What are Cataracts?

How Cataracts Develop

Inside the eye is a structure called the lens, which helps focus light. It is normally clear, but when it becomes cloudy, it is called a cataract. Proteins in the natural lens start to break down, causing the lens to become cloudy and impair vision. Aging is the main contributing factor, the majority of patients older than 65 have cataracts. Other risk factors include: diabetes, smoking, use of steroid medications, and sun exposure, which can also accelerate cataract formation

There is no medical treatment for a cataract, only surgical removal.

Surgery consists of removing the cloudy lens and, in its place, implanting an artificial man-made clear plastic lens called an intra-ocular lens implant (IOL). Cataract surgery can be straightforward or complex depending on other eye conditions that may be present. An uncomplicated cataract IOL surgery is an outpatient procedure typically taking 20-30 minutes which can be done without general anesthesia as an outpatient. Visual recovery is generally rapid, and new glasses are often prescribed about four weeks after surgery if needed at all.

Our skilled surgeons will be able to evaluate your condition for different types of surgical options that you may be a candidate for. We practice Traditional Cataract Surgery and offer Laser Cataract Surgery.