What is a cataract?
A cataract is the clouding of the natural lens, which is located behind the iris and the pupil. The lens works much like a camera lens, focusing light onto the retina at the back of the eye.
The lens also adjusts the eye's focus, letting us see things clearly both up close and far away.
Common symptoms of cataracts include:
- Cloudy or blurry vision
- Trouble seeing at night
- Seeing glare or halos around lights
- A change in how you see colors
What causes a cataract?
Most cataracts develop slowly and don't disturb your eyesight early on. However, as a cataract matures, it becomes harder for a person to see. Vision may become cloudy or blurry, and colors may fade. People's faces, objects, and colors can appear hazy, cloudy, or "washed out." This lack of detail can make it difficult to read, watch television, or see road signs. Cataracts are a natural occurrence related to the aging process. Other factors, such as diabetes, smoking, injury, previous eye surgery, and prolonged exposure to sunlight can increase the risk of developing cataracts.
How can a cataract be treated?
Stronger lighting and eyeglasses can help you deal with cataracts, but if impaired vision interferes with your usual activities, you might consider cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is one of the most safe and effective procedures available.
Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure and is one of the most common operations performed. The recovery time is minimal and most patients are able to resume normal activities shortly after surgery. The success rate of cataract surgery is excellent and vision is improved in the majority of patients if no other vision problems are present.
An evaluation will help your eye doctor learn more about your vision problem. If your vision isn't keeping you from enjoying your daily activities, you may wait to have it removed. Together you and your doctor will decide what is best for you. After the exam, you and your eye doctor will discuss treatment options. Surgery is the only way to remove a cataract and replace your cloudy lens.
Cataract surgery is a reliable and safe procedure. Dr. Andrew Michael, Dr. Joseph Iuorno, Dr. Tami Flowers and Dr. Matthew Young are all experienced surgeons performing over 3,000 cases per year. Surgery is performed in a state-of-the-art facility, in a convenient location at Stony Point Surgery Center with a highly skilled and friendly staff.
