What is a cataract?

The lens inside the human eye naturally undergoes compression, hardening, and certain chemical modifications. As these changes occur, the lens takes on a yellow or brownish hue and loses its clarity. Some degree of lens hardening and discoloration is normal as a person ages and may not interfere with visual function. Symptomatic cataracts are present when the levels of hardening and discoloration significantly degrade the original transparency and optical quality of the human lens.

Who gets cataracts?

Cataracts are very common in older adults. Visually significant cataracts develop in approximately 50% of people between the age of 65 and 74. About 70% of people over 75 have cataracts. While most cataracts develop in older adults they can occur in younger people, including newborns.

What causes cataracts?

Cataract formation depends upon several factors, and is not yet completely understood. Cataract formation occurring in otherwise healthy adults occurs as a result of compression and hardening of the center of the lens over time. This compression causes a breakdown in the lens proteins and decreases the transparency and clarity of the lens. Pediatric cataracts result from genetic and metabolic diseases, maternal infection, toxic or traumatic causes, as well as being hereditary. Ultraviolet radiation in sunlight, cigarette smoking, and the use of certain medications are among the risk factors for cataract development. Cataracts usually develop in both eyes, but often at different rates.

Can cataracts be prevented?

Unfortunately there is no proven medical treatment to prevent, delay, or reverse the development of cataracts in adults. Many medical agents are under investigation, but none have been proven absolutely effective. There is evidence however that anti-oxidants, specifically vitamins A, C, and E may delay the development of cataracts.

What are the symptoms of cataracts?

Cataracts can cause many different visual effects. Some types of cataracts can reduce close vision more than far vision and visa versa. Some cataracts will reduce distance and near vision. Cataracts often increase glare that creates halos around headlights or street lights. Glare can also significantly decrease vision on very bright days. Cataracts can also change the power of the human lens and thus the lens power needed for glasses. Some people find that as cataracts develop their need for glasses or their spectacle prescription also changes. Occasionally, the loss of optical quality due to cataract can also lead to double vision in one eye.

How are cataracts diagnosed?

A comprehensive dilated eye examination by an optometric physician will determine if you have cataracts. Specialized instrumentation is required to properly evaluate the clarity and optical integrity of the lens through a dilated pupil.

How are cataracts treated?

If a diagnosed cataract develops to a point that a person's daily activities become effected, referral to a surgeon for cataract removal is made. Not all eye surgeons are cataract surgeons. Most optometric physicians work closely with cataract surgeons and participate in the preoperative and postoperative care of the patient. Cataract surgery involves a variety of techniques using ultrasound to break up the cataract and remove it from the eye. Placed into the eye at the time of surgery is an artificial plastic lens to restore vision. Many cataract surgeons will not use any sutures after surgery. Cataract surgery performed by a skilled surgeon carries a success rate of about 95%.

Is surgery the only way to treat cataracts?

Your optometric physician can prescribe changes in your eyewear that will help you see more clearly until surgery is necessary. However surgery is the only proven means of effectively treating cataracts that have significantly degraded the quality of vision.

When will I need to have cataracts removed?

The most common indication for cataract surgery is the desire for improved visual function. The patient and optometric physician together determine if surgery will help when reduced visual function interferes substantially with desired activities. Many agencies have vision requirements for such activities as driving, flying aircraft, and operating equipment. A person who does not meet certain vision standards may be helped by cataract surgery.

What happens after cataract surgery?

Immediately following cataract surgery, an individual may return to their optometric physician for the necessary after surgery care. The surgeon and optometric physician communicate their examination findings with each other to optimize the care of the patient. Years ago the recovery time from cataract surgery may have lasted for many months. In the hands of an optometric physician and a skilled surgeon the recovery time from cataract surgery is now typically only weeks.