivity, double vision, frequent eyeglass prescription change, needing brighter light to read, poor night vision, and fading of colors.
Development How quickly the cataract develops varies among individuals, and may vary even between the two eyes. Most cataracts associated with aging progress gradually over a period of years. Other cataracts, especially in younger people and people with diabetes, may progress rapidly over a few months. Overall, it is not possible to predict exactly how fast a cataract will develop for any given person. Removal It is not true that cataracts need to be "ripe" before they can be removed. A cataract should be removed when it begins to affect your lifestyle. Can you perform daily tasks without difficulty? Do glare and blurry vision interfere with your driving? Or have you given up your favorite hobby? Cataract surgery can be performed when your visual needs require it.
(cataract formation over a lifetime) Cataract Surgery Over a 1.4million people have cataract surgery each year in the United States. A tiny incision is made into the perimeter of the cornea. This incision provides a corneal tunnel through which the cataract is removed. The most modern method of removing a cataract is through the use of phacoemulsification. This ultrasonic probe breaks up a cataract into tiny microscopic pieces which are gently aspirated out of the eye.(1) Then, a specially designed injector, much like a syringe, is used to implant the foldable intraocular lens. (Read about the ReZoomTM Multifocal IOL) The injector is inserted through the clear corneal incision, over the iris, and into the center of the pupil. There, the lens is slowly ejected where it expands and unfolds into position.(2) Situated in the same capsule that once housed the natural lens of the eye, the unfolded intraocular lens restores focus after surgery.(3)
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1. Phacoemulsification 2. Ejecting the
lens 3. Crystal clear new implant