What is a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. Most cataracts are related to aging. Cataracts are very common in older people. By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery. A cataract can occur in either or both eyes. It cannot spread from one eye to the other.
What is the lens?
The lens is a clear part of the eye that helps to focus light, or an image, on the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye
How do cataracts develop?
Age-related cataracts develop in two ways.
- Clumps of protein reduce the sharpness of the image reaching the retina.
- The clear lens slowly changes to a yellowish/brownish color, adding a brownish tint to vision.
Who is at risk for cataract?
The risk of cataract increases as you get older. Besides age, other risk factors for cataract include
- certain diseases like diabetes
- personal behavior like smoking or alcohol use
- environmental factors such as prolonged exposure to ultraviolet sunlight.
. What are the symptoms of a cataract?
The most common symptoms of a cataract are
- cloudy or blurry vision
- colors seem faded
- glare -- headlights, lamps, or sunlight appearing too bright, or a halo may appear around lights
Are there other types of cataract?
Yes. Although most cataracts are related to aging, there are other types of cataract. These include
- secondary cataract
- traumatic cataract
- congenital cataract
- radiation cataract.
How is a cataract detected?
· Cataract is detected through a comprehensive eye exam that includes a visual acuity test, a dilated eye exam, and tonometry
How is a cataract treated?
· The symptoms of early cataract may be improved with new eyeglasses, brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses, or magnifying lenses. If these measures do not help, surgery is the only effective treatment. Surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens.
What are the risks of cataract surgery?
· As with any surgery, cataract surgery poses risks such as infection and bleeding. Before cataract surgery, your doctor may ask you to temporarily stop taking certain medications that increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. After surgery, you must keep your eye clean, wash your hands before touching your eye, and use the prescribed medications to help minimize the risk of infection. Serious infection can result in loss of vision
What happens after surgery?
· After the operation, a patch may be placed over your eye. You will rest for a while. Your medical team will watch for any problems, such as bleeding. Most people who have cataract surgery can go home the same day. You will need someone to drive you home
When will my vision be normal again?
· You can return quickly to many everyday activities, but your vision may be blurry. The healing eye needs time to adjust so that it can focus properly with the other eye, especially if the other eye has a cataract. Ask your doctor when you can resume driving
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