What is a Cataract?

A cataract is a very slow, clouding of the eye's natural lens. The cataract development interferes with light passing through the eye to the retina. Cataracts are caused by a change in the proteins of the eye, which causes clouding or discoloration of the lens. Over time cataracts typically result in blurred or fuzzy vision and sensitivity to light.

People with progressed cataracts often describe the sensation as looking through a piece of cloudy cellophane. A cataract may make light from the sun or a lamp seem too bright, causing glare. Colors may not appear as bright as they once did, however, most cataracts develop so slowly that people usually don’t realize that their color vision has markedly deteriorated. Oncoming headlights may cause uncomfortable glare at night, making driving more difficult.

Causes of Cataracts

• Getting Older - Age is a major cause of developing cataracts
• Cigarette Smoking
• Exposure to ultraviolet light
• Birth defect like abnormal conditions in the eyes of unborn babies
• Environmental factors such as disease, toxic chemicals, medications
• Accidents or Injuries

Symptoms

• Need more light to read
• Frustration from bright lights
• Cloudy, fuzzy and blurry vision
• Faded Colors

Cataract Surgery

Cataracts are removed using a no stitch, no needle small incision surgery known as phaecoemulsification. After application of a topical anesthetic an incision of 2.5 to 3 millimeters in length is then created at the junction of the cornea (the clear domed structure on the front of the eye) and the sclera (the white part of the eye). The cataract is then broken using an ultrasonic device and suctioned from the eye.

Once all of the cataract material has been removed, a folded intraocular lens is inserted through the original incision. The lens is then maneuvered into the lens capsule and centered. The lens will remain inside your eye in this location. Intraocular lenses cannot be felt or sensed in any way by the patient.

Intraocular Lens Options

Intraocular lens come in a variety of materials and designs. Your surgeon generally chooses a lens made of a material that is best suited to your individual situation. All intraocular lenses used in our practice are coated with UV filters. Some lenses are yellow in color. These lenses are theoretically better at blocking the light rays in the blue spectrum which are thought to be related to the development of macular degeneration in some patients. Some intraocular lenses are designed to be multifocal in certain lighting circumstances, which may enable patients to see both at distance and near without the aid of spectacles? The Crystalens is also an option and is commonly referred to as the accomodating lens or also a presbyopic correcting IOL option. If you are seeking cataract surgery in Philadelphia or the southern New Jersey region please feel free to consult us directly regarding these new Intraocular lens options. This decision could play a major role in the quality of your lifestyle as you begin to age. Our doctors have the technology and expertise to provide you with the best possible visual outcome.