A) Cataract surgery, alone, can bring about radically improved vision. After the cataract is removed, an engineered lens, known as an intraocular lens implant, is usually put in its place. This device can correct many aspects of refraction so that the need for glasses is reduced or in some cases, even eliminated. The goal of cataract removal and lens implant replacement is to improve as many variables in the patient’s vision at one time as possible. Often, laser vision correction is not needed after cataract surgery.

A) Cataracts are treatable. If cataracts are diminishing your ability to function, surgery may be an option to restore vision to as near normal as possible. Cataract surgery in those with diabetes is performed in the same way as in patients without diabetes. The cataracts are the same in both.

A) Cataract surgery usually involves insertion of intraocular lens implants [IOL’s}] into the eye and enables individuals to achieve visual freedom.  LASIK is not always required.  First undergo removal of the cataract with intraocular lens implants [IOL’s] and then, have LASIK if have astigmatism or a residual prescription would require the use of glasses.  As the accuracy of lenses is not yet at the level of LASIK, LASIK may be still be needed.

Some people are scared to have surgery, or just don’t think their eyes are that bad.  Because cataracts often grow slowly, a person can sometimes, not realize the extent of their cataract.  Education and examination are helpful for a patient in this situation.  If cataracts are not treated, the vision will continue to worsen and eventually you will no longer be able to see.  Cataract surgery has been performed for many years and is relatively safe.  About 3 million cataract procedures are performed yearly in the U.S. and 97% are considered successful!   If you are not sure if you should have surgery, see your eye doctor and find out how much you vision is affected.  Knowing this will help you decided if now is the right time for removal!

You may notice that your night driving vision is not as good as before, or things just don’t seem as bright as they used to.  The best way to find out if you have cataracts is to see your eye doctor  for an eye examination.

Unfortunately cataracts are a normal part of the aging process.  However, it is helpful to wear sunglasses or a large brimmed hat to avoid ultraviolet rays of the sun being absorbed by your natural lens.  The natural lens protects the back of our eye, so reducing sun exposure may help slow down the process of cataract formation.

Yes.  There are a number of different types of cataracts.  A posterior subcapsular cataract occurs in the center of the lens and reduces vision due to its central location.  Vision worsens  in a brightly lit situation.  Nuclear cataracts are the most common type of cataracts.  The lens nucleus becomes brown and eventually the entire lens is affected.  People require more light to see and the world begins to look yellow in color.  Nuclear sclerotic cataracts often make people more nearsightedness, and can see clearly up close without glasses.  Cortical cataracts form in a spoke like pattern.  A capsular cataract is an opacification in the outer portion of the lens.  Finally mature cataracts affect the entire lens and can sometimes be seen with the naked eye.

A cataract is a clouding of the normally, clear natural lens inside of our eye.  Worldwide, about 20 million people have cataracts.  To the person who has them, it is like looking through frosted glass.  Cataracts are common above the age of 55 and by the age of  80, almost 50% of people either have cataracts or have had surgery.  Almost everyone eventually develops cataracts.  Certain medications, trauma to the eye, or medical conditions may also cause the formation of cataracts.