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| Cataracts |
While a comprehensive eye examination can determine
for certain if you have a cataract forming, there are a number
of signs and symptoms that may indicate a cataract. Among them
are:
- Gradual blurring or hazy vision where colors may seem
yellowed;
- The appearance of dark spots or shadows that seem to
move when the eye moves;
- A tendency to become more nearsighted because of increasing
density of the lens;
- Double vision in one eye only;
- A gradual loss of color vision;
- A stage where it is easier to see without glasses;
- The feeling of having a film over the eyes; and
- An increased sensitivity to glare, especially at night.
What is a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear crystalline
lens of the eye. This prevents the lens from properly focusing
light on the retina at the back of the eye, resulting in
a loss of vision. A cataract is not a film that
grows over the surface of the eye, as is often commonly
thought.
Why are they
called cataracts?
Sometimes cataracts can be seen as a milkiness on the normally
black pupil. In ancient times, it was believed this cloudiness
was caused by a waterfall - or cataract - behind the eye.
Who gets cataracts?
Cataracts are most often found in persons over the age of
55, but they are also occasionally found in younger people,
including newborns.
What causes cataracts?
It is known that a chemical change within the eye causes
the lens to become cloudy. The change may be due to advancing
age or it may be the result of heredity, an injury or a
disease. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet or infrared radiation
present in sunlight or from furnaces, cigarette smoking and/or
the use of certain medications are also cataract risk factors.
Cataracts usually develop in both eyes, often at different
rates.
Can cataracts
be prevented and treated?
Currently, there is no proven method to prevent cataracts
from forming. If your cataract develops to a point that
daily activities are affected, you will be referred to an eye
surgeon who may recommend the surgical removal of the cataract.
Prescription changes in your eyewear will help you see more
clearly until surgery is necessary, but surgery is the only
proven means of effectively treating cataracts. The surgery
is relatively uncomplicated and has a very high success rate
When will I need
to have cataracts removed?
Cataracts may develop slowly over many years or they may
form rapidly in a matter of months. Some cataracts never
progress to the point that they need to be removed. Usually,
you will be ready to have the cataract removed when it is
having a significant adverse effect on your lifestyle. Our
office will arrange a consultation with a surgeon who will
decide on the appropriate time for removal. Most people wait
until the cataracts interfere with daily activities before
having them removed.
What happens
after cataract surgery?
You, along with your doctors, will decide on the type of
post-cataract vision correction that you will use. Intraocular
lens implants, inserted in your eye at the time of surgery,
serve as a "new lens" and are the most frequent
form of visual correction. In some cases, however, eyeglasses
or contact lenses may also be needed to provide the most
effective post-cataract vision. Cataract surgery has now
developed to the point where most procedures are completed
in a day and overnight stays in hospital are unnecessary.
The results are usually excellent and patients are often
able to appreciate a significant improvement in vision almost
immediately following surgery. |
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