Eye Cataracts

What is a Cataract?

A Cataract is the clouding of the eye's lens. The exact cause of cataracts is still uncertain but cataracts seem to form as we age. Besides age, other factors might include exposure to ultraviolet light, cigarette smoking, alcohol, and eating habits. According to the National Eye Institutes, "By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery."

Types of eye cataracts

• Age Related Cataracts - occurs when protein clusters up in the lens and causes cloudiness or from the discoloration of the lens from aging
• Secondary cataract - forms after surgery from other eye disease like glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy
• Traumatic cataract - forms after eye injury
• Congenital cataract - present at birth due to birth defects, diseases, or other problems
• Radiation cataract - forms after major exposure to radiation

Symptoms and detection of cataracts

Warning signs of cataracts may include blurry vision or glare from car headlights especially at night. Sunlight or indoor overhead lighting may seem to be seem too bright or cause glare. You may notice that bright colors may appear dulled. Sometime cataracts can cause double vision, and you may actually find that you are frequently changing contact or eyeglasses prescriptions. These symptoms might also be signs of other eye related problems so it is best to get checked by your eye doctor if you are having any of these problems.The eye doctor will place drops in your eyes to dilate your pupils and perform a thorough eye exam and study the crystaline lens of your eye as well as to check the optic nerves and retina for changes that might be contributing to your vision complaints.The eye doctor will also perform a test called tonometry in order to measure the pressure inside your eye as one of the diagnostic tools for glaucoma.

Cataract Eye Surgery

The only effective treatment for cataracts is to have them surgically removed. Modern cataract surgery is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures in the United States.When performed by an experienced cataract and lens implantation surgeon, it is also one of the most successful surgeries that you can have. Cataract surgery usually requires the replacement of the natural lens with an intraocular lens (IOL). The IOL replaces the natural lens that has been removed because it was cloudy and thus gives you better vision. Today, Ophthalmologists can actually replace the cloudy lens with an advanced technology intraocular lens such as Crystalens or ReSTOR which will correct not only your distance vision but your near and arms length vision as well. They can hardly be distinguished from your natural lens and can give you back the focusing ability you lost in your 40's when you became presbyopic. There are two main types of cataract surgery that are used today. They are called phacoemulsification and extracapsular surgery. In Phacoemulsification or "Phaco" , a tiny incision is made into the cornea and a computer assisted device emits ultrasound waves to breakup the lens. The cloudy natural lens is then removed and replaced with an IOL. In extracapsular surgery, a longer incision is made and the cloudy core of the lens is removed as a whole piece while any left over areas of the lens are sucked up. Complications of cataract surgery are unusual but may include infection, bleeding, pain, swelling, and sometimes even something called an "after-cataract".This is a condition where tissue surrounding the IOL becomes cloudy. Fortunately, an eye surgeon can easily eliminate the "after cataract" by using a laser and without any additional surgery. This procedure, called a YAG Laser Capsulotomy may be required to remove the after-cataract and is extremely effective and relatively quick and simple. In the vast majority of cases cataract surgery and lens implantation is performed in an outpatient setting and you will be able to have your cataract removed and a new lens implanted and be able to go home within a few hours. Most of the time you will be able to resume your normal work and recreational activities within just a few days.

Lowering the risk of cataracts or at least slowing down the formation of cataracts is something you can do as first step to your overall health. It is a good idea to get annual eye exams. Since people with diabetes are more likely to also form cataracts, they should get checkups more frequently. Wearing sunglasses or eyeglasses that block ultraviolet light is a good idea. Some research, although not conclusive, has suggested that smoking and use of some drugs like steroids increases formation of cataracts. Stopping smoking or at least decreasing the amount you smoke could help slow the formation of cataracts. Cataract formation can also be slowed by eating healthy foods. Eating green leafy vegetables and fruits high in Vitamins A, C, and E can slow the growth of cataracts.It is important to learn more about cataracts and their prevention. According to Vision Problems in the U.S., an article by the NEI and Prevent Blindness America, "...the federal government spends more than $3.4 billion each year treating cataract through the Medicare program." As you can see, cataracts are also a huge financial burden for all of us. For more information on cataracts visit your eye care doctor or visit http://www.nei.nih.gov for more research. Materials on this page have been researched from the National Eye Institute.

After Cataract Surgery

Almost immediately after surgery patients are able to see and go about their everyday activities. Your doctor will setup a few appointments to see you the next day after cataract surgery and schedule times after that to check up on your healing process. During this time the patient should be care not to bring upon any pressure to the eye especially during cleansing and little things you may be unaware of such as rubbing your eyes. You should receive eye drops that will help the pressure around your eye, your doctor should let you know how long to use it. Because of the surgery and eye drops you may find that you will have fluid discharge. Some people may experience pain, discomfort or itchy eyes. Your doctor may give you medication to help relive these symptoms.