The photograph above is a picture of a cataract. The cataract is the yellow cloudy spot at the center of the eye.

What Is a Cataract?

As one ages, the clear lens in your eye becomes cloudy. This clouding will scatter light as it enters the eye and impairs the eye's ability to focuses images properly for you to see. The result is blurred vision and sometimes glare. This process can be compared to the rear window of a convertible car. Early on, it is clear, like the lens in the eye of a younger person. Over time, with age and damage from ultraviolet light, both the convertible window and the lens become yellow, discolored, and opaque. The amount and pattern of cloudiness within the lens can vary. If the cloudiness is not near the center of the lens, you may not be aware that a cataract is present.

Common symptoms of a cataract include:

• A painless blurring of vision
• Glare, or light sensitivity
• Frequent eyeglass prescription changes
• Double vision in one eye
• Needing brighter light to read
• Poor night vision
• Fading or yellowing of colors.

What Causes Cataract?

The most common type of cataract is related to aging of the eye. Other causes of cataract include:

• Family history
• Medical problems, such as diabetes
• Injury to the eye
• Medications, such as steroids
• Long term, unprotected exposure to sunlight
• Previous eye surgery

How is a Cataract Detected?

clear lens

cataract

A thorough examination by your optometrist or ophthalmologist can detect the presence and extent of the cataract, as well as any other conditions that may be causing blurred vision or discomfort.

There may be other reasons for the vision loss in addition to the cataract, particularly problems involving the retina or optic nerve. If these problems are present, perfect vision may not return after cataract removal.

If such conditions are severe, removal of the cataract may not result in any improvement in vision. After an exam, your doctor will be able to tell you how much improvement in vision can be expected.

How Fast Does a Cataract Develop?

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 and cause vision to deteriorate. It is not possible to predict how fast cataracts will develop in any given person.

How is Cataract Treated?

Surgery is the only way your ophthalmologist can remove the cataract. If symptoms from a cataract are relatively mild, a change of the eyeglass prescription may be all that is needed for you to function comfortably.

During cataract surgery, the cloudy lens is removed from the eye. The focusing power of the natural lens is restored by replacing it with a permanent intraocular lens implant. Although this lens is placed inside the eye, it has the optical properties of a contact lens. As such, if you are very farsighted or nearsighted, your prescription can be greatly reduced after cataract surgery.

There are two methods used to remove the cataract - phacoemulsification and extracapsular extraction. In phacoemulsification, a small incision is made in the eye. A small instrument is inserted into the eye and using ultrasonic energy, the cataract is broken up into little pieces and removed from the eye. In extracapsular extraction, a larger incision is required and the lens is taken out in one piece using other instruments. Although phacoemulsification is most commonly employed, your doctor will decide which method is best for you. For more information, see How your cataract surgery is performed

Your ophthalmologist performs this delicate surgery using a microscope and miniature instruments. Although it is a common misconception, [lasers are not used to remove cataracts].

There are no medications, dietary supplements, exercises or optical devices that have been shown to prevent or cure cataracts. Protection from excessive sunlight may help prevent or slow the progression of cataracts. Sunglasses that screen out ultraviolet (UV) light rays or regular eyeglasses with a clear, anti-UV coating offer this protection.

How Long Does It Take to Heal From the Surgery?

In some people, the vision is noticeably better the day after surgery. In others it may take several weeks to a month for the vision to improve. You may return almost immediately to all but the most strenuous activities. You will have to take eye drops as your ophthalmologist directs, and several postoperative visits are required to monitor the progress of the eye as it heals. A new eyeglass prescription is obtained about 4-6 weeks after the surgery.

Cataract surgery is a highly successful procedure. Improved vision is the result in over 90% of cases, unless there is a problem with the cornea, retina or optic nerve. It is important to understand that complications can occur during or after the surgery, some severe enough to limit vision. As with any surgery, a good result cannot be guaranteed.

When Should Surgery Be Done?

Cataract surgery should be considered when cataracts cause enough loss of vision to interfere with daily activities. Cataract surgery can be performed when your visual needs require it. You must decide if you can see to do your job and drive safely, if you can read and watch TV comfortably. Can you perform daily tasks, such as cooking, shopping, yard work, or taking medications without difficulty? Are you able to see well enough to pursue your hobbies and other interests?

Based on your symptoms, you and your ophthalmologist should decide together when surgery is appropriate.

Click here to learn more about Cataract Surgery.