What Is an Age-Related Cataract?
A cataract is a cloudy area in the normally clear lens of the eye, a tissue located behind the pupil that is responsible for focusing light onto the retina (back of the eye). A cataract usually begins small and has little effect on vision, but as it grows and clouds more of the lens you may find that performing normal tasks, such as reading and driving, become more difficult.
The most common form of cataract is age-related, usually starting after age 50, but sometimes can begin at a younger age. Even though a cataract can start to form in your 50’s, vision problems may not occur until much later.
Cataracts also can be associated with diabetes, other systemic diseases, alcoholism, premature birth or birth defects (congenital or developmental cataracts), heredity, smoking, eye injuries, cumulative exposure to ultraviolet rays, and certain medications.
Symptoms of a Cataract May Include:
- Increased nearsightedness
- Sensitivity to light and glare, especially while driving at night
- Blurred vision
- Distorted images in either eye
- Changes in the way you see colors, or colors seem faded
- Cloudy, filmy or fuzzy vision
- Double vision
- Frequent changes in your eyeglass prescription
- Changes in the color of the pupil
- Poor night vision
- Cloudy lens at birth
If you believe you may be developing a cataract, please see you Eye M.D. (ophthalmologist).
What Is Cataract Surgery?
An age-related cataract does not always need to be removed when it first develops. At first, different eyeglasses, magnifying lenses or stronger lighting may help to improve vision.
However, cataract surgery should be considered when the decreased vision interferes with daily activities, such as reading, driving and watching television. No medications or eye drops are available to make cataracts disappear. Also, a cataract does not have to be “ripe” or completely clouded before it can be removed.
The most common type of cataract surgery performed in the United States is phacoemulsification, usually done as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia. During this surgery, the Eye M.D. makes a tiny incision through which he or she removes the cloudy natural lens. When the cataract is removed, the surgeon will replace it with a clear plastic intraocular lens (IOL) implant. Stitches might be used, but they will usually dissolve naturally.
Lasers are not currently used to remove or treat cataracts. In some cases, the area behind the IOL can become cloudy several months or years after surgery. Your Eye M.D. can use a laser to create a clear area and improve vision.
As with any surgery, there is always the risk of complications, however Eye M.D.s (ophthalmologists) agree that cataract surgery in the United States is a very safe procedure. It is the most frequently performed operation in the United States and is also one of the most consistently successful. More than 1.4 million people have cataract surgery each year, and it is usually covered by insurance, including Medicare. Over 90 percent of those treated regain useful vision.
You do not have to live with cataracts and allow them to interfere with your everyday activities. If you believe you may be developing one, please see your Eye M.D.
