Cataract Misunderstandings
Cataract is clouding of the natural lens of the eye. The most important factor in cataract formation is increasing age, but there are additional factors, including smoking, diabetes, and excessive exposure to sunlight. It can also be present at birth or be caused by injury to the eye.
More than 20 million Americans over the age of 40 have cataract, and it is the most frequent cause of preventable blindness in the world.
No. But often they develop in both eyes at the same time.
No. Cataract is not caused by overuse of the eyes and using the eyes when cataract starts to develop will not make the cataract worse.
Yes. Cataracts can be caused by injuries to the eye. A cut, blow or burn to the eye can cause damage to the lens inside the eye. This type of cataract is called a traumatic cataract.
Yes. Babies can be born with this condition. This is called congenital cataract.
Yes. Cataract is more common in people who have certain diseases such as diabetes.
Most forms of cataract develop in adult life. The normal process of aging causes the lens to harden and become cloudy (opaque). This is called age-related cataract and it is the most common type. It can occur anytime after the age of 40.
Some people may or may not be aware that a cataract is developing; it can start at the edge of the lens and initially may not cause problems with vision. Generally, as a cataract develops, people experience blurring or hazing of vision. Often they become more sensitive to light and glare.
There may be a need to get new prescriptions for glasses more often when a cataract is developing. When cataracts worsen, stronger glasses no longer improve sight. Objects have to be held close to the eye to be seen. The hole in the iris (pupil) may no longer look black; a white or yellow appearance may be seen. The lens behind the pupil becomes more dense and cloudy (opaque) as the cataract develops.
Cataract Treatment
When a cataract progresses to the point that it is interfering with daily activities and normal lifestyle, cataract surgery is usually indicated.
There is no known prevention for cataracts. Modern surgery is highly successful for the majority of patients.
No. It is common for cataracts to develop more quickly in one eye than the other. The timing of an operation is decided by the ophthalmologist. Usually, the more seriously affected eye is operated on first.
Removal of the lens involves an operation which makes a tiny opening into the eye at the edge of the cornea. Ophthalmologists use a microscope to carry out the operation. The cloudy lens will be removed from inside the eye, and replaced permanently with a clear plastic implant lens. The new lens helps to focus the light rays to the back of the eye. This is a painless procedure.
Most operations for cataract are performed under local anesthetic. This is a method of pain prevention usually given by eye drops or injection around the eye.
This intraocular lens (IOL) corrects the vision in the eye after the cataract operation. Many people still require reading glasses with an intraocular lens implant.
No. Most operations for cataracts are performed with same day surgery. This means that you are admitted to a hospital, have your operation and are discharged home all in the same day. You do not stay overnight in the hospital. For a minority of patients an overnight stay is needed.
Serious complications are uncommon following cataracts surgery, however, like most operations problems may develop occasionally.
Aftercare
Your operated eye will be covered with a protective plastic eye shield. Some patients may additionally have an eye pad. As the anesthetic wears off, there can sometimes be a dull ache felt in and around the operated eye.
The next day at the doctor’s office the eye pad is removed, the eye lids are cleaned, the eye examined, and you will start to put in your eye drops. All patients are advised to wear the protective plastic eye shield when in bed at night for a week after the operation.
Eye drop treatment prevents infection and helps reduce inflammation after surgery and may be necessary for about one month.
You should avoid rubbing or touching your eye. You may find that you are sensitive to light. It is useful to have a pair of plain dark glasses in case you need them.
