A cataract is a cloudy area in the natural lens of the eye.
The lens helps focus light on the retina at the back of the eye. It is located behind the iris (the colored part of the eye). As a cataract grows larger over time, the cloudiness worsens and causes vision problems.

Most cataracts occur naturally as people get older, but could appear earlier in life in cases of: eye injury, diabetes or other diseases, exposure to radiation, especially x-rays, long-term use of steroid medication, exposure to toxic substances, an inflammatory disorder of the eye (iritis), prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Cataracts are bilateral, but one eye could be affected earlier than the other.

The symptoms of a cataract include: blurred vision, a need for frequent changes in eyeglasses or contacts, trouble driving at night because of the glare caused by cataract, sensitivity to bright light, change in color vision (yellow, orange, and red appear brighter and blue appears dull).

Cataracts do not cause complete blindness. However, it is possible to lose enough vision to be declared legally blind.

The symptoms of a cataract develop slowly and are painless. The condition may go unnoticed and undiagnosed for a long time. It is often first diagnosed during a routine eye exam.
If the cataract is affecting the vision and lifestyle and cannot be helped with glasses or contact lenses, a surgeon may need to remove the lens. This type of surgery is called cataract extraction surgery. An artificial intraocular lens will replace the natural lens during cataract surgery and will make you see well again.

Lasers are not used to remove cataracts. However, they may be used to open a cloudy membrane that may develop after cataract surgery. We may reduce the risk of damaging the eyes and in turn reduce the risk of developing cataracts by wearing glasses with a UV coating that protects the eyes from sunlight, and wearing goggles or safety glasses at work or during recreation where your eyes could be injured.

Call today our office and schedule an appointment for a comprehensive vision and ocular health assessment.