Cataracts/Cataract Surgery

Restoring cloudy vision to clear

A cataract is the clouding of all or part of the lens of your eye—the clear, dark circular opening in the middle of the colored part of your eye (the iris). Your eye’s lens helps focus incoming light onto the retina so you can see clearly. When you have a cataract on your lens, your vision may be cloudy or fuzzy.

There are several theories about why cataracts form, but doctors do know they occur most frequently in adults over 55. (They are the leading cause of vision loss in that age group.) Cataracts can also be found in people who are taking certain types of medicines, who have had eye injuries, and who suffer from diseases such as diabetes or alcoholism. People who smoke or who are exposed to too much ultraviolet radiation also seem to be at higher risk for cataracts.

You don’t always know when you’re developing a cataract. Your first warnings may be when you may notice blurred or hazy vision, spots in front of your eyes, or an increased sensitivity to glare. You may also feel like you have a film over your eyes.

Cataracts may not need to be treated immediately when you or your doctor notice them. Surgery, which is the only treatment, is usually postponed until the cataracts actually interfere with vision. Cataract surgery involves removing the eye’s natural lens and fitting the eye with a replacement (usually a permanent, plastic contact lens, although eyeglasses may also be used in some cases.)

Cataract surgery is a very common and successful procedure. It usually lasts about one hour, and you can go home the same day as your cataract surgery.

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