Cataracts

Cataracts are the primary cause of blindness. More than 22 million Americans over the age of 40 have cataracts and, by 2020, it is estimated that the numbers will increase to over 30 million.

What are Cataracts?

Cataracts cause the lens of the eye to become cloudy, causing problems with vision.

There are three different types of cataracts:

• Subcapsular Cataract – Develops in the back of the lens. This type of cataract is most often seen in diabetics and individuals who take high doses of steroid eye drops.
• Nuclear Cataract – Develops in the nucleus of the lens. This type of cataract is generally caused by the aging process.
• Cortical Cataract – Develops in the cortex of the lens that surrounds the nucleus

Causes of Cataracts

The way the lens of the eye works is similar to a camera lens: it focuses the light in the retina which provides clear, unobstructed vision. The eye’s lens is made up of protein and water. The protein is organized in a specific way to allow light to pass through the lens. However, as a person gets older, small amounts of the protein often clump together causing the lens to become cloudy. Over time, the clump of protein may grow larger, causing the lens to become cloudier, making vision poor.

Eye doctors and scientists are not certain exactly why the lens changes as a person gets older. However, researchers have been able to identify certain factors that may cause cataracts. Aside from aging, risk factors for cataracts may include:

• Genetics and family history
• Diabetes
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
• Ultraviolet radiation from the sunlight
• Previous injury or eye surgery
• Eye inflammation
• Smoking
• Substantial alcohol consumption
• Obesity
• Extended use of corticosteroids
• Certain cholesterol medications
• Hormone replacement therapy

Symptoms of Cataracts:

• Cloudy, blurry, or dim vision
• Increased difficulty seeing at night
• Sensitivity to light
• Brighter light needed for reading
• Recurrent changes in eyesight, including glasses or contact prescriptions
• Yellowing or fading of colors
• Double vision in one eye

How Cataract Surgery Works

Cataract surgery is generally done as an outpatient procedure and typically takes less than one hour. An eye doctor will put eye drops into the eye to dilate the pupil and the patient will receive a local anesthetic to numb the area. During surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a clear, artificial lens. Sometimes a cataract can be removed without inserting an artificial lens. There are a few different types of surgical procedures for cataracts. A doctor will discuss the various options with patients to help them determine which procedure is the right fit for them. The doctor will also discuss the type of replacement lens that is best suited for the patient. There are several types of intraocular lenses to choose from.

After surgery, the patient will notice an improvement in their vision within a few days. An eye patch and a protective shield may be required for the first few days to prevent accidental injury to the eye and to prevent debris and germs from entering the eye while it is healing. Cataract surgery is very common and, for most people, a low-risk procedure.